Swc The Final

[robpeasley]

Just a few comments on tonight's meeting:

 

Superb entertainment, made the wrong choice in travelling to the GP at Wroclaw and not this one!!

 

Surely when the Polish nation anthem was played at the end, it should have included a verse of the Norweigan national anthem in the middle somewhere. Well done to the Poles, though, they were on fire!

 

Was the referee asleep. Didn't stop a single race... the one where Lindback cocked himself up was fair enough to let go, but the one where he got away in second place, should surely have been stopped.

 

GB were fairly unlucky, with a bit of luck they could have been right in the hunt for second place. But, never mind, Lee Richardson looked better than ever before on the World stage, while Stead came of international age tonight, even though he seemed to have a "Please hit me" sign on his back.

 

Anyone trying to convince me that Rickardsson is the best rider of all-time is going to have an even bigger task now. Away from the GP series, he's looked extremely ordinary when I've seen him in 2005 (getting passed by Tom P Madsen in a league match at Arena, and tonight he was frankly dreadful). He seems completely incapable of dominating an entire season in the same manner as the likes of Mauger, Nielsen, etc. Best of his era certainly, but best of all-time... not even close.

 

All the best

Rob

[a61]

I'm glad the meeting seemingly got more interesting as it went on. We got bored after about half the meeting and decided to watch School of Rock instead!

[Subedei]

When you have lost the argument you start looking for isims or spelling mistakes.

 

What argument old fellow? I haven't been in an argument tonight.

[Mr. Clemens]

Mr Clemens - would you oblige by forwarding me my lottery numbers for next week? For a small percentage of the winnings of course...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

It doesn't work like that unfortunately but it certainly can catch people out. I once went to visit my son in Huddersfield where he lived at the time. We went across the road to the pub and sat with some of his mates.

 

His friend mentioned to those present that he was going to put a £10 bet on a vital Glasgow Celtic/Rangers match. This was a couple of seasons ago when it was the closest race to the title they had in years, at the time, I think it was said.

When Rangers were regarded as the 'form' team throughout the season. But he stated that he wasn't sure who to put his money on.

 

Before anyone had chance to speak my son said 'Oh my father will tell you because he's psychic'.

 

I could have kicked him off his stool. But his mate said 'who will win'? I was in the process of saying 'it doesn't work like that', when the voice said 'Celtic 2 - 1'. And I said 'Celtic 2 - 1'.

 

He said 'No, no that can't happen Rangers are the form team and all the tipsters have said Rangers will win'.

I said 'why bother asking me then'? But he asked me because he wanted it 'confirmed' that what would happen would be what he wanted to happen. As I did today.

 

Anyway as i was somewhat interested in the 'outcome of this match' because of this incident, I actually watched the match. Celtic duly won 2 - 1. After the final whistle i actually began to count 1 - 2 - 3 and got to 10 when the phone rang. It was my son who said 'you were right'. And I said to him 'I know it was right. Tell your friend I want 10% of his winnings'.

He said 'you can't have any money'.

I said 'why'

He said 'because he didn't believe you were right so he put his money on Rangers'.

'Tough rubbish for him', I said and hung up.

[Mr. Clemens]

'Tough Rubbish'. I didn't 'see' that one coming lol.

It should have read 'sh*t'.

[Grachan]

Time IMO for a total change, forget the old guard, bring in more youngsters and while we are at it, ditch the one that never has any luck. I know it's sacrilege to say it on here but Middlo has to go. Change the manager, change the luck....who knows it might work. Give the job to someone who knows how it's done, knows how the rider feel and burst with patriotism.....Gary Havelock.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I reckon Havelock would make a good manager actually.

 

The thing is, if Middlo had used Lee Richardson - who had won his previous ride - as a Tactical Sub/Joker instead of Nicholls - who had just come last - GB might have been in a run off for second. It was the logical choice.

 

I was shouting at the telly that he should use Richardson, and my friend who has never been to Speedway but conveniently has Sky Sports, was saying the same. What does he know though?

[Skid Mark]

But Jonsson was in front and entitled to chose his line.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Hey Jim you're right, but Subedei made the spelling mistake Surely Jonsson was "entitled to CHOOSE his line"

[Grachan]

It doesn't work like that unfortunately but it certainly can catch people out. I once went to visit my son in Huddersfield where he lived at the time. We went across the road to the pub and sat with some of his mates.

 

His friend mentioned to those present that he was going to put a £10 bet on a vital Glasgow Celtic/Rangers match. This was a couple of seasons ago when it was the closest race to the title they had in years, at the time, I think it was said.

When Rangers were regarded as the 'form' team throughout the season. But he stated that he wasn't sure who to put his money on.

 

Before anyone had chance to speak my son said 'Oh my father will tell you because he's psychic'.

 

I could have kicked him off his stool. But his mate said 'who will win'? I was in the process of saying 'it doesn't work like that', when the voice said 'Celtic 2 - 1'. And I said 'Celtic 2 - 1'.

 

He said 'No, no that can't happen Rangers are the form team and all the tipsters have said Rangers will win'.

I said 'why bother asking me then'? But he asked me because he wanted it 'confirmed' that what would happen would be what he wanted to happen. As I did today.

 

Anyway as i was somewhat interested in the 'outcome of this match' because of this incident, I actually watched the match. Celtic duly won 2 - 1. After the final whistle i actually began to count 1 - 2 - 3 and got to 10 when the phone rang. It was my son who said 'you were right'. And I said to him 'I know it was right. Tell your friend I want 10% of his winnings'.

He said 'you can't have any money'.

I said 'why'

He said 'because he didn't believe you were right so he put his money on Rangers'.

'Tough rubbish for him', I said and hung up. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

The thing is, whenever people on the radio do football predictions, about 90% of the time they say it will be 2-1 one way or another. Therefore, if it is actually 2-1 it's just a case of it actually coming up that particular time. Ray Houghton especially- 'I'll go, erm.... 2-1' he says.'

[shazzybird]

'Tough Rubbish'. I didn't 'see' that one coming lol. 

It should have read 'sh*t'.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

[stressed]

The Poles did the business where it mattered on track, they were by far the best on the day and full deserve their win tonight, well done to one and all.

 

Very disappointed with Team GB, although in saying that, they did what I expected. I had hoped for a win, maybe I was clutching at straws but there you go that's the Brit in me.

 

Stead and Harris will of learned so much from this weeks experience and will now know what they have to do to be up there with the best and at the races (the front). It will come but not for a couple of years.

 

Nicholls was unlucky tonight, Richardson did a good job, in fact much better than I thought he would do and finally Screeny looks like he will be leaving the International stage after serving his country so well over the years.

 

The lads gave it their best shot, but unfortunately they need to step up another gear to be considered challengers to win a title or three over the coming years. Lets hope they can do it sooner rather than later, good luck to all of them and thanks for giving it a real go, much appreciated.

 

Just wish the commentary would stop putting every excuse possible as to why Team GB riders can't or didn't do what the commentators expected, gets a bit annoying and is a big yawn after the first 50 times in ten minutes, it's simple really we were just not good enough end of, but our day will come for Middlo and the boys now he has to plan for the future years in earnest like the Danes and Poles have over the last few years.

[Mr. Clemens]

The thing is, whenever people on the radio do football predictions, about 90% of the time they say it will be 2-1 one way or another. Therefore, if it is actually 2-1 it's just a case of it actually coming up that particular time. Ray Houghton especially- 'I'll go, erm.... 2-1' he says.'

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Yep but the thing is it also told me that Asperillo (or whatever his name was) who played for Newcastle United would score a hatrick against Barcelona when the played at Newcastle a few years ago. Even I didn't believe that one.

[Subedei]

Hey Jim you're right, but Subedei made the spelling mistake  Surely Jonsson was "entitled to CHOOSE his line"

 

Afraid not young fellow. Look in your Oxford English Dictionary and you'll find:

 

chose. See choose.

 

So, either is acceptable.

[rabbit]

It doesn't work like that unfortunately but it certainly can catch people out.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Damn...back to the day job then. Cool story though.

 

But how did I just now that Middlo would cop some flak after tonight. A manager can only do the best with what he has. And for every armchair manager calling his bluff was another agreeing with his moves. A thankless task and as he said on Thursday, you're damned if you do and damned of you don't. Anyone thinking that any tactical moves would have had much difference tonight is sadly mistaken. Our guys did their best as was expected - we just weren't up to the task tonight for all their valiant efforts - simple as that! At the end of the day, it's down to the riders to do their thing on track and ask any one of them who they'd want to manage them - I'd take more credence from their opinions than anyone on here.

[Skid Mark]

Afraid not young fellow. Look in your Oxford English Dictionary and you'll find:

 

chose. See choose.

 

So, either is acceptable.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Means the the same, yes. But pronounced differently.

 

Anyway, congratulations to Poland..what a great performance. Especially Mr. Gollob.

[Grachan]

Anyone thinking that any tactical moves would have had much difference tonight is sadly mistaken.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

If Lee had been used (and he was the best rider on display in the GB Team) and won the race, we would have scored 33 and so would Sweden. Equal second. Also, Scott may have scored in a TS ride when Lee came in last I believe. Second without even the need of a run-off.

 

I'm not criticising, as it's easy to say this in retrospect, but tactical moves could have made a big difference.

[Subedei]

If any team manager was at fault tonight it was the Swedish manager. He waited until Poland had disappeared 13 points in front before he used his Joker. Even allowing for a Swedish heat win and the Pole finishing last, they'd still have been 7 points adrift. As it happened Walasek won and Jonsson finished second.

[bellevueace]

Anyone trying to convince me that Rickardsson is the best rider of all-time is going to have an even bigger task now. Away from the GP series, he's looked extremely ordinary when I've seen him in 2005 (getting passed by Tom P Madsen in a league match at Arena, and tonight he was frankly dreadful). He seems completely incapable of dominating an entire season in the same manner as the likes of Mauger, Nielsen, etc. Best of his era certainly, but best of all-time... not even close.

 

 

Agreed

[Blackknight19]

IMHO I think Middlo deserves a lot of credit as does the team, ok we were never going to win but to actually get there was a great achievement by all those invovled, we just haven't got the strength in reserve to replace any rider injured or out of form, Stead and Harris were superb at Swindon but they haven't riden abroad against top opposition before and it showed tonight although Steady put up a better show than Screeny who gave his best as always.

 

I don't think anybody else could have managed the team any better than Middlo has these last few days, perhaps its just sour grapes as he's in charge at Poole ???

[rabbit]

I'm not criticising, as it's easy to say this in retrospect, but tactical moves could have made a big difference.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

You are right Grachan..I guess I was just saying that calling a tactical move in front of the TV is different than being the manager, there, talking to the rider and placing your faith in them and having them telling you they could do it. It's all swings and roundabouts and who's to say that if we'd have more success with our tactical move tonight, then Sweden may have moved earlier to play theirs. We'll never know...I just feel the usual post criticism of Middlo a tad unfair when most people were saying how well we did with an under strength team on Sunday. I certainly didn't expect more from this team tonight howver much my heart said otherwise - ifs and buts are all very well but we'll never know and have to deal with the facts.

[shirls]

Theres no way anyone can attach any blame to Stead for the Gollob incident. One or two people on here [ you and Rabbit ] seem to think it happened coming out of the second bend.It didnt.It was at the end of the [ long ] straight going into the third bend. How can people NOT notice this when Gollob was actually broadsiding into the corner the wrong way at first.It was the most stunning recovery i've ever seen in watching speedway 30 years. Theres no way he should have been able to stay on.What a fantastic rider Gollob is, a gifted individual.Saying that i think the incident happend when he changed his mind and went to cut back inside but ran up the back of Stead, as one of the rider commentators said [ cant remember who ]

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

And Stead still had the tyre mark form that on his backside at the end of the meeting.