TurnTwo 317 Posted January 12, 2017 I don't think they will be unfortunately mike, Andrews isn't a number 2 from what I've read from cradley fans they saw him as useless last year, heathen1984 - your comments on this? Smart ain't a heat leader, Walker isn't exactly a world beater nor is Atkins if they sign Mattie Bates they have 4 reserves Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heathen1984 139 Posted January 12, 2017 Richard Andrews was awful for us last season but pretty sure he is a better rider to what he showed us last season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TurnTwo 317 Posted January 13, 2017 Plymouth must be hoping so Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sings4Speedway 3,246 Posted January 13, 2017 I don't think they will be unfortunately mike, Andrews isn't a number 2 from what I've read from cradley fans they saw him as useless last year, heathen1984 - your comments on this? Smart ain't a heat leader, Walker isn't exactly a world beater nor is Atkins if they sign Mattie Bates they have 4 reserves A lot of home track specialists though. Agree Walker hasn't really progressed in 2 years but Atkins is one of the hot reserve signings. Im hoping for a successful season at Plymouth to help with crowd numbers etc likewise Lakeside however i feel the most optimistic i can be about the Devils is mid table. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gazzac 1,013 Posted January 13, 2017 (edited) Last season there was always a feeling that Birmingham or Eastbourne would win the various competitions from pretty early on with Kent possibly in the mix as well. This year looks wide open. Probably become evident in the first couple of months who's more likely to succeed, but reacon perhaps half the teams will be in the equation instead of 3 last year. Good news for the league. Edited January 13, 2017 by gazzac 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hunters 210 Posted January 13, 2017 Foolish I know to make forecasts before teams are finalised but assuming Belle Vue have the team that has been proposed I believe it will be a league of two halves. Alphabetically Belle Vue, Birmingham, Cradley, Eastbourne, IOW and Mildenhall in the top half and the others in the bottom. At the risk of upsetting some fellow south eastern supporters unless there are some surprises to come I really do not like the look of Lakeside or Kent. Good Friday doubles Lakeside/Eastbourne and Mildenhall/Kent should be very revealing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TurnTwo 317 Posted January 13, 2017 Interesting promo from the eagles Aaron from Geordie shore shouting their name on a video Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Halifaxtiger 5,318 Posted January 15, 2017 With the National League looking to bring on young riders. Why do we need to talk about Hurry, Mason, Atkin, Armstrong etc. Lets get a kid in and see if Eastbourne's coaching is up to scratch. We really need someone other than and his dad or his brother in Kelsey's ear, we all know that kids and siblings usually do the opposite of why they are told by older family members, I am sure he and Tom can up their ave by 2. If it is to be a surprise, it will not be anyone from last years greensheet ave's. You need anyone but those two in his ear. Dugard looked twice the rider at Isle of Wight and he became hugely popular there partly because they looked after him and he didn't have his father and brother telling him how crap he was all the time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hunters 210 Posted January 15, 2017 You need anyone but those two in his ear. Dugard looked twice the rider at Isle of Wight and he became hugely popular there partly because they looked after him and he didn't have his father and brother telling him how crap he was all the time. An interesting comment, I have been a big enthusiast of Kelsey since he was 11 and will never forget his joy at race victories in back to back heats over Baseby and Shanes in 2015. If you are right and he has improved that much then his average should soar this year as leaving Arlington pushed it back a little last year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TurnTwo 317 Posted January 17, 2017 Kelsey has potential. His first year I've never seen so many crashes from a rookie whilst in scoring positions he hardly ever fell at the back mainly when he had got round someone. His year last year didn't have many apart from the one where he nearly ended his year and Georgie woods with that horrible crash on bend 3/4. I hope he kicks on this year as looking through who he rode against in the youth championships, all of them seemed to have kicked on and kelsey hasn't yet (not saying he can't) but look at: Mountain - pl reserve / NL #1 Greaves - el / pl reserve / NL #5 Clegg - el / pl reserve / NLRC Bates - pl second string / el reserve Danyon Hume - pl reserve / NL #5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevec 300 Posted January 17, 2017 You need anyone but those two in his ear. Dugard looked twice the rider at Isle of Wight and he became hugely popular there partly because they looked after him and he didn't have his father and brother telling him how crap he was all the time. I usually steer clear of reacting to comments like this and have done this one since I first viewed it but I keep coming back to this. Firstly, I am NOT in the know and dont have any ties within speedway hence why I rarely make comments about riders or anyone else within speedway but just look at the comment. You need ANYONE but those two in your ear. I have had a little involvement with Eastbourne over the last few years, through sponsorship of an Elite League rider and the National League plus I helped a little at the track and attended training sessions with my son and I found Martin incredibly helpful. He is one of the FIRST people I would want in my sons ear about riding speedway. I would imagine they are pretty hard on him as his father and brother but I also have the 'feeling' (I dont actually know) that Kelsey does not always like to listen. Something he has as good as admitted. So yeh, maybe there are some relationship issues but to make that statement seems a bit naff. But. Maybe you speak from experience and if you do, I take it all back. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sings4Speedway 3,246 Posted January 17, 2017 In now way relating to this particular scenario but some riders do need firm guidance and keeping their feet on the ground as much as some need continual gentle encouragement. There is a trend at present to blow smoke up the trumpet of any rider who shows a little promise on a speedway bike. Every rider is a person & every person requires different treatment & reacts to praise/criticism differently. Frustratingly its the nature of the beast that we hear about the negative relationships far more often than the positive ones. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nathan Mole 13 Posted January 17, 2017 Many Eastbourne fans know how lazy Kelsey is and is the reason why Connor would only bring Kelsey back aslong as he agreed stepped up his game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gazzac 1,013 Posted January 17, 2017 (edited) I remember at the end of the 2015 season the announcer having a 'game' with the riders asking such questions as who's the laziest, who moans the most etc and nearly all the other riders said Kelsey. It was done tongue in cheek but I would imagine since a young age his brother and dad would have always been 'nagging' him in the usual family way. I get the impression this is probably a throw on from that with no malice intended just a bit of banter to get him going. Edited January 17, 2017 by gazzac 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Falcon Hammer 576 Posted January 17, 2017 Remember Martin saying that Kelsey wouldn't make it as a great rider back in 2012 at the Lakeside Rico Memorial meeting - said he didn't have the application & dedication. They seem to get on fine though, as last year Martin drove Kelsey to some meetings & Kelsey helped out in the Eastbourne pits If Kelsey applies himself he has the potential to become an excellent rider Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
