Stoke Potters 2015

[Swift Saint]

IMPORTANT PRESS RELEASE FROM STOKE SPEEDWAY

 

2015 SEASON STARTS HERE

 

The last three weeks have been remarkable in the chequered history of Stoke Speedway. They have seen mindless vandals wreak havoc on their Loomer Road Stadium which caused tremendous consternation to the Promotion and the amazing actions of some incredible people have helped point the way forward and although reparations are far from complete in all respects the Club have felt able to declare their intent to run in the National League in 2015 and to start building a side to represent the “Eazy Rider” Potters in what will be beyond doubt a highly competitive and hard fought League.

 

Promoter Dave Tattum was unabashedly close to an emotional response yesterday when he said “Quite honestly although we have worked very hard internally it is members of the public that have come forward and saved this Club and for that I will be eternally grateful. Some of those providing help and support are old friends and supporters that have followed us over the years but others were not known to me at the start and I could never thank them enough for the efforts that they continue to make in bringing us to the point where we are able to declare that we will run next season. The Stock Car world has also stood by us in our hour of need and been enormously helpful in the dreadful situation that we faced. Stock Car Promoter Steve Rees has always said how important the track condition is and has assured us of his support to maintain recent standards. Speedway is not an easy sport to manage when times are hard but the staggering response that is ongoing on our behalf has rekindled my enthusiasm for the sport and lifted me from the most depressing days immediately after the destructive vandalism and sheer human filth that we had to face after the incident. Once again on behalf of all at Loomer Road past present and future I thank those wonderful people most sincerely.” he said.

 

Looking forward to the new season Tattum said “I am delighted to announce that Jon Armstrong will lead the new side and will also be our Club Captain. Jon is a massive part of what we are trying to achieve at Stoke, he is an immense man in all respects leading from the front and always mindful of his own riders and equally those of other teams if they should suffer the misfortune of injury during a match, and he is known throughout the sport for the absolute genuine person that he is. He has told me that he leads the team with pride and this is demonstrated every time he takes to the track, I welcome him back with open arms and the new 36.00 points limit that has been set by the League will almost certainly see Jon ride at No.1 in a re-vamped side. I am in discussions together with Team Manager Malcolm Vasey with a number of riders and expect more news for our supporters in the coming days. These discussions have already stretched geographically all over the United Kingdom and as far away as New Zealand as we attempt to put together a highly competitive team in red and white for next season. “Tattum went on to say “The entertainment on track at Loomer Road last season was of a remarkably high standard due in part to the vast amount of track work carried out in the wake of the rains of last winter. The track will be the same next season and I hope that the public who have demonstrated their affection for the Club will really get behind us and share in what they have helped to provide. I have been in this sport for a long time, we have had our ups and downs, but let’s build bridges now and see where they lead us to. We have plenty of ambition at Stoke but we need support to carry that forward. Come in droves and make it a carnival every week at Loomer Road”

 

 

[vog]

Interesting that Armstrong is the first signing. A fantastic guy to have around the pits, and will slot in at number 1 no doubt.

 

Given the low points limit, I wouldn't be surprised to see Stoke line up as:

 

1) Jon Armstrong 7.94

2) Arron Mogridge 4.36

3) 5 points

4) Chris Widman 4.81

5) Lee Payne 7.10

6) Rob Shuttleworth 3.75

7) James McBain 3.00

[big lad]

why Moggo Jnr , Vog,

thought Moggo Snr had a big fall out with DT?

[vog]

why Moggo Jnr , Vog,

thought Moggo Snr had a big fall out with DT?

 

Wishful thinking on my part I reckon. Would be nice to see the Moggo name grace a Stoke race jacket again.

[bigred]

Interesting that Armstrong is the first signing. A fantastic guy to have around the pits, and will slot in at number 1 no doubt.

 

Given the low points limit, I wouldn't be surprised to see Stoke line up as:

 

1) Jon Armstrong 7.94

2) Arron Mogridge 4.36

3) 5 points

4) Chris Widman 4.81

5) Lee Payne 7.10

6) Rob Shuttleworth 3.75

7) James McBain 3.00

what about ben hopwood?

[vog]

what about ben hopwood?

 

It's a numbers thing unfortunately.

 

You have Armstrong at 1, and then I would imagine you would look to keep Shuttleworth and get McBain back (As both can improve) That leaves you with 21.31 for the final 4 riders. At that point, if you go Hopwood and Payne (On 7.28 and 7.10 respectively) you are left with 6.93 to complete the team, meaning you have two 3 pointers. That is one hell of a tail, when the points saved on Hopwood (Or Payne) could strengthen up the middle order a bit, and potentially have Shuttleworth at reserve to start the season.

 

That is why I kept Widman in, as opposed to Hopwood. I think Payne will stay over Hopwood because he is an asset.

[Islander15]

Interesting that Armstrong is the first signing. A fantastic guy to have around the pits, and will slot in at number 1 no doubt.

 

Given the low points limit, I wouldn't be surprised to see Stoke line up as:

 

1) Jon Armstrong 7.94

2) Arron Mogridge 4.36

3) 5 points

4) Chris Widman 4.81

5) Lee Payne 7.10

6) Rob Shuttleworth 3.75

7) James McBain 3.00

 

I think you'll find RTD heading your way. So with Armstrong back, I'd expect Payne, McBain and Shuttleworth to be certainties and those 5 leave 9.53 for the final 2 places. That could mean Widman and Knuckey or Andrews, or a 3 pointer and a return for Priest.

[greyhoundp]

 

I think you'll find RTD heading your way. So with Armstrong back, I'd expect Payne, McBain and Shuttleworth to be certainties and those 5 leave 9.53 for the final 2 places. That could mean Widman and Knuckey or Andrews, or a 3 pointer and a return for Priest.

 

I have the same inkling on RTD.

[mac101]

I have the same inkling on RTD.

James mcbain has retired from the sport shame was looking good last year

[Guest]

James mcbain has retired from the sport shame was looking good last year

What is the reason for James McBain's retirement decision?

[mac101]

What is the reason for James McBain's retirement decision?

Too many knocks I think sold everything,he is too good to give up if you ask me

[Guest]

James mcbain has retired from the sport shame was looking good last year

 

 

What is the reason for James McBain's retirement decision?

 

 

Too many knocks I think sold everything,he is too good to give up if you ask me

Thank you for the update re James McBain.

[TMW]

James mcbain has retired from the sport shame was looking good last year

That's a shame. He is such a nice lad and a good rider.

[Moggo]

Big Lad, that was 8 years ago! A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then. I have seen Twats about a dozen times since then and each time we have a laugh at each others expence, Just like the old days before.

[greyhoundp]

Interesting that Armstrong is the first signing. A fantastic guy to have around the pits, and will slot in at number 1 no doubt.

 

Given the low points limit, I wouldn't be surprised to see Stoke line up as:

 

1) Jon Armstrong 7.94

2) Arron Mogridge 4.36

3) 5 points

4) Chris Widman 4.81

5) Lee Payne 7.10

6) Rob Shuttleworth 3.75

7) James McBain 3.00

 

Danny Phillips wouldnt be a bad call for your 5 pointer Vog.

 

 

Big Lad, that was 8 years ago! A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then. I have seen Twats about a dozen times since then and each time we have a laugh at each others expence, Just like the old days before.

 

 

And it seems likely there is nothing holding back the signing of Moggo junior.

[Swift Saint]

IMPORTANT PRESS RELEASE FROM STOKE SPEEDWAY

 

POTTERS SIGN TWO NEW FACES AS THINGS MOVE FAST

 

Stoke ‘Eazy Rider’ Potters have secured the services of two newcomers to the Club for 2015 with breath taking speed as discussions continue with other possible newcomers and some of the riders who raced for the Club in 2014. “There is nothing like fresh faces to renew interest and we have landed two of the most promising riders on the National League scene. said Promoter Dave Tattum. “ I am delighted with the progress that we have been able to make and although there will be disappointments as I am sure that some of last season’s riders will not be returning we have had to have a crash course of dividing seven into thirty six due to the amended points limit. “It’s no easy matter and Malcolm (Vasey) and I have been burning the midnight oil to ensure that Stoke will be able to make a challenge next season and we are pleased with our results.” He added.

 

The two riders in question are the very promising but relatively inexperienced Danny Phillips and Ryan Terry-Daley who rode for Cradley and Coventry respectively in 2014. Ryan Terry-Daley is twenty and last season averaged close to 5.00 for Coventry Storm and he has been riding in the UK for the past three seasons the first two gaining experience and then last season as a member of the successful Coventry team. He is aged twenty and showed considerable progress at Brandon. He is currently in New Zealand but returns to his base in Coventry at the end of next month.

He is enthusiastic about a move to Stoke where he feels the practice opportunities and facilities will help sharpen him in readiness for National League racing.

 

Danny Phillips, who is aged eighteen, is from the Teeside area and was much sought after last season before signing for Cradley Heath where he has been left without a team place as the League Champions have to shed a massive number of points to comply with the new regulations. A trainee motor mechanic by trade he first rode for Scunthorpe in 2012 and then took a year to hone his skills racing as a guest declining offers to race permanently until he felt ready and consequently was much sought after in 2014 when he was handed a place in the Cradley team. He is pleased to come to Stoke where he finds the track good to ride as he continues to develop his career and take further steps towards achieving his goal to reach the top in the sport.

“These are very ambitious lads who want to ride for the Potters the initial contact in both cases came from them and we are pleased to have them with us.” said Team Manager Malcolm Vasey. “To be honest I was very surprised that either of them was available and I am delighted that we have secured their services. This shows the impact of the 36 point limit and the opportunities created for rookies at the reserve end of teams allowing riders of a little more experience to improve their knowledge in a new environment. I am sure that these two riders will endear themselves to the Stoke public who are always welcoming to newcomers. I found both of them engaging and well spoken and I was most impressed with them and their off track style. They will be great assets to us in 2015 and all out racers in the red and white. They join our Captain Jon Armstrong on our roster for 2015” added Vasey.

“We have made numerous enquiries and held discussions with a lot of riders since Tuesday and I am sure our team will be complete by Christmas. We have identified the rest of the team subject to reaching agreement with those concerned. said Dave Tattum. “We are determined that next season will be exciting and the lads we have signed are racing for their futures in the sport and that can only add to the excitement and entertainment at Loomer Road.”

[vog]

Interesting...

 

Malcolm, any reasons as to why Rob has left us? I felt he would be a shoe-in given his progress last season! Or is it something that is best left untalked about...

[boozer]

Very good to see the recent "break in" and looming closure has now been averted :rofl: :rofl:

Edited December 17, 2014 by boozer

[Swift Saint]

IMPORTANT PRESS RELEASE FROM STOKE SPEEDWAY

 

LEE PAYNE BACK AT LOOMER ROADANDRYAN MACDONALD GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY

 

Stoke ‘Easy Rider’ Potters’ Christmas presents to their followers sees a welcome return for his third season with the Club for Lee Payne the Lancastrian former moto crosser who has made such amazing steps in his speedway career since he first donned a Potter’s race jacket in 2013. “We are delighted to have Lee back said Stoke Promoter Dave Tattum speaking about the one bright product of 2013 who was also very effective in 2014 when he took his average beyond seven points which represents significant progress for a second year rider. Lee was also a Fast Track rider in the Elite League last season and hopes that he will get further opportunities in this direction during 2015. Lee Payne was very happy to be back at Loomer Road pointing out “It is difficult to imagine riding anywhere else in the National League.

This will be my third season at Stoke and I aim to improve my average further. I am fit now my shoulder has been treated and I am ready to go again.” said Payne.

 

At the same time the Club announced that Ryan MacDonald, a twenty year old Scottish rider from the Glasgow area would occupy one of the reserve positions in next years team. Ryan was delighted to accept a position in the Stoke team and vowed to do his best to justify his selection. “I can’t wait said the trainee motor mechanic ready to move on to the next rung of the speedway ladder “I rode for Scunthorpe last season but they are not in the National League for 2015 so I am really happy to join some riders I know and others that are new to me at Stoke. This is a great opportunity and I intend to make the most of it.” he said

 

“We are delighted with these two captures and are so pleased that both of them are anxious to be practicing at Loomer Road as soon as possible. That seems to be par for the course with the 2015 season team. said Team Manager Malcolm Vasey. “We know exactly where we are going with the team and looking at those other teams already announced I expect us to be highly competitive with a team that can only improve such is their spirit and determination. I have rarely spoken to riders with more enthusiasm to do well and be so happy to come to Stoke. said Vasey. “Of course last season our track was very good throughout once we got over the initial problems and riders have expressed to me that was important in their decision. I have to say there were other venues which provided very challenging conditions at times and clearly riders have remembered that in choosing their career path.

 

The revised points limit has undoubtedly created opportunities for less experienced riders and these will quickly improve with regular racing. “The points limit has cut things a bit tighter offering opportunities for the best of the riders trying to break into the sport and in terms of the sports progression in Great Britain this is an excellent feature that emanated from the National League AGM. said Dave Tattum “A lot of useful work is being done with riders Under 15 and the changes for the coming season have created an exciting equalisation of National League teams and at the same provided the start of a clearly recognisable career path that will ultimately yield good British riders at the International level a year or two down the line. Further re-structuring at a higher level has taken place through the fast Track System and soon this needs to find it's way into the Premier League.” added Tattum

 

 

Malcolm Vasey

Stoke Speedway

[vog]

Interesting pair of signings. Lee showed flashes last season of being untouchable around Stoke, and the knowledge he gained riding for Belle Vue will no doubt help him, but it was obvious that troubles (Both mechanically and physically) were holding him back. If he can get a good season together, there is no reason that he can't be a 9 point man in this league.

 

As for Ryan, again showed glimpses of a talented rider, and having experience around him will no doubt help him this season. Shame that James McBain appears to have retired, as they could have shared some of the travelling!

 

If my sums are correct, leaves us with 8.30 for the final 2 places. I would imagine Widman will return on 4.81, leaving 3.99 for our final rider. Reece Downes would fit quite nicely...