E I Addio Posted January 5, 2017 Report Share Posted January 5, 2017 Poor, poor signings. Mason's only going one way and isn't an entertaining rider. I suspect there's nothing that Mason can offer in the pits experience wise that Morley couldn't offer to be perfectly honest. On top of that the team has Kelvin Tatum in the pits to give wisdom. Laurence has been around nearly 10 years and is still a three point reserve. Piles the pressure on Hunter and Bowtell who could have been trump cards but now it looks like they are going to have to perform. No disguising the fact that Mason is a dire signing in what is now looking a dire team after seeming so promising when the first four signings were announced. Even if Mason scores a maximum in every match,(which of course he won't) he could only do it in the most boring way possible. The greater likelihood is that in the majority of his races he will be trundling round trying to block off whoever is behind him, if anyone. The plain fact is that it is a junior league for young riders who may not yet have th experience and the professionalism to entertain but they do have enthusiasm that the crowd can warm to. It is very important in Speedwáy that the crowd have favourites they can get behind and support. That's what gets the fans in. Nobody is going to have Mason as their favourite. Sorry but I see no positives in the two signings. Idont know this other bloke but one can hardly be expecting much from him . I just don't know where they go from here. There are a few decent riders but as a team it inspires neither confidence nor excitement. Very disappointed. Can't see many going through the turnstiles. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Thumper Posted January 5, 2017 Report Share Posted January 5, 2017 What will the admission price be for 2017? Probably, £12/£13 do you think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daytripper Posted January 5, 2017 Report Share Posted January 5, 2017 Completely underwhelmed. Jon Cook seems to have list it completely. No idea what bizarre line of thinking led him to these two signings especially Mason. As others have said, he just won't get the crowd going. A 40 year old , on the way down, never been any higher than bottom league standard . Unbelievable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teaboy279 Posted January 5, 2017 Report Share Posted January 5, 2017 The plain fact is that it is a junior league for young riders Gonna wholeheartedly disagree with that, if it was plain fact then there would be no elder riders. It is plain fact that that's what you want the league to be.... There are (in the words of the bspa press release about a week ago) now 3 development leagues. The MDL, NJL, and the SJL are the 3 junior leagues, NL is the 3rd tier of British speedway and yes it develops riders for the old PL, the same as the old Premier developed riders for the EL, and indeed for British riders the EL developed riders for European leagues and international fixtures. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marko Posted January 5, 2017 Report Share Posted January 5, 2017 Yet another two fingers stuck up by Mr Cook at the fans, its their choice who they want to have in their team but don't come crying when hardly anyone comes to watch and no sky money to bail you out this season, I certainly will not bother investing my time or money into a club that is clearly on the wane and has no ambition even when racing at the lowest tier, the fact they are giving team places to riders 15 years past their best which was never very good in the first place says it all. Good luck Lakeside, your going to need it if you are still going to be in business in ten months time. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waco Posted January 5, 2017 Report Share Posted January 5, 2017 These are depressing posts on here now,,after every thing started to look so positive after the first 4 signings.. ..It is now looking unlikely this side will be making the play offs,,,When will managements realise they have to put out competitive ,and above all if they want the fans to turn up, entertaining sides..And after dropping down two leagues this becomes even more vital.... 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruckerroo Posted January 5, 2017 Report Share Posted January 5, 2017 the issue is , you've signed a rider as heatleader who is no longer one, that 5 and 3 bonus caper is all well and good riding at no4 getting points off the rammel. they are expecting a couple heat wins and 2 placings from mason both home and away really good luck with that project. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueherb777 Posted January 5, 2017 Report Share Posted January 5, 2017 the issue is , you've signed a rider as heatleader who is no longer one, that 5 and 3 bonus caper is all well and good riding at no4 getting points off the rammel. they are expecting a couple heat wins and 2 placings from mason both home and away really good luck with that project. Agree. Talking of Mason as a Heat Leader is just insane. He was nowhere near a Heat Leader at Kent. To be a Heat Leader you have to bang in big points Home and AWAY ??? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E I Addio Posted January 5, 2017 Report Share Posted January 5, 2017 (edited) Very difficult to disagree with anything in the last four posts. I was prepared to give the NL a go and I wouldn't have minded paying £13 admission if it was entertaining but I am not going to pay when only half the team have ant prospect of improvement. I feel sorry for the four previously signed. They deserve better than this. Edited January 5, 2017 by E I Addio 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hector Austin Posted January 5, 2017 Report Share Posted January 5, 2017 Niall Struddwick maybe ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waco Posted January 5, 2017 Report Share Posted January 5, 2017 Hector,,please we are all at a low ebb already !! As a point of interest are there any riders around 3.4 left that we could fit in to give us a slightly stronger reserve ??? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halifaxtiger Posted January 5, 2017 Report Share Posted January 5, 2017 Gonna wholeheartedly disagree with that, if it was plain fact then there would be no elder riders. It is plain fact that that's what you want the league to be.... There are (in the words of the bspa press release about a week ago) now 3 development leagues. The MDL, NJL, and the SJL are the 3 junior leagues, NL is the 3rd tier of British speedway and yes it develops riders for the old PL, the same as the old Premier developed riders for the EL, and indeed for British riders the EL developed riders for European leagues and international fixtures. Its a question of balance. It is, after all, the National Development League so it should that exist for that purpose. However, all stand alone clubs are businesses and need to have a line up competitive to attract paying customers because the plain fact is few will pay to watch a training league. Its why the likes of Wilson, Boxall, Halsey and Bowen aren't just desirable, they are a necessity. To my mind, the NL pretty much achieves that balance and deserves a great deal of credit for doing so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loyal hammer Posted January 5, 2017 Report Share Posted January 5, 2017 There's still plenty to look forward to. We have a strong top two, both young and big hitters in this league. We have progressive talent in Alfie and George. I'm sure both can progress this season under the guidance of Kelvin. I know very little about Nick Laurence but I trust the promotion see him as a decent scoring reserve. I wouldn't right the Hammers off just yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyE Posted January 5, 2017 Report Share Posted January 5, 2017 Hector,,please we are all at a low ebb already !! As a point of interest are there any riders around 3.4 left that we could fit in to give us a slightly stronger reserve ??? Looking at the final greensheet averages for 2016 the most likely scenario is a 3 pointer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halifaxtiger Posted January 5, 2017 Report Share Posted January 5, 2017 (edited) Very difficult to disagree with anything in the last four posts. I was prepared to give the NL a go and I wouldn't have minded paying £13 admission if it was entertaining but I am not going to pay when only half the team have ant prospect of improvement. I feel sorry for the four previously signed. They deserve better than this. Depending on the last rider, it could be 5 out of 7. I could make fair argument that Isle of Wight, Stoke, Buxton, Mildenhall & Plymouth are no different. Having said that, Mason would be hard for me to accept. I have no issue with a senior rider, but he has to be one of a decent heat leader standard who is going to make the team more attractive on track. Mason simply doesn't hit that. Won't stop me going, though. Lakeside is one of my favourite tracks and I see no reason why that will change. Edited January 5, 2017 by Halifaxtiger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cityrebel Posted January 5, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2017 The main problem for lakeside is, competing with top flight speedway just down the road at hoddesdon. If I could only afford one meeting a week, I know where I would go. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex2000 Posted January 5, 2017 Report Share Posted January 5, 2017 (edited) Hector,,please we are all at a low ebb already !! As a point of interest are there any riders around 3.4 left that we could fit in to give us a slightly stronger reserve ??? Its not a bad shout, maybe Niall and his newfound American love would be an ominous reserve pairing in this league. What was her time at CP? Edited January 5, 2017 by Al3x200 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cliv Clav Posted January 5, 2017 Report Share Posted January 5, 2017 Whilst I feel slightly deflated about these signings, I am not that concerned and am really looking forward to our new competitions this season, rather than just the one in the old EL! Mason is not a promising youngster, as I had hoped, but his average does fit and he used to be very good round Arena. He is not spectacular, but a solid middle order rider might be needed in our first year in this new adventure. Laurence has been around a while and not shown much improvement, but I think we may see some riders becoming eligible to race during the season that may be pushing for that number 7 spot. I grow tired of people saying Jon Cook is 'sticking his fingers up at fans'. He and Stuart are the only reason we can continue to have speedway in Essex. With Stuart living abroad, Jon is the only local guy trying to keep us going long enough to find a new home and secure our future. If he wanted to upset the fans, he wouldn't even bother trying to keep us alive! Alan hasn't been able to do too much recently due to his health and we have now lost Bryn, so even more falls on Jon's shoulders. I hope with more local riders, we can run more publicity events and discounted meetings to try to attract new fans from Essex. I notice that Vortex have disappeared from the website logo, I hope we haven't lost their backing! Looking forward to March and cheering on the new look Hammers! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teaboy279 Posted January 6, 2017 Report Share Posted January 6, 2017 Thing is you have 2 out and out number ones, Ben can consider himself unlucky not to have a top flight with Rye this year, he is still young despite his experience and is a track specialist. In Zach you have the break through man of 2015 and despite 2016 being curtailed by a freak injury he should still be considered as the next potential Tai. And then you have two at times eratic youngsters who will blossom under proper tuition from Kelvin and be a joy to watch grow. Whilst I ve never been a big fan of watching speedway at Arena for a variety of reasons, but honestly I would much rather watch your class of 2017 then anything you ve had for a number of years. And with Mason in my opinion the last couple of months of 2016 despite bad luck he looked the best he had done in a decade. And moving off the white line to either make a pass or block one.and importantly at this level Magic is very unlikely to throw points into the airfence unnecessarily. Look at all the teams so far, all have strengths and all have weaknesses. We think we know certain riders will deffo up thier averages but I think the league will hinge on suprise packages. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halifaxtiger Posted January 6, 2017 Report Share Posted January 6, 2017 The main problem for lakeside is, competing with top flight speedway just down the road at hoddesdon. If I could only afford one meeting a week, I know where I would go. I'm not sure that totally stacks up. I might question why Cradley have been such a success, for example. What that requires is the wholesale desertion of Lakeside fans to a track that they have often being most critical of and pointing fingers at the team line up (not totaly unreasonably I'd say) smacks to me as a cheap excuse to desert the club simply because they have dropped to NL level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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