Leicester Lions 2013

[johnd7244]

Just wondering what all these negative comments are all about! Isn't this forum supposed to be about the Lions team, and also the management who are trying their best to improve the problems that some members have commented on. Whether we agree or disagree with what is being said on the forum shouldn't we all stick together, and support the club as much as we can. I'm sure that practically all the messages by the members who post on this site are passionate about the club.

C'mon y'all let's have positive comments about Lions 2013 instead of all the negative comments.

This is our club good or bad, support it.

[justathought]

Just out of interest. What do people think about Kevin Doolan ?

 

If my memory serves me right I don't think he did that well at BP on his appearances last season. I could stand corrected.

I know he wasn't having the best of times at Ipswich and his form did improve with his move to Redcar. Do you think he will do a better job than Magnus ?

 

I suppose we will have to wait and see.

[jim the whipper]

Just a quck note to say thanks , to Volty. neb and hurricanes for quckly proving my point and responding with off topic personal attacks and nothing else , I did say to robert 72 that defending himself would register as negative comments against Leicester rather than be seen for what they are and you have all shown that to be the truth rather quckly as well . keep up the good work .

[LionsDen]

It’s certainly an interesting Lions line up for 2013, and despite being seen on here as a true dissenter, I shall appease the wishes of the true supporters by only speaking of the team. Here’s what I think is an objective view...

 

Doolan has been on a slight downward curve for the last 2-3 seasons and his scores at Leicester have never been that great so I was surprised to see him in there. I like Kevin though. He's one of the speedway’s good guys and I really do hope he turns things around. Hopefully not being the number 1 will mean he can ride without pressure and produce the goods. His spell at Redcar after being released by Ipswich augurs well but it was a season of two halves for him in 2012. Let's hope we get the latter form at Leicester.

 

Roynan is a super rider to watch but the way he rides leaves him always likely to get injured, particularly as he also seems cursed with bad luck too! He scares me! I can't imagine how he'll get on with Leicester's track week in week out either as he likes to ride wide and there's not much to be had at BP out there. (The track debate is a separate argument so I'll leave it there)

 

Niemenen and Bjerre will no doubt produce what they did last year so that's a decent platform and Graversen will likely score good points at BP so they should be ok at home. However, the bottom end still looks quite weak, especially away from home. I can't see any of those guys performing to double figures and taking 6/7 rides away etc. Regular good scores from reserve are a massive bonus to any team and Lions don't appear to have any so I can see a change at reserve by May as neither of the Lewis' will score the points to keep DH happy.

 

Simon Neilsen is still unproven. It’s going to be a big learning year for him not having done a full season in this country yet and it will be interesting to see how, or if, his long lay off affects him. As we all know, every title winning team needs to pick up points away and that's going to be hard to do on a regular basis if they're struggling at reserve. Maybe the inevitable change will help achieve that. We'll see.

 

It’s not a title winning side I don't think but I would expect a similar season to last. The Lions are definitely capable of staying unbeaten at home with maybe enough points collected away to make the top 6.

[ukrossifan]

Just a quck note to say thanks , to Volty. neb and hurricanes for quckly proving my point and responding with off topic personal attacks and nothing else , I did say to robert 72 that defending himself would register as negative comments against Leicester rather than be seen for what they are and you have all shown that to be the truth rather quckly as well . keep up the good work .

Attack? Hardly! Anyway Pot kettle and black yet again from you, James😜

 

It’s certainly an interesting Lions line up for 2013, and despite being seen on here as a true dissenter, I shall appease the wishes of the true supporters by only speaking of the team. Here’s what I think is an objective view...

 

Doolan has been on a slight downward curve for the last 2-3 seasons and his scores at Leicester have never been that great so I was surprised to see him in there. I like Kevin though. He's one of the speedway’s good guys and I really do hope he turns things around. Hopefully not being the number 1 will mean he can ride without pressure and produce the goods. His spell at Redcar after being released by Ipswich augurs well but it was a season of two halves for him in 2012. Let's hope we get the latter form at Leicester.

 

Roynan is a super rider to watch but the way he rides leaves him always likely to get injured, particularly as he also seems cursed with bad luck too! He scares me! I can't imagine how he'll get on with Leicester's track week in week out either as he likes to ride wide and there's not much to be had at BP out there. (The track debate is a separate argument so I'll leave it there)

 

Niemenen and Bjerre will no doubt produce what they did last year so that's a decent platform and Graversen will likely score good points at BP so they should be ok at home. However, the bottom end still looks quite weak, especially away from home. I can't see any of those guys performing to double figures and taking 6/7 rides away etc. Regular good scores from reserve are a massive bonus to any team and Lions don't appear to have any so I can see a change at reserve by May as neither of the Lewis' will score the points to keep DH happy.

 

Simon Neilsen is still unproven. It’s going to be a big learning year for him not having done a full season in this country yet and it will be interesting to see how, or if, his long lay off affects him. As we all know, every title winning team needs to pick up points away and that's going to be hard to do on a regular basis if they're struggling at reserve. Maybe the inevitable change will help achieve that. We'll see.

 

It’s not a title winning side I don't think but I would expect a similar season to last. The Lions are definitely capable of staying unbeaten at home with maybe enough points collected away to make the top 6.

a fair summary, I agree.

If Roynon stays fit I can see him ending season as No.1. And if he regularly repeats his 14 pts from his last visit to BP we will all be happy😄

A side built with 'away' points in mind I think with riders who give it a good go anywhere.

Play off bound and better equipped to win 2 leg meetings

[stevethelion]

Just out of interest. What do people think about Kevin Doolan ?

 

If my memory serves me right I don't think he did that well at BP on his appearances last season. I could stand corrected.

I know he wasn't having the best of times at Ipswich and his form did improve with his move to Redcar. Do you think he will do a better job than Magnus ?

 

I suppose we will have to wait and see.

I think he'll do a better job than Magnus did last season, looking at Magnus's scores he only managed 7 double figure scores at home all season, you'd expect better from a heat-leader & i'm sure Doolan will better that performance.

I like the look of the side, alot depends on how Nielsen performs, if he shows the promise he did before he was injured i'm sure he could take his average up to nearer 5. I would expect Bjerre, Roynon & Blackbird all to improve their averages so should be a good season.

Good luck to Jari Makinen for next season, i see he's signed for Ipswich.

[Fromafar]

It’s certainly an interesting Lions line up for 2013, and despite being seen on here as a true dissenter, I shall appease the wishes of the true supporters by only speaking of the team. Here’s what I think is an objective view...

 

Doolan has been on a slight downward curve for the last 2-3 seasons and his scores at Leicester have never been that great so I was surprised to see him in there. I like Kevin though. He's one of the speedway’s good guys and I really do hope he turns things around. Hopefully not being the number 1 will mean he can ride without pressure and produce the goods. His spell at Redcar after being released by Ipswich augurs well but it was a season of two halves for him in 2012. Let's hope we get the latter form at Leicester.

 

Roynan is a super rider to watch but the way he rides leaves him always likely to get injured, particularly as he also seems cursed with bad luck too! He scares me! I can't imagine how he'll get on with Leicester's track week in week out either as he likes to ride wide and there's not much to be had at BP out there. (The track debate is a separate argument so I'll leave it there)

 

Niemenen and Bjerre will no doubt produce what they did last year so that's a decent platform and Graversen will likely score good points at BP so they should be ok at home. However, the bottom end still looks quite weak, especially away from home. I can't see any of those guys performing to double figures and taking 6/7 rides away etc. Regular good scores from reserve are a massive bonus to any team and Lions don't appear to have any so I can see a change at reserve by May as neither of the Lewis' will score the points to keep DH happy.

 

Simon Neilsen is still unproven. It’s going to be a big learning year for him not having done a full season in this country yet and it will be interesting to see how, or if, his long lay off affects him. As we all know, every title winning team needs to pick up points away and that's going to be hard to do on a regular basis if they're struggling at reserve. Maybe the inevitable change will help achieve that. We'll see.

 

It’s not a title winning side I don't think but I would expect a similar season to last. The Lions are definitely capable of staying unbeaten at home with maybe enough points collected away to make the top 6.

Roynon is a class act but like yourself I think the way he rides he will always be in scrapes that more often than not are caused by him not taking into account who he is riding against( lesser skill)and getting into tight situations.I wish him well though and an injury free season.

[Hamish McRaker]

Just a quck note to say thanks , to Volty. neb and hurricanes for quckly proving my point and responding with off topic personal attacks and nothing else , I did say to robert 72 that defending himself would register as negative comments against Leicester rather than be seen for what they are and you have all shown that to be the truth rather quckly as well . keep up the good work .

 

The best approach is just to ignore the idiots who act like children, and let them either rant to themselves, or with other idiots. With a bit of luck the moderators will remove them anyway.

[Rider Replacement]

Ok so Royno races every lap like its a grand prix final, and what's wrong with that? I would rather have an out and out racer in any team than a two lap wonder. He knows that one more serious knock and its game over, he is the rider on the bike, he judges the race and whether its worth the risk of going for the gaps or not. I'm pretty sure he'll achieve a lot a Leicester, both personally and for the team. Me thinks exciting times ahead!!

 

Ps- good to see Jari is fixed up @Ipswich

[mrcts]

 

 

The best approach is just to ignore the idiots who act like children, and let them either rant to themselves, or with other idiots. With a bit of luck the moderators will remove them anyway.

Who are you referring to the pro Helmsley or the anti brigade?

[junior fan]

Very week at no 7 I feel one rider that rarely beat an opponent in a dozen matches and the other only a 6 point Nl rider I feel there were better options Junior

[speedflash]

I went for Kevin as in the last 7 meetings for Redcar he averaged 8 so on his rolling average he was a steal.

A very good team man

Good equipment

Most importantly want to ride at Leicester.

Very easy to deal with.

And an all round good guy.

 

Glyn

Edited December 1, 2012 by speedflash

[Hazza29]

I don't think your weak at number 7. Think this season Lewis black will step it up and Lewi Kerr has lack of meetings that's why his average isnt the highest but saw him at Somerset and really impressed me. Wanted him as a rebel! Nice to see Leicester management giving these Brits a chance. Think you have a stoing side this year! All the best apart from when you face the mighty rebels! )

[wandersome]

I don't think your weak at number 7. Think this season Lewis black will step it up and Lewi Kerr has lack of meetings that's why his average isnt the highest but saw him at Somerset and really impressed me. Wanted him as a rebel! Nice to see Leicester management giving these Brits a chance. Think you have a stoing side this year! All the best apart from when you face the mighty rebels! )

 

As far as i'm aware, both riders took up the sport at a late stage. I also thought Kerr looked really good at Beaumont Park as well. For someone who only started riding 2 years ago he looks a prospect and a half. I'm sure i read Lewis Blackbird hasn't been committed to riding speedway for much longer either. If that's correct, both riders are improving at a rapid rate, irrespective of their ages.

Edited December 1, 2012 by volty

[msc1874]

 

 

As far as i'm aware, both riders took up the sport at a late stage. I also thought Kerr looked really good at Beaumont Park as well. For someone who only started riding 2 years ago he looks a prospect and a half. I'm sure i read Lewis Blackbird hasn't been committed to riding speedway for much longer either. If that's correct, both riders are improving at a rapid rate, irrespective of their ages.

 

I think it's all relative and it's a big year for both. In terms of time Craig cook only started speedway 3 years ago!

[wandersome]

I think it's all relative and it's a big year for both. In terms of time Craig cook only started speedway 3 years ago!

 

fair comment. Whilst i'm not saying they are going to be Craig Cooks, in common they are both late starters and are progressing at what would appear to be a fast rate of knots (accepted that Cook appears to be progressing a few knots quicker!). Also, from the distance of the stands, both Blackbird and Kerr seem to show the dedication needed to succeed as well (see also Craig), something that at times seems to be what is lacking in a lot of young brits.

Edited December 1, 2012 by volty

[jim the whipper]

Lewis Blackbird rode for sittingbourne in the conference league in 2006 .aged 18 and then Oxford in 2007 in the national league before drifting out of speedway to pursue other interests before drifting back in 2 years ago . so neither a late starter or any major dedication there considering he has had doors opened for him by virtue of his family ties

Edited December 1, 2012 by jim the whipper

[Nobblytriers]

Lewis Blackbird rode for sittingbourne in the conference league in 2006 .aged 18 and then Oxford in 2007 in the national league before drifting out of speedway to pursue other interests before drifting back in 2 years ago . so neither a late starter or any major dedication there considering he has had doors opened for him by virtue of his family ties

 

Ever the one to pull in a negative comment, well done Jimbo!! Anything positive to post on this thread per chance?

[wandersome]

Lewis Blackbird rode for sittingbourne in the conference league in 2006 .aged 18 and then Oxford in 2007 in the national league before drifting out of speedway to pursue other interests before drifting back in 2 years ago . so neither a late starter or any major dedication there considering he has had doors opened for him by virtue of his family ties

 

If you read my original post you might see I was trying to convey blackbirds dedication since taking up the sport seriously again over the last two years rather than as a teen. But fair comment for once even if i'm not sure that's the object of your post.

Edited December 1, 2012 by volty

[Long Eye]

Lewis Blackbird rode for sittingbourne in the conference league in 2006 .aged 18 and then Oxford in 2007 in the national league before drifting out of speedway to pursue other interests before drifting back in 2 years ago . so neither a late starter or any major dedication there considering he has had doors opened for him by virtue of his family ties

 

Yet again your ignorance reaches new highs. Lewis is very dedicated now and puts a lot of time and effort into his racing. Last season he regularly sought the advice of more experienced team mates and tried to act on it the best he could. He's also a good team player in the pits.