Lakeside 2013

[Vincent Vega]

Time to start a topic on our side for next season. Looks like Watty and PK could be back. I would take a gamble on Bridger aswell hoping Cookie can get the career of Lewis kickstarted again. Throw in Rob Mear and Richie Worrall at reserve and it looks a good side.

 

What riders would other Hammers fans like at Purfleet for next season?

[speedy den boy]

Looks like Watt has pulled out of getting into the Gps next season,and not going to the final race-off in Croatia.In a way its good for Lakeside as they race on a friday night,but he could also get a wild card into the Gps so its all a bit of a waiting game!!

[StevePass]

well for me not Bridger, to much showboating and rubbish away from Eastbourne

[Sprog1]

Lets start with the known facts. We know PK, Davey and Justin have been offered contracts, although the chances are that others have also been offered jobs but its not yet been made public.

 

Unless the rules are changed in the winter I don't think Robbo will be able to d/u again so he will probably go full time with Newcastle, and that probably will mean that his d/u partner, Kauko will probably have to go as well, at least initially. So, of the present squad that only leaves Kim and Robert plus Ritchie Worrall, currently injured.

 

Kim has had an up and down sort of year but has shown flashes of real potential. He is a Lakeside asset and on about a 5.30 average they would be mad to let another club take advantage of the improvement we can expect from him next year.

 

Ritchie will be a steal on a 3 point average. On the first set of 2013 greensheets he will go up to around 6 so at that stage someone like Kauko or possbly even Ryan Fisher could be brought in to share a d/u position.However, with his talent there will no doubt be others waving there cheque books so we'll have to see what happens.

 

So that leaves Robert. Popular with the promotion and popular with the fans but on that difficult border line between reserve and second string and with a full time job outside of speedway he doesn't want to d/u with a PL club so it raises the question of whether he will get enough rides to improve much more.

 

Assuming the line up looks like Watt, PK, Kim, Justin, Ritchie and Robert it only leaves around 6-6.5 points (depending on the final greensheets) for a third heatleader, which probably is not enough. Peter Ljung would probably fit but that is about all. If they were to release Robert or Kim they would have a lot more to play with to bring in a third heatleader, but I can't see that happening. Kim has too much potential and Robert is the sort of rider that gets fans through the turnstiles, at least on his home track. So we'll have to wait and see. Reading between the lines of what has been said in recent programme notes I get the impression that Cookie has something pretty good lined up but thats just an impression and I could be wildly wrong.

 

Top of my wish list for riders I would like to see would be Bomber. He has learnt to ride to track pretty well in the last couple of years and a season there would be good for him and good for the club, but before I get the "hands off" from Cov fans, yes I know it would never happen.

Edited September 27, 2012 by Custer Mouse

[cityrebel]

with some tracks survival in doubt, it's good to know that lakeside will be running in 2013!

[Bomo1]

It would seem that with the Lakeside Promotion already seemingly offering 2013 contracts to certain riders - not all their assets - that many of the decisions for next year have already been agreed at least in principle at BSPA level, certainly with Jon Cook being on the MC being 'in the know'!?

 

This would seem to indicate that there are NOT to be too many major changes, such as many of those being called for by supporters of several clubs. The offering of deals to PK and DW also indicate that their parent clubs have started to plan for next season and therefore presumably know what points limit everyone will be working to.

 

I recall last winter that there was a call for the BSPA to make decisions earlier rather than wait until the usual mid/late November AGM, but once again this has not happened. I hope the BSPA are not turning their usual blind eye to all the problems!!

 

Sorry to put this on the Lakeside thread in particular, but as they were the first to announce 2013 contracts..............!

[TonyE]

Lets start with the known facts. We know PK, Davey and Justin have been offered contracts, although the chances are that others have also been offered jobs but its not yet been made public.

 

Unless the rules are changed in the winter I don't think Robbo will be able to d/u again so he will probably go full time with Newcastle, and that probably will mean that his d/u partner, Kauko will probably have to go as well, at least initially. So, of the present squad that only leaves Kim and Robert plus Ritchie Worrall, currently injured.

 

Kim has had an up and down sort of year but has shown flashes of real potential. He is a Lakeside asset and on about a 5.30 average they would be mad to let another club take advantage of the improvement we can expect from him next year.

 

Ritchie will be a steal on a 3 point average. On the first set of 2013 greensheets he will go up to around 6 so at that stage someone like Kauko or possbly even Ryan Fisher could be brought in to share a d/u position.However, with his talent there will no doubt be others waving there cheque books so we'll have to see what happens.

 

So that leaves Robert. Popular with the promotion and popular with the fans but on that difficult border line between reserve and second string and with a full time job outside of speedway he doesn't want to d/u with a PL club so it raises the question of whether he will get enough rides to improve much more.

 

Assuming the line up looks like Watt, PK, Kim, Justin, Ritchie and Robert it only leaves around 6-6.5 points (depending on the final greensheets) for a third heatleader, which probably is not enough. Peter Ljung would probably fit but that is about all. If they were to release Robert or Kim they would have a lot more to play with to bring in a third heatleader, but I can't see that happening. Kim has too much potential and Robert is the sort of rider that gets fans through the turnstiles, at least on his home track. So we'll have to wait and see. Reading between the lines of what has been said in recent programme notes I get the impression that Cookie has something pretty good lined up but thats just an impression and I could be wildly wrong.

 

Top of my wish list for riders I would like to see would be Bomber. He has learnt to ride to track pretty well in the last couple of years and a season there would be good for him and good for the club, but before I get the "hands off" from Cov fans, yes I know it would never happen.

 

But Richie will not be on a 3 point average - admittedly, still a steal on 3.47 (converted PL).

[bees4life]

with some tracks survival in doubt, it's good to know that lakeside will be running in 2013!

Some tracks survival in doubt????????? whos in doubt then ???????

Elite League are looking to instate 12+ Teams

[cityrebel]

Some tracks survival in doubt????????? whos in doubt then ???????

Elite League are looking to instate 12+ Teams

the whole speedway world doesn't revolve around the elite league!. buxton, glasgow and workington are all fighting for survival.

[stevebrum]

 

 

Ritchie will be a steal on a 3 point average. On the first set of 2013 greensheets he will go up to around 6 so at that stage someone like Kauko or possbly even Ryan Fisher could be brought in to share a d/u position.However, with his talent there will no doubt be others waving there cheque books so we'll have to see what happens.

 

 

I hope Ritchie stays faithful to the Hammers because he certainly made huge progress this season and it wouldnt at all surprise me if cheque books are being waved at him.

Of course its delightful to see a Brit making big strides and i seriously hope he can pick up where he left on next season.

[Hackett]

Worral was excellent at the start of the year before his injury and if Lakeside get Worrall / Sedgeman at reserve for next year that will be a pretty decent pairing. Mear deserves another shot. He is a 100% rider and always been impressed when I've seen him at Arlington or on Sky TV coverage.

[Bomo1]

the whole speedway world doesn't revolve around the elite league!. buxton, glasgow and workington are all fighting for survival.

 

But this is in the 'Elite League' section!!!!

[cityrebel]

But this is in the 'Elite League' section!!!!

so what, i can post where i like. unless the mods decide to move it!

[stevebrum]

so what, i can post where i like. unless the mods decide to move it!

 

Indeed.

The PL has more worries than the EL.

[enotian]

Richie Worrall annouced tonight at Newcastle that he has agreed terms to ride for Lakeside in 2013.

 

He's now just looking to secure a Premier League place.

 

Still seemed to be limping as his recovery hasn't gone to plan but he seemed confident he'd be ready for next March.

[The Voice Of Reason]

Firstly, I only hope that when Richie returns, he's able to rediscover and improve upon his pre-injury form. The fact that he's signed for us is very good news, albeit I've not seen this confirmed on our website yet? Riders of Ritchie Worral's ability are not easily found at reserve at many (if any?) EL teams.

 

Sedgie - hope that I'm wrong but I think giving him a 2013 contract is a risk. When he left Redcar, his form worryingly dropped and, at times, he was looking totally out of his depth. His bikes just didn't appear to have much grunt. I know he wasn't pulling up any trees at Redcar but his form for us seemed better when he was racing more regularly. I wouldn't think twice retaining him as a D/U rider but having Sedgie in the main body of the team? Hope I'm wrong but I think offering him a 2013 contract was premature.

 

Rob Mear - a popular lad and a Hammer through and through. He also suffered some really bad knocks towards the end of the season and rode on regardless. However, I think he's another rider that is suffering through not doubling up (which he's unlikely to do as I've heard he has a full-time job). I know I'm not going to be popular with other Hammers faithful but personally, I wouldn't offer Rob a contract in 2013. When the chips have been down, he's gone missing a little too often. I think a move would actually benefit both parties.

 

Kim Nilsson - if we can secure Kim for 2013, I think he could be a revelation. Undoubtedly has the talent to become a heat leader, and another year under PK's wing should see him achieve the level of consistency that he's lacked to date. An ultra-quick rider that just needs the balls to go outside riders at times. He'd have had a contract by now if I was Cookie/Duggo.

 

Ben Barker - quality rider that shows true Brit spirit. Apparently loves our track and, if he becomes available, I'd be over the moon to see him in our squad.

 

Other names I've seen mentioned -

 

Lewis Bridger. If only he was half as good as he thinks he is, he'd be worth a contract. Fact is, he isn't.

 

Eddie Kennett. Haha errrrrrm, thanks but NO THANKS!

 

Scott Nicholls. Past his best and only seems to ride Lakeside well when wearing an opposition race-jacket.

 

Undoubtedly, the rider many of us would love to have back is AJ. Possible? Who knows.

Edited October 9, 2012 by The Voice Of Reason

[TonyE]

I very much doubt that we will NOT see Rob Mear in a Hammers race jacket next year - he is JC's favourite!

[Sprog1]

 

Sedgie - hope that I'm wrong but I think giving him a 2013 contract is a risk. When he left Redcar, his form worryingly dropped and, at times, he was looking totally out of his depth. His bikes just didn't appear to have much grunt. I know he wasn't pulling up any trees at Redcar but his form for us seemed better when he was racing more regularly. I wouldn't think twice retaining him as a D/U rider but having Sedgie in the main body of the team? Hope I'm wrong but I think offering him a 2013 contract was premature.

 

Rob Mear - a popular lad and a Hammer through and through. He also suffered some really bad knocks towards the end of the season and rode on regardless. However, I think he's another rider that is suffering through not doubling up (which he's unlikely to do as I've heard he has a full-time job). I know I'm not going to be popular with other Hammers faithful but personally, I wouldn't offer Rob a contract in 2013. When the chips have been down, he's gone missing a little too often. I think a move would actually benefit both parties.

 

Kim Nilsson - if we can secure Kim for 2013, I think he could be a revelation. Undoubtedly has the talent to become a heat leader, and another year under PK's wing should see him achieve the level of consistency that he's lacked to date. An ultra-quick rider that just needs the balls to go outside riders at times. He'd have had a contract by now if I was Cookie/Duggo.

 

Ben Barker - quality rider that shows true Brit spirit. Apparently loves our track and, if he becomes available, I'd be over the moon to see him in our squad.

 

Other names I've seen mentioned -

 

Lewis Bridger. If only he was half as good as he thinks he is, he'd be worth a contract. Fact is, he isn't.

 

Eddie Kennett. Haha errrrrrm, thanks but NO THANKS!

 

Scott Nicholls. Past his best and only seems to ride Lakeside well when wearing an opposition race-jacket.

 

Undoubtedly, the rider many of us would love to have back is AJ. Possible? Who knows.

 

I think it goes without saying that Sedgie will only be back subject to getting a D/U position with a PL club not least because its been proved enough times that you can't earn a living on a 3-4 point average in the EL alone. He is a bit erratic but he has beaten the likes of Hancock, Lindgren and Smolinski at times and at 20 years old you don't normally expect consistency. The bottom line is that when you look at the trouble some clubs have had with low averaging reserves Sedgie is as good as the next man on his sort of average and personally I would rather stick with him at than get some unknown in, especially as Dave Watt definitely brings the best out of him. A winter riding in Oz with Davey can only help.

 

I know what you mean about Rob. Sooner or later he will have to do some extra meetings, possibly continental open meetings if he is to improve. but riding with his injuries this year have kept his average down a bit and back at full fitness he should be capable of a slight improvement next year. Although 2012 was not so good due to injury there were occasions in 2011 when he saved the match when the top end were under-performing.

 

I agree about Kim. I don't think he fully understands his engines yet but in between the off nights he has produced some terrific rides. Needs to find consistency and learn away tracks, but having said that, he has put more on his starting average than any other Hammer and is, I believe, the second highest BP scorer in the EL.

 

I think you do Lewis a dis-service. I have never found him to be full of himself but his life is a bit disorganised and there are issues that he needs to get sorted.

 

Funny enough I think Ed Kennett would be a really good Hammer but the problem is the baggage he brings with him in the form of Dave Kennett who always seems to be at the bottom of all the trouble. If Dave Kennett stayed at home I think you would see a much different (and more consistent) Eddie.

[The Voice Of Reason]

Fair points Custer Mouse, particularly about Justin. My gut feel, and obviously I don't know this for a fact, but his bikes seem to be very slow at times. Admittedly I don't know anything about speedway engines but what I would assume is that if he is only on a single wage now that he only rides for one team, and given his points tally over the last couple of months, maybe he just hasn't got the money to invest back into his kit?

 

Yep, Rob was exceptional at times during 2011 and we all know the amount of knocks he took this season. I just don't see him improving for 2013. Obviously, I hope that I'm wrong and you can all stuff my words down my throat this time next year!

 

I just think that we are taking a risk with Justin, a risk with Ritchie in that we hope he comes back fully fit, and potentially taking an even further risk with Mearo which could make us extremely vulnerable, especially away from home, where we severely lack fire-power at times.

 

Bridger, I think we'll just have to agree to disagree. Some of the comments I've read on his Twitter over the past couple of years just gives me the impression that he's got a short fuse and is quite immature for his age. As for the Dave Kennett point you mentioned. Sorry but I don't really know enough to comment. My point about Eddie is that he's just far too inconsistent, coupled with the cheating issues.

Edited October 9, 2012 by The Voice Of Reason

[motherread]

no, no ,no please not Barker :(