Steve0

Sorry - what have Swindon done wrong thus far in this situation? If someone has a contract then they can be "dumped" as you put it - if they don't perform. I don't agree with "dumping" someone because there is a perceived better option available. It happens but doesn't mean it's right! I stand by my original comment - ban him!

As I have said before, if Nick has signed a contract for Swindon and doesn't ride for Swindon but another team at EL level - he should get a ban as he is effectively withholding services. I appreciate that Somerset did the dirty on him but two wrongs don't make a right! I have nothing against him maximising his earning potential but to renege on a deal is so unprofessional and unless it is dealt with harshly then it will open the floodgates. He'll need to earn more now anyway to cover the accommodation that he now has to look for!

A total can of worms! I'm really getting so disillusioned with this sport now! As for Nick doing nothing wrong and wishing him all the best - what a crock!!

When Nick first rode for us, I'm sure that he was a full-time EL rider - it was only later that he started doubling up. Maybe he just has to go back to that with Sweden and Poland?

He may have been unhappy at the time - as would anyone knocked off their motorcycle but he doesn't sound too unhappy in this article http://www.flicwiltshirenews.com/Sport/Speedway/Batchelor-looking-to-push-on.aspx#.Usr7338gGK1

Having watched Poole at Swindon a few years back with so many engine failures in one meeting and the Joe Screen incident - yes I can categorically say that Poole cheated - not hearsay! Now, can you prove they didn't?

Reading between the lines... "Looking to sign Brady Kurtz - was scuppered but is now trying to find a loophole so he can include him in the team"

Always follows Poole ... And then the rest of us get blamed of being jealous - as if!!

I think it's fair to say he is a reliable source - so no!

You are both as bad as each other! OK SS is definitely worse than you - just

Blue touch paper well and truly lit

It's not a rumour! Paul Burbidge tweeted it from Kurri Kurri.

Oh dear - That'll hit a few teams! Thanks to Paul Burbidge for his tweets to keep us informed.

They certainly do whine

Just as well leagues aren't won on paper!

That'll see them all come flooding in! It's a good gesture but, as was shown last season, speedway is a £10 sport and especially now that it has been so diluted.

Christmas is a long way off

When I saw Klindt last year it was obvious he had lost his bottle - he throttled off going into the corners and generally didn't look like he wanted to mix it with the other riders any more. He then had a spell in the PL and his scores improved so, hopefully, he is over whatever his mental block was last year. He is a risk - he will either be great or a flop and we'll find out once the season starts. I think it will be the former and we will see the old Nicolai back (with further improvements)

Ho! Ho! Ho!

That's Kings Lynn with 2x3 pointers in the 1-5!! Really?? Schlein is usually prone to picking up an injury/losing form during a season - how will he be covered with those 2 second strings and the Lewis'?? I think they have a strong top 3 but there are 7 riders in a team

Yup - you won nothing Happy New Year to all wolves fans - was just joking

A Happy and prosperous New Year to you all (Robins and other speedway fans) - here's to a great 2014

Sheffield would definitely be a problem as they have the same race night as Swindon but Glasgow are a Sunday night track and that would preclude him riding in Poland not Swindon.

Following the announcement of Gustafsson, Nicolai's signing was a no-brainer! He was the highlight of our 2011season - let's hope he's got his mojo back because last season was a major disaster. He has the ability to bounce back and I hope he does. He could easily put a couple of points on his average - and I'm sure that's what KL were looking for this season. So looking at the team (1-5): Kildemand - should continue his improvement and develop into a recognised #1 and at least maintain his current average or increase it slightly Morris - if he rides for us (and I hope he does) should be good to up his average by at least a point Gustafsson - a change if track should help him push on to the next level and should up his average by at least a point Klindt - could easily put 2 points on his average if he gets his head clear or could flop Batchelor - will make the step up this year and increase his average in this weakened league So all 5 have improvement in them but it's on the track where it counts - not on paper. This team certainly won't have the favourites tag this year (and that's not a bad thing) but could be in the fight for a play-off place. If I'm honest ALL teams seem pretty average this year so the title will be there for the taking for the team with the biggest hunger to win and luck in steering clear of injuries - oh and peaking at the right time - no point in finishing top if you run out of steam in the play-offs!

However Poole are probably the most successful club over the last decade