Jump to content
British Speedway Forum

Kent Kings 2017


Dave Stummings

Recommended Posts

I think it's 6.30, that's what I suggested to our press officer as it's our start time and lots of people have finished work.

Unfortunately I didn't think it through and I am starting work at 5.30pm so I will have to wait for my 10pm tea break to find out :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think Hopwood is nailed on, goes well round Kent...And if you get Stoneman you should be well pleased..Most of the rookie reserves will be a gamble/...

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think Hopwood is nailed on, goes well round Kent...And if you get Stoneman you should be well pleased..Most of the rookie reserves will be a gamble/...

 

Hope Stoneman proves a good edition.

He has been signed as a Heat leader,yet got his average from reserve.

Also has had a lot of injuries over the last few years.

But understand he has new equipment and keen to ride for the Kings.

Be interesting how he adapts to Central Park. :lol:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think most sides would be pleased with the signing of Stoneman but there are obviously some concerns. His equipment clearly needs upgrading so hopefully the above is true & he will be starting at no.5 and featuring in some tough races which could ultimately make or break the Kings season. Fingers crossed he does deliver what he is capable of and supply some good back up to Bowen otherwise there will be huge weight on Thomas & Hopwood's shoulders.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think most sides would be pleased with the signing of Stoneman but there are obviously some concerns. His equipment clearly needs upgrading so hopefully the above is true & he will be starting at no.5 and featuring in some tough races which could ultimately make or break the Kings season. Fingers crossed he does deliver what he is capable of and supply some good back up to Bowen otherwise there will be huge weight on Thomas & Hopwood's shoulders.

Personally I'd put Hopwood at number 5. He's easily a better rider than his average suggests having averaged 8 for Eastbourne only 2 seasons ago. He's spent most of his career riding at 5 for Stoke, Eastbourne & IOW anyway so is used to the tougher heats and he's already shown a liking to Central Park as an away rider. Contrast that to Stoneman who, despite the higher average and massive potential, rode nearly all of last season at reserve and isn't used to the pressure of being a heat leader and is moving to a completely new track.

Edited by Islander15
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Certainly a tough decision. Id agree that Hopwood is far more experienced as a higher heat leader and will make a mockery of his starting average even starting at 5. However there is part of me that wants to see him in the number 3 jacket as i think he would be excellent for Jack Thomas' progression and would make a very effective middle order pairing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Certainly a tough decision. Id agree that Hopwood is far more experienced as a higher heat leader and will make a mockery of his starting average even starting at 5. However there is part of me that wants to see him in the number 3 jacket as i think he would be excellent for Jack Thomas' progression and would make a very effective middle order pairing.

 

We all seem to agree Hopwood is a nailed on signing.

Do not know why the Club do not just announce the signing.

He will be a steal on his average.

The KEY signing now will be the other reserve.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you get a good last rider at reserve(although not really sure who's left who can do the job) and as looks likely Hopwood will be with you looks a pretty solid team.I think it will be the most difficult team in the league to know where they're likely to be . Last year looked likely title contenders from day one, this year like a few teams who knows. Hope it does all gel as apart from the first matches at Easter last year with all the injuries, had some really good matches home and away against Eastie.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Looking at Stonemans results last year I make him 6.2 so I must have missed something.

 

I have 34 from 23 rides at home and 28 from 17 rides away. His best home was 9 from 4 and away 16 from 6 both against Buxton who had a dire team out that day and got a real hammering. All bar 2 meetings were from reserve and a lot of very straight forward opponents.

 

Could it be the worst signing of the season?

 

Why on earth did they not keep James Shanes? with Bowen, Shanes, Thomas and presumably Hopwood they would have a top four to keep them in the top half running instead of which they are looking like a candidate for the wooden spoon.

 

With a track, Stadium and support like theirs the fans deserve better in my view.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think this seasons top sides will be the ones having the best improving youngsters,,and in this respect i think Kent have one of the best in Jack Thomas. ..Nathan Stoneman though around a while is still open to improve on good equipment,,was hoping lakeside would sign him ,,,but there you go good luck to him at Kent....And Hopwood is a steal on his false average.......Most teams looking similar in strenght ,,so improvers.will be vital......

Edited by waco
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. Privacy Policy