Mildenhall 2012

[Baldy]

He's signed up for Ipswich in that division hasn't he..?

Quite true he has signed for Ipswich. Didn't explain myself and should of, although my talk of Stoke may have given my team away. I'm also a Proud Potter, not THE, but another, and the track closest is Leciester in the Prem (although Sheffield must run that close, though I used to work for a Sheffield company that made me redundant so I never think of making the trip to see the Tigers!!!). He should do well at Ipswich and I think the speedway world will watch his performances with interest.

[Damon]

Mildenhall have signed as expected Stefan Nielson and Lewis Blackbird, along with Heeps and Halsey, they also expect Jacobs to be fit to complete our top 5. Reserves to be announced shortly.

Edited January 2, 2012 by Damon

[PhilK]

Mildenhall have signed as expected Stefan Nielson and Lewis Blackbird, along with Heeps and Halsey, they also expect Jacobs to be fit to complete our top 5. Reserves to be announced shortly.

 

That leaves 7.50 left if my mathematics is up to scratch . Be interesting to see who the last two riders are.

Edited January 2, 2012 by PhilK

[MrMungo]

That leaves 7.50 left if my mathematics is up to scratch . Be interesting to see who the last two riders are.

Chessell and Stokes?

[2ndbendpostie]

Great result in South London today Postie.

 

The one thing you and I always agree on

 

Malcolm Vasey

 

Certainly was, what they've done this season has amazed me, "in Lambert we beleive". Have a good 2012 mate.

[PhilK]

Taken from the Official Mildenhall website:-

 

 

 

Two More Tigers Signed Up

 

Monday, 02 January 2012 17:36 |

 

 

 

Mildenhall Fen Tigers have unveiled two more signings as they gear up for the 2012 National League campaign. Rider of the Year Lewis Blackbird, who had a superb debut season, returns for a second term at West Row. He is joined by a new face, the highly rated teenager Stefan Neilsen, who was part of the Scunthorpe/Sheffield team that just pipped the Fen Tigers to the National League title, after a dramatic Play-Off final.

 

The duo will link up with other returnees Cameron Heeps, who will be doubling up with Premier League Ipswich, and Daniel Halsey who was the first rider to put pen to paper for the new campaign. Joe Jacobs, who is currently recovering from a broken ankle suffered racing in Australia, is expected to complete a formidable looking top five for the Tigers, with the names of two new reserves expected to be revealed next week.

 

Co-promoter Michael Lee said, "Obviously we are delighted to get Lewis back. He had an incredible year and I don't think anyone, including Lewis himself, expected he would more than double his starting average. I know our supporters who voted him their Rider of the Year will be thrilled too.

"Stefan comes to us with a growing reputation and looks a terrific prospect. He is still only 17 but has already been part of a league winning team, and wants to build on that success with us. He lives just down the road from West Row, so it's a great signing for both parties."

 

Despite his injury Joe Jacobs is confident he'll be fit in plenty of time for the start of the season. "Joe is staying in Australia to recover. He reckons he'll be ready in eight weeks and is keen to fit some more racing in Down Under before he comes home. We were hearing great things about Joe before his injury and I reckon if all goes according to plan this could be his breakthrough year.

 

"As far as the reserves are concerned we have more or less made up our minds who we want, and hope to get things sorted out by next week."

Lee admits the club's one disappointment is not being able to fit the popular Aaron Baseby into the 2012 line up. "I am gutted to be honest, but his average was just too high to fit the structure that we want. It's a huge shame as Aaron is a great team man and a lovely lad to have around. I am sure another team will quickly snap him up and he will always be welcome at West Row."

 

The other riders not returning are Mark Baseby whose Longtrack and Grasstrack commitments ruled him out, while last year's skipper Jack Hargreaves is taking a break from the sport.

[roguetrader]

Mildenhall have signed as expected Stefan Nielson and Lewis Blackbird, along with Heeps and Halsey, they also expect Jacobs to be fit to complete our top 5. Reserves to be announced shortly.

 

Good little team shaping up. Plenty of improvement available as well. As I said all good British lads. However, 2ndbendpostie will be disappointed there are no Polish or Scandinavian riders!

[Parsloes 1928 nearly]

Good little team shaping up. Plenty of improvement available as well. As I said all good British lads. However, 2ndbendpostie will be disappointed there are no Polish or Scandinavian riders!

 

Tbf, there is something of an argument to say that Neilsen IS a Scandinavian rider...!!

[Nikko]

Absolutely gutted for Aaron who couldn't have done anymore for the Fen Tigers last season.

 

Despite the popularity of Cameron and Lewis true speedway people who really understand the sport know that it was Aaron riding the beginning of the season in the difficult No. 2 position and his form throughout the year that made the Fen Tigers the team they were. Just look at his bonus points.

 

I understand it's a numbers game but no loyalty to a rider who dug the promotion out of a major hole when they left themselves needing a No 2 out of press and practice last season...and for the record the Fen Tigers promotion cannot take the credit for getting Aaron to P&P as they didn't invite him. Aaron went to P&P because I invited him and asked him to attend.

 

 

[vog]

Mildenhall's team, thus far at least, seems an interesting one. I can't see Heeps putting much more on his average, Blackbird could potentially add half a point to a point, but I can't see much improvement from Nielsen, Halsey and Jacobs, primarily because they all spent a spell at reserve last season, boosting their averages. Maybe a point between them. Leaves a lot of pressure on the last 2 signings.

[Halifaxtiger]

This really is an interesting thread and Halifax Tiger is to be commended to try and get to the bottom of the "Heeps Affair" and I think that Jayne's response achieves that.

 

I think that this is a basic problem affecting the sport with riders who are qualified to ride in our League in terms of patriality but who have gained considerable experience elsewhere in the world effectively distorting the system we put in place through points limits and averages to ensure a level playing field.

 

All such riders previous experience should be assessed in advance of their declaration and an appropriate assessed average given to them. This would prevent those well skilled from taking seven rides every week from the reserve berth to the total disadvantage to the teams that meet them whilst they are at reserve. What is the point of going to such trouble to achieve a level playing field and then allowing such distortion to take place.

 

I have made these comments before many times earning last season the ire of Chris Louis but any remarks I may have made last year were not specifically at Cameron Heeps but the warped system. It was just as bad when Todd Kurtz (very effectively used to beat Mildenhall in 2009 one Sunday), Tai Woffinden, Jay Herne et all were all deployed in this way.

 

I believe that steps may be taken to improve this situation and I certainly hope that this is the case.

 

Surely we all believe in fair play then the rules should support this. They must in fact do so because we would all use the distortion as it currently stands given the opportunity.

 

 

Malcolm Vasey

 

What happens if the rider is British, Malcolm ?

 

Young Max Clegg (who has just signed for Scunthorpe and lives but 3 miles from me) has been riding to my knowledge for some years and is an excellent prospect.

 

Would he come in on a higher average ?

 

With the greatest respect to Jayne and yourself, her response doesn't answer a bloody thing. I have put 4 or 5 questions in my posts above and only when we get answers to those questions will the matter be cleared up - but I doubt very much that we will. In fact there's more chance of you and I lining up for the Potters in heat one of their opening fixture .

 

 

 

I have no axe to grind whatsoever with Mildenhall - tell me which club wouldn't have done the same if they were allowed to? But I do have an axe to grind with the people who apply the rules then turn a blind eye because its in someones best interest to do so. Was the NL the better for having Cameron Heeps riding in it last year? Undoubtedly it was, and I was particularly impressed with the youngster, but that is not the issue. The issue is the rules being applied equally and fairly to all who take part.

 

This is precisely my point. This isn't about Mildenhall, Cameron Heeps or anything other than the appalling backhander culture that exists in British Speedway where the actual legislation under which the sport is governed is brushed aside or ignored at will.

 

The thing is independent scrutiny would kill such practices stone dead and it speaks volumes that the BSPA are totally against the introduction of such a procedure.

 

Semi proffesional league but one that charges the public a proffesional price !, the public is the reason that speedway should be allowing the best riders available to be on view, never sure what semi proffesional means, if you can earn a living at doing whatever you are doing then you a proffesional, if you have to have a full time job to subsidise it, then you are an amateur, if its an amateur league then charge amateur prices.

As for looking after our own, well firstly anyone who gets on a speedway bike has got more balls than I have got, but if they aint better than the bloke who has travelled thousands of miles around the world to better himself than as far as I am concerned they need to practice harder to stake thier claim for a team place or find another sport they are better at.

You, I get the impression are a die hard speedway man, thats fine and good luck to you, but die hard speedway fans are few and far between nowadays, fickle ba5tards like me are much more common, with good entertainment we will attend paying our £500.00 a year per couple, if its nothing but devloment riders, then that will not satisfy us, as there is so many other forms of entertainment out there now. Stating the obvious look at the difference between Mildenhalls crowds when unsuccessfull to those of last season when Cameron, Lewis, Joe, Jack, Aron, Mark and Danny rode so excitingly and successfully.

 

Sooner or later you are going to wake up and smell the coffee. You spout a theory that is exactly the same as Rob Godfrey's usual view, but from the other side. The NL would not be able to function to a reasonable degree without the particpation of both stand alone and double up clubs and, as they have different agendas for competing, to ensure that the league can run there must be a compromise between their needs. That means that it must be a development league but attractive enough to pull in the punters and there are one or two who accept that fact - Dale Allitt, for example.

 

One thing that might surprise you is that at the point that Ray Mascall's team folded in 2010 it had a better record than the 2011 side on the same date. Its not all about a winning team.

 

Cameron Heeps improved it no question. He also put extra bums on seats.

 

Definitely, but I believe that he did so illegally and that is not a price worth paying.

 

Nope. They say he had a settlement visa, which covers people who have lived in the UK for a number of years, and want to make it permanent. To get an ancestry visa (based on patriality) you need to be 17. That is the only visa that covers patriality..

 

I would say that as usual you are right, my friend. However, it appears from Jayne's post above that the BSPA definition of patriality and the legal one are different things.

 

At least they are now

 

amazing that in this NL forum, Mildenhall top the charts with most replys and interest, great to see the interest in the Fen Tigers ! roll on the new season.

 

This is my fault, Mr Barton (I am nearly as dogmatic and awkward as a certain close relative of yours )

 

My apologies, and I look forward to the pleasure of your comapny again this season.

 

Chessell and Stokes?

 

No doubt looking forward to your many visits to West Row in 2011...............

 

Absolutely gutted for Aaron who couldn't have done anymore for the Fen Tigers last season.

 

Despite the popularity of Cameron and Lewis true speedway people who really understand the sport know that it was Aaron riding the beginning of the season in the difficult No. 2 position and his form throughout the year that made the Fen Tigers the team they were. Just look at his bonus points.

 

I understand it's a numbers game but no loyalty to a rider who dug the promotion out of a major hole when they left themselves needing a No 2 out of press and practice last season...and for the record the Fen Tigers promotion cannot take the credit for getting Aaron to P&P as they didn't invite him. Aaron went to P&P because I invited him and asked him to attend.

 

 

I think everything you say is true here...............but I don't blame the promotion for making the decisions that they have.

 

Mildenhall's team, thus far at least, seems an interesting one. I can't see Heeps putting much more on his average, Blackbird could potentially add half a point to a point, but I can't see much improvement from Nielsen, Halsey and Jacobs, primarily because they all spent a spell at reserve last season, boosting their averages. Maybe a point between them. Leaves a lot of pressure on the last 2 signings.

 

I am not so sure.

 

I think Heeps will be the top rider in the NL next season, and Blackbird could put as much as 2 points on his average. Jacobs, alone amongst the Mildenhall riders, actually had a mediocre season in 2011, and Halsey is a bargain on that figure.

 

Nielsen is the one surprise. A terrific little rider, but he couldn't ride West Row in 2011. Might be good for his career there, but whether it will be good for the Fen Tigers remains to be seen.

Edited January 2, 2012 by Halifaxtiger

[neil3065]

Mildenhall look to have assembled a very solid top five, arguably stronger than last years.

 

From what I could gather, form-wise Joe Jacobs could be considered somewhat fortunate to have kept his team place, after not progressing as he might have done last season. But then, he is an Ipswich asset and Mildenhall are looking to develop some British youngsters, so on those factors, assuming he is fit for the start of the season, its no surprise he has been retained. Similarly, neither Mark Baseby nor Jack Hargreaves seemed to reach their best form consistently last season, so its no surprise they have not been retained.

 

Aaron Baseby is indeed unfortunate to be left out of the side after significantly improving his average last year. Clearly he's a victim of his own success to an extent, as if there are 7.5 points left for the last two spots, as Phil suggests, he's only a fraction of a point over being able to be included alongside a 3.00 reserve.

 

There had been rumours about Nielsen joining, but I'm a little surprised he's moved from Scunthorpe, when they are looking for a couple of more experienced riders to fit in alongside their crop of youngsters for 2012. However, the chance to work with the ex-riders that are involved at Mildenhall is clearly a big plus point for potential signings.

 

Cameron Heeps should develop into a strong number one next season and be amongst the best riders in the league.

 

I have heard Chris Louis interviewed suggesting that an exciting British prospect will be included at reserve, presumably a complete newcomer and therefore on a 3.00 average, which should leave about 4.5 points for the final rider. Be interesting to see who that is, as its proved an awkward average to bring someone in on in previous seasons - hence Aaron solving that problem last season.

 

Pleased that Mildenhall seem to have resolved the issues relating to their participation in the NL in 2012 - hopefully circumstances will dictate that I can be a more frequent visitor to West Row in the coming season.

Edited January 2, 2012 by neil3065

[montie]

 

 

There had been rumours about Nielsen joining, but I'm a little surprised he's moved from Scunthorpe, when they are looking for a couple of more experienced riders to fit in alongside their crop of youngsters for 2012. However, the chance to work with the ex-riders that are involved at Mildenhall is clearly a big plus point for potential signings.

 

 

Nowt to do with money then???

[MrMungo]

Nowt to do with money then???

Yes, Montie. Nothing to do with money.

Mildenhall is very local to him. He doesn't have to do a 250 mile round trip on a Friday afternoon/evening (which can be pretty horrific at times), and he gets to gain more experience on a small track, which he feels will develop his career.

[neil3065]

Mildenhall's team, thus far at least, seems an interesting one. I can't see Heeps putting much more on his average, Blackbird could potentially add half a point to a point, but I can't see much improvement from Nielsen, Halsey and Jacobs, primarily because they all spent a spell at reserve last season, boosting their averages. Maybe a point between them. Leaves a lot of pressure on the last 2 signings.

 

That's an interesting point. I think Stoke are also assembling a solid top four, and in Birks, Worrall, Reade and Pickard you do have some potential significant improvers.

 

Of the Mildenhall line-up so far, In theory, Halsey and Jacobs ought to be capable of significantly improving their starting averages, following inconsistent seasons in the past. Indeed, if Halsey is to achieve his stated aim of establishing himself as a heat-leader, then he'll need to almost double his starting average. Jacobs, at his best, can be an NL heat-leader, and ought to be pushing for a PL reserve spot, so again, he'll need to put a point or two on his average if he's to fulfil the progress his potential has suggested in the past. Nielsen, by all accounts, should have the potential to increase his starting average of just over 5.00. So Mildenhall will naturally be hoping that all five can produce heat-leader contributions.

 

I wouldnt see it as putting any pressure on Mildenhall's final two signings (reserves). Obviously, its always handy to have a consistently good scorer or two in those positions, and hopefully Mildenhall will have that - but then, every NL club (including the Potters) will be looking to sign youngsters who can come into the team and score well at reserve.

 

I'm sure both Mildenhall and Stoke will again be serious challengers for a top four finish, along with Dudley amongst others. Mildenhall's away form in league matches was patchy last season, with wins at Dudley and Rye alongside some hammerings by their fellow play-off contenders. Hopefully the new look side can be more consistently competitive away from home next season.

Edited January 2, 2012 by neil3065

[Parsloes 1928 nearly]

Great result in South London today Postie.

 

Tish, tish Malc...: I thought your London geography was better than that... QPR do NOT play in South London! In the shadow of God's greatest ever stadium (sadly no longer there!), the White City in very west London, Shepherd's Bush!

 

Absolutely gutted for Aaron who couldn't have done anymore for the Fen Tigers last season.

 

Despite the popularity of Cameron and Lewis true speedway people who really understand the sport know that it was Aaron riding the beginning of the season in the difficult No. 2 position and his form throughout the year that made the Fen Tigers the team they were. Just look at his bonus points.

 

 

I agree - also gutted for Asbo. How much more does the lad have to do - been badly treated now by Bournemouth and Mildenhall: two clubs he was instrumental in winning cups for..

What's the latest on Mark too, Nikko?

[June]

Montie....I agree with you, money is always the decider once a rider feels he's in a position to negoiate a deal. Iv'e accepted the fact (sad for us supporters though) Scunny will give a start to the youngsters only to loose them. Our consolation is that we have a Prem team and this year is a brill one!. However I still think this is the way to go to get young British kids onto the ladder. I just hope that at some stage in the riders career they will return and race for us.

[Halifaxtiger]

Montie....I agree with you, money is always the decider once a rider feels he's in a position to negoiate a deal. Iv'e accepted the fact (sad for us supporters though) Scunny will give a start to the youngsters only to loose them. Our consolation is that we have a Prem team and this year is a brill one!. However I still think this is the way to go to get young British kids onto the ladder. I just hope that at some stage in the riders career they will return and race for us.

 

Nielsen is a Scunny asset, June..

 

Its entirely possible that the Scorpions will benefit more from this arrangement than the Fen Tigers.

[spin king]

Montie....I agree with you, money is always the decider once a rider feels he's in a position to negoiate a deal. Iv'e accepted the fact (sad for us supporters though) Scunny will give a start to the youngsters only to loose them. Our consolation is that we have a Prem team and this year is a brill one!. However I still think this is the way to go to get young British kids onto the ladder. I just hope that at some stage in the riders career they will return and race for us.

Yeah but think of the loan fees that these youngsters bring into the club, surely the money from that can go towards the 2 young Danes and the young Aussie that have been brought in for the Senior side.

[vog]

I am not so sure.

 

I think Heeps will be the top rider in the NL next season, and Blackbird could put as much as 2 points on his average. Jacobs, alone amongst the Mildenhall riders, actually had a mediocre season in 2011, and Halsey is a bargain on that figure.

 

Nielsen is the one surprise. A terrific little rider, but he couldn't ride West Row in 2011. Might be good for his career there, but whether it will be good for the Fen Tigers remains to be seen.

 

Heeps will no doubt be the top rider in the league. Everyone who was above him has, pretty much, left the league! But, even given his talent, I can't see him pushing much more than 10, remember Lambert last season was phenomenal, and even he ended below 10!

 

Blackbird has the potential to improve a bit more, needs to sort out some of his away scores.

 

But then Mildenhall have 3 riders who were at reserve for part (If not all) of last season, and one of these needs to step up and be the third heat leader. It is that or go for 3-3's with your middle order, a dangerous tactic when you come up against teams with a strong top end.

 

Therefore, it depends who they get as the final 2 riders. Get 2 guys capable of increasing and they have a chance of doing well, but that part of the team will be vital (In the same way that Stoke are scratching around for 3 pointers, and if one comes good, then we could be in for a very good season. It's not how you start team building, but how you end it!)