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thebaron

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Everything posted by thebaron

  1. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2024

    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.
  2. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2024

    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.
  3. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2024

    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.
  4. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2024

    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...
  5. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2024

    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.
  6. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2024

    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
  7. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2024

    Ok what would your line up be ?
  8. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2024

    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
  9. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2024

    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
  10. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2024

    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.
  11. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2024

    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.
  12. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2024

    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.
  13. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2024

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

    Scunthorpe 2024

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

    New Club for 2024?

    I'll leave this here ....Bradford
  17. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2023

    Clegg & Ablitt coming up with 1pt between them what a poor start from the pair of them. Absolutely certain Joe would have managed to get at least 2pts so doubling their woeful debut efforts. Robs dropped a clanger with these changes. Give it 28 days and we will be making more changes because the team average will tumble. Of course that means that June will likely be a write off away from home for us. If Dillion Rumls kit is in the UK I would see if he fancies it ? Or what about Geno Manzares hes already in Sweden is he not ? For me I would much rather watch Joe Thompson develop at Scunny than have Clegg or Ablitt who I have no allengence to at all. Might as well fill in with guests very disappointing.
  18. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2023

    I thinks its petty to be fair, keeping Dan Thompson sat on the side line, when he could be earning and learning in the Championship. Lets be honest is Dan Thompson a better rider than Zaine Kennedy irrespective of his measily 1pt average advantage. No disrespect but a fit Zaine is a notch up on Dan and would score more points at reserve. So we would not be strengthening by including Dan regardless of the 1pt on paper. The like of Dan Thompson, Max Clegg, Alfie Bowtell are above NDL standard or should be ? , and riding where possible in the Championship. It makes no common sense at all hold back these riders where there's an opportunity for them to race in competitive British Speedway. But of course when did Speedway ever make sense of itself ? Expect us now to try and run the averages down to fit Dan in; which will not be easy given that Jake, Conor and MPT are already on 2022 false averages and will soon exceeding them. Running averages down is a bit of a manipulation to be fair, and if its to happen usually means you have to be prepared to conceed certain scoring situations..
  19. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2023

    Good to see the team back at the EWR and going through their paces at Practice yesterday. Lovely sunny but chilly early evening. All "the talk" was how we might cover for Zaines absence. Hearing we are employing a 28 day guest reserve facility is a bit of a sticking plaster to it. Yet there alongside new Scorpion Joe Thompson was brother Dan. Such an obvious longer term solution to our problem spot. How utterley ridiculous is it that one of British Speedways "rising stars". The very kind that are the future of our leagues is sat out of the Championship riding third tier National League only. And why ? because he has a 1pt more on his 2022 average more than Zaine. Come on someone use some common sense. Please.
  20. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2023

    Its a real kick in the teeth is this so late on and very little leeway to bring in anyone that could be expected to do the job Zaine would do. We just seem jinxed to me, always something that upsets the apple cart and has us making up the numbers. Completely mucks up the team, as we will be weaker at reserve. Whole idea was with Zaine at reserve he would be able to get into the 1-5 and then we would still end up with a strong reserve if say Lambo dropped into reserve for a spell. Now having a reserve likely to challenge the 1-5 looks unlikely. I think Rob needs to be entirely honest with himself and us about this. IF Zaine is going to be 100% fit in the next 8 weeks he might be worth waiting for. But if not much as it pains me to say it we need to find a replacement that is up to the job and not just someone to make up the numbers. Seems few options out there with a 4.39 average that could offer what Zaine could do. I rate another Aussie Zain Kelleher who had a stint with Poole & Plymouth in 2021. Very dedicated motorcyclist, I think Plymouth approached him for this season. Might be worth a phone call even at this late stage. Any which way its a real downer and throws a damper on things just when we looked set up good and proper for a real go this season.
  21. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2023

    Superb to have Dougy back for 2023 he is the No1 at Scunny and arguably the Leagues top rider imo. Given the constraints of the 40pt the Management had done a great job. I had every rider on my sheet 1-7. Theres "improvement" right down the order and looking around rival 1-7s this has to be the most justified I have felt in saying we must be real challengers for top spot !. MPT is a key signing; if he can stay clear of knocks theres an 8pt + rider there. Jakes return likewise. We havent seen the best of Jake since pre 2020. But given a winter back home in Oz plus him securing a Prem place with Leicester. I really think we could be seeing the best of Shakey again. Theres a lot to be optimistic about in the the middle order too. Conor Mountain is one of the up and coming British racers. He comes in on the back of a great 2022 at Leicester & Prem Sheffield. Really unfortunate not to keep his place with Sheffield this season. Hes a bit of an EWR specialist and it will be interesting to see if he can put pressure on MPT-Jake for a heat leader spot. Lambo is Lambo; great clubman and skipper. Hes capable of big returns around Scunny. Ok the away scores may sometimes let him down. But gives nothing less than 100% and a really important part of the team. Zaine; its great to have him back after that shocking crash last season. He was finding good form when that happened and ended his season. From the reports in Oz hes going well and recently ran Dougy close in the Brisbane Open meeting. No pressure; I do expect Zaine to up his average this season and starts as reserve ! Finally Joe Thompson another up and coming British racer. Put in some great scores for Leicester last season. At times he was out scoring twin brother Dan who had looked the one developing the faster. JT knows the right way around Scunny haven ridden countless times at Development, National & Champ levels. He could be a real trump card at reserve. So like I say, we must be up there with a line up like this. If not something will have gone badly wrong. Lets look forward to a great 2023 I honestly think it can be our time. Merry Christmas & Happy NY one and all. Þ
  22. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2023

    Thats as near as you get to 40pts. Relies on Tofty really upping it to back Ryan. Hes very able to do that. I might take Conor Mountain over Anders Rowe. Thing I notice is that AR can start the season well then dip a bit or even end up released by his club ? Suppose now is the time for him to push on similar to Mountain. Lambos a popular rider committed and Scunny through and through. On his EWR prowess yes, but on his away scores maybe not ? I think neither of us are a million miles off points limit depending.
  23. thebaron

    Scunthorpe 2023

    I had Joe T down in my permutations so pleased with his signing. He did have some good shows round Leicester last season. He knows the way round Scunny , so a 3.00 average leaves room to up it in 2023. I have heard that a former Scunny rider could be back. MPT would be a steal on 6.76 at this level. While Jake is also very handy on 6.30. Ryans is a must to "the business" of Scunthorpe Speedway. Hes an outstanding No1 and close to being the leagues top man. I will not be alone in hoping to see Zaine Kennedy back again. He was just showing good form, then the "big off". Great to watch round Scunny and on 4.27 room for more. I would be tempted to go for Conor Mountain with Leicester going Prem. 4.84 is value and hes another that goes well at the EWR. A developing talent. So Ryan 9.38, Jake 6.30, MPT 6.76, Zaine 4.27, Conor M 4.84, Joe T 3.00 = 34.55. That would leave 7.45 if we are working to a 42 limit ? Thats a decent number to bring in a "biggish hitter" at this level to back Ryan. I do think we have to bring in a rider who can be a big scorer particularly away to support Ryan. Kyle Howarth would be perfect for me but on 8.88 would tip us over a 42 limit. Lets see.
  24. thebaron

    Scunthorpe Scorpions 2022

    Happy as a little lad opening his Xmas prezzies this morning ! Wow Ryan & Jake coming home ! we cannot ask for better certainly around the EWR then throw in the "Aussie spirit" with Zaine as well and we can look forward to a cracking 2022 season ahead imo. Simon Lambert should have a beeeze of a job as skipper of this team; Aussies always bring it on track and they will bring Tero; Jordan and Ryan II along too. Always think the team have to relate the fans and this one defintely has that factor about it. Thanks to Rob & the Management for delivering ! Excited ? Absolutely am ! Merry Christmas all !
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