coldace

As much as I'm really disappointed that Dan won't be in the team, and want to blame someone, I have to say that this sounds like a credible interpretation of events. Just hope we can sign a decent 'replacement'.

Nice to see Conner back, he was good to watch when with the Colts. Must say I haven't kept up with the duties of a number 8 this year. Do they have to be present at all matches? Do they get any rides on the night? Are they able to replace anyone injured during a match? Would appreciate it if anyone knows. I've largely given up looking at the finer details that emerge from the annual get together.

I think that's true. However, in the past riders who rode at smaller tracks didn't have the power or set ups to compete on big, fast tracks. It seems to me that modern bikes are built for speed and fast tracks so much less advantage for us at the NSS.

On the Unofficial BV Fans page on facebook

That sounds ominous. Especially reading Grahame Darlington's posts on the subject. He is a balanced and sensible poster who is mostly correct about things Wolverhampton, so not good. Assuming that we don't get Tai then we would need to get three riders who combined, would be better than the Worralls and Etheridge. Allen and/or BWD might fit but who else? It doesn't seem like Bjerre or Tungagte are possible so you might be right Phil, a year of struggle! I really hope not.

Do you have a link to the 5-1 one show. I'd like to listen to it. Thanks

Any whispers about Tungate Phil?

That's a steal. If the rumour has any substance, he would certainly fit.

Out of interest, with this speculation about Tai, what would his average be?

I agree it wasn't the 'big 5' that had anything to do with it really. It was how rider allocation ensured that all teams were about equal in strength. Previously in 62 they attempted to make it more competitive in the NL with handicapping. That really didn't work. Some experienced riders who dropped to reserve suddenly had a 10 yard start on the majority of other riders and a 20 yard start on the 'big 5'. Ludicrous!

He'd be good at 2 or 6 for me. Had some strong rides for Wolves at the NSS last year. Also young and should improve.

But it did work, at least for the first several years of the British League from 1965. The fifteen to twenty years after '64 were the most successful that I ever experienced, good crowds, an abundance of strong British riders coming through and top riders from other countries regularly riding. The last few years of the old National League in the 1960s is a bit similar to what's happening in the Premier League now. Ever decreasing teams competing, dwindling interest and fans picking and choosing when they attend. Pity we don't have someone to impose their presence, reorganise the league, allocate riders and create a credible structure that could be sold to sponsors. The product is still very accessible but the organisation around it lacks all credibility I'm afraid. .

Agree that Tom will push on. I believe that his scores at the NSS will improve in 2022, they were generally not as good as his away scores last year. If he can gate a little better at home he will be hard to catch. He is shaping up as someone who can go all the way but next year may be crucial for his development.

We are short of 3 riders I thought. Have I missed someone?

I guess it will be dependent on the deal being offered.

With Blodorn at reserve makes us weak at 6 and 7. Really hoping Tom can build on last season and get more dialed in around the NSS. I'd keep him who ever else we sign. If Grajczonek is returning to the UK I'd go for him but also think Bjerre would be a good move.

Totally agree about Tungate. With him and Batch in the top five I would consider that we were far stronger at home and that is what has let us down the past few years. If not Tungate then Bjerre for me.

That looks a good start for a solid team. I'd be happy with that. Do you know what points are left for the last two Phil? Any thoughts on who would fit?

Is this a statement or a question?

If we don't have both Bewley and Fricke, probably likely, then we need to pack the team with NSS specialists. Phil's point earlier about making sure we can win at home consistently is dead right. I'd go for Batchelor and gamble on him regaining form. Also, maybe trying to get a swap with Wolves, Steve Worrall for Douglas. I think the switch would benefit both riders and both teams. Anyone know whether Tungate would be a possibility? Also, another to consider would be Bjerre.

Have you forgotten the season he had with Swindon before the Covid crisis? I's have him at BV, track suits him

Having seen Morris and Lawson around the NSS many times, I'd disagree. Lawson is far better.

Any news about who will be replacing Sam McGurk on Friday? Looking forward to seeing some action again this stop-start season.

Thanks Rob. I wondered how it worked. I'm now doubtful as to whether the source was the NSS as the guys I sat with have had no similar notification. Must have come up against some dodgy person around Chorley where I live!

Is that right? So the thing is constantly monitoring your movement? If I turn off my phone presumably it can no longer do so, right? Only asking as I got the 'ping' this morning and I've only checked in at the NSS on Monday. I've tested this morning and I'm negative but still have to isolate for 7 days. It suggests that I was near someone on Monday who subsequently tested positive so I have to isolate for the remainder of the mandatory 10 days. I sit in Block D, Row D ahead of the starting gate. Only consolation is my isolation will be over before the next home match. Hope nobody else tests positive.