thebaron

Were we ever in for Hagon ? because I never thought we were. He did go well at the EWR in one meet last season granted. I am fine with Ablitt who definitely made some progress last season. Hagon has the backing from his motorcycle family and could make real strides next season. The pull was Poole as well which I can see.

Each to their own views but I do like the team and looking forward to watching us on track. I was really "invested" in the Scorpions in 2023 as riders, their character and technique. I think that "connection" is important it helps bring the fanbase closer to the Club. We know that Speedway can and will throw in a few changes along the way. But if we have some continuity and prepared to keep faith with it injury permitting. It can go a long way to forging the bond between the fans and the sport. Roll on March 2024 folks.

Pleased with the team we have assembled within a 38pt limit. Bringing back the core of "the Class of 23" makes sense to me. They know the Scunny set up and there will be very little need for adjustment to it. We were never replacing Dougy, but Kyle Howarth knows Scunny, is the Capt of Premier League Sheffield. So we are adding bags of track know how(e) - excuse pun and a "leader" Connor and Nathan are capable of pushing on in a league slightly trimmed down for 2024. In Jake, MPT, and Lambo (Cpt Fantastic) we have three heat leaders. Luke Harrison has the time to go as far as he can in a debut season. So anything is a bonus. I think ws have a team to get behind I trust the riders and the management to serve up the entertanment again next season. Bring it on.

Seems we have a "big reveal" this morning. With Lambo, Jake & Luke already on the teamsheet. I will go Howarth, MPT, Connor and Nathan to complete the 7. Also the Stags reveal so I'll start with Luke...

Delighted to have Jake back integral part of the club. Arguably our best "team rider," as he demonstrated on more than the odd occasion when paired with Nathan Abliit last season. In next seasons Championship he can definitely up his 7.16 average.

I have read Worrall is bound for Glasgow ? But either way I believe we will need two top enders to go up against it in Heat 15. That team imo does lack that bit extra needed in final heats ?. Tofty never quite hit form last season mostly I would suggest down to injury and a lengthy absence. He could up the anti this time around ? I think it would be a mistake to not to go with Jake on 7.16. I would be disappointed if so as he is great to watch around Scunny and arguably our best "team rider". I get the point of a solid looking 1-7 but it will be those with 2-3 top riders who set the pace in this "remodelled" Championship. I'll take a punt and say this weeks reveal will be Jake Allen

Ok what would your line up be ?

If that is the team say we switch TJ for MPT. I do think it lacks some top end scoring potentially ?. I mentioned on the thread that Birmingham Aussie Justin Sedgeman could be a crafty signing. He regularly topped the scoring for Brummies and was a frequent guest called up by short handed clubs including us !. He goes well around Scunny and with Howarth and Jake would be a capable top three in this Championship. It means we would need to lose Connor Mountain who has been picked up by Belle Vue in the Prem. But we have the option to bring back Zaine Kennedy who looks a steal on 4.27 if he can pick up from his 2022 form before injury. I feel a lot more optimistic for this line up than I do yours ? But its a matter of opinion of course K Howarth Z Kennedy J Sedgeman S Lambert J Allen N Ablitt L Harrison

Kyle Howarth on 7.76 (after a 2 5% discount) would be a decent signing imo. More recently he hasnt revelled at the EWR as he did. But riding it regularly he can be a big scorer for us. He is the Sheffield Captain as well and a team cannot have too many leaders. See on the Plymouth thread they are saying hes signed for us. With Lambo back and Howarth thats a fair start to the 2024 building. I cannot see any sense in Jake not being back with us on 7.16 ?. He can push on in 2024, again he a hitter around Scunny and great to watch. Nathan Abliitt 3.00 must be in our thinking ? He certainly impressed at times around Scunny and can up his average in 2024. We have to include a Rising Star Brit at reserve so Luke Harrison looks to have Robs backing for that place. Quick round up then . Howarth 7.76, Jake 7.16, Lambo 5.87, Nathan 2.93, Luke H 2.00 I've discounted the British riders (except LH) by 2.5% to arrive at those figures = Total 25.72. Leaving 12.28 for the remaning two riders. Connor Mountain comes in on an adjusted 5.28. So that would leave 7.00 for the final place - Tommy Jorgensen would fit on his 6.39 Championship average but there will be a question mark with him coming back from serious injury last season. ? Tofty on 7.01 is just over if we include Connor? Unless we can shed 0.01 of a point somewhere ? Or do we look to Zaine Kennedy on a bargain 4.27 from 2022 leaving us 8 01 for the final rider. Got to say thats the option I would favour. I think someone on the thread has ruled out a possible Scunny return for Steve Worrall who would be a perfect No1 for us ?. With the numbers as they are its unlikely to involve any move for Josh Pickering (even if he was available?). "Just" looking down the averages there is another Aussie that we might have an eye on ? Usually goes well around Scunny and with Birmingham going Premier might be a contender ? .. Justin Sedgeman 7.69 ? So how about K Howarth 7.76, J Sedgeman 7.69, J Allen 7.16, S Lambert 5.87, Z Kennedy 4.27, N Ablitt 2.93, L Harrison 2.00 Total 37.68

It might have seemed a long shot a year ago but Josh Pickering would be on my hit list !. I believe he did say he was stepping away from Edinburgh and the Championship. Like Ryan he wanted to push on in the Euro Leagues But subsequently I read he could well be back in the Championship. He would be my "pick" to replace Ryan. Absolute "box office" racer around the EWR.

To be fair thats where I am with it. That way we have made as good a stab at covering the loss of Ryan wth two No1s. With Jake there its a powerful top three, but Lambo in 2023 form makes it a top four !. It is going to be the "top heavy" teams that gain in the Chanpionship this year. Zaine is a steal returning on a 4.27 average btw. While Nathan can push on from 2023's great efforts at reserve. Luke Harrisons the 2p RS but no pressure on him he can develop in a team like this. I commend this 1-7 to the Management.

Fair point and one I do accept, However we have surely agree that skimming off the top riders in the League and replacing them with NDL riders at the bottom has to be a lowering of standards. Protecting Heats within the meeting where those riders race amongst themselves mighf be the way. But then the consequence of that will be 3-4 Heats of NDL standard and fewer pukka Championship races. Hence its a devaluation. Just my view.

This 38pt limit concerns me. It must devalue the product for spectators with respect. Very likely two NDL riders at reserve for each team and some protected Heats ? So say 3-4 Heats at NDL level out of 15. £20 last season on the gate will buy you less entertainment this time around ? We know how 2023 served up a feast of great Speedway at the EWR. Plus we had a superb team that was bang easy for the supporters to invest in. Losing our No1 Ryan and the best rider in League is a massive hole to fill. We cannot expect the Club to fully replace him they cant. So its going to be a conjouring act from Rob and the Management for 2024.? I am certain Simon Lambert is back. I would sure like to think Jake Allen is with us and Nathan Ablitt did more than enough for a EWR return. Kyle Howarth or Steve Worrall would be up there as contenders to try plug the massive hole Ryan leaves ? But both are committed to Poland in 2024 so Friday night at Scunny may no longer fit for either of them ? Drew Kemp seemed to find a home at Scuuny after a tough start, he could certainly develop further with us as could Conor Mountain who at times was a vital cog in the 2023 line up. MPT had injury problems last season but fully fit should be a top rider at this level. Whilst we also have Tommy Jorgensen on our books but returning from a serious injury. Zaine Kennedy lost the whole of last season to a none speedway injury. Back fit and on a 4.27 average he could be an absolute steal. Whilst Robs clear admiration for Luke Harrison could very well land him the 2.00pt British development rider ticket ? It will be a conumdrum playing the points limit lottery. Which to me is "anti speedway" and always will be. Surely it should about teams putting out the best 1-7 they can and not about arguing over 0.01 of a point ?. Theres a lot to live up to at Scunny following the exploits of the class of 2023 and the sheer quality of action served week in week out. My backing is unequivocal of course But by design I fear there may be "an edge" knocked off the overall quality in the Championship next season ?. I would be quite happy to be proved wrong of course. So lets see what Rob & the Management can come up with ?

Apologies cearly over excited Moderator please feel free to merge or remove the thread

Important Announcement tomorrow Thursday 16 November 09:00am. I wonder ?