Predictions thread

[poolebolton 464]

1 hour ago, Wee Eck said:

Was it not Homer who said “things are difficult to predict, especially the future”. That’s Homer Simpson not Homer the Greek philosopher. 
Anyway, it’s too early to make any overall assessments, but I’ll go with three predictions for now:

Justin Sedgmen won’t last the season at Glasgow and neither will Ostergaard unless he gets some decent kit. 
Poole will find their anti-Brit stance will bite them on the backside. They’ve dropped a league to save money and now are having to look at expensive fly in fly out riders to get anywhere near competitive. 
Leicester will discover the folly of allowing Stewart Dickson to build the team, especially having two 2 point riders at reserve. (See Glasgow 2004)

You realise that all 4 poole riders named so far live in the U.K. and most likely another 2 will live here as well. 

[phillwhitewasmad 1,486]

I predict scunny will win more at home than they lose and will lose more away than they win. Berwick will be there abouts for the play off spots. As for the rest not right bothered 

[Wee Eck 703]

15 minutes ago, poolebolton said:

You realise that all 4 poole riders named so far live in the U.K. and most likely another 2 will live here as well. 

3 live in UK. One will be based in UK. Two - King and McDonald are part of the Sheffield/Poole exchanges. Neilsen has had more tracks than most other riders, Steve is the only one I can see took some negotiation. 
Look at Eastbourne - a well balanced team of British riders. That’s how CL should go, rather than importing  overseas riders whose only claim to fame is that their average fits

[poolebolton 464]

Just now, Wee Eck said:

3 live in UK. One will be based in UK. Two - King and McDonald are part of the Sheffield/Poole exchanges. Neilsen has had more tracks than most other riders, Steve is the only one I can see took some negotiation. 
Look at Eastbourne - a well balanced team of British riders. That’s how CL should go, rather than importing  overseas riders whose only claim to fame is that their average fits

King has nothing to do with Sheffield. Not an asset so it’s nothing to do with them. Nielsen has been at Scunny most years. Had a few prem tracks but been at Scunny most of the time. 
 

Also that’s every team bar Eastbourne has riders from other nations. Poole will most likely Have 5 Brits and 1 more who is based in the U.K. 

Once again we haven’t done much wrong in fact same as most clubs or better in fact. 
 

Edinburgh have 3 Brits 

Glasgow Have 2 Brits. 
 

[Dandelion 775]

I get the feeling some people on here are just trying to wind Poolebolton up... I have not really read the Poole thread, so I don't know his/her background... Might be a right pain in the arse, but from what I have seen he/she seems like a decent honest poster on this forum and the only reason people are giving him/her a hard time is because he/she is a Poole fan... Don't really see what he/she has done wrong here other than predict results on a PREDICTIONS thread? A league that his/her team is in too... Some people confuse me on here and seem to hold grudges against what seem like (to me) perfectly reasonable forum users... If anyone's the troll here it isn't Poolebolton... Again I must stress that I have not read any Poole threads so I dunno the background to this hostility against them... And I know Poole are a bit of a controversial club at times, but why take it out on the club's fans and give them a hard time on a public forum?

If what I know is right, what Poole tried to do with that certain Danish rider was not very well, but EVERY team has tried little tricks like that at some point in time... Like when the Diamonds (I'll use my team as an example to show I'm not being bias) tried to bring in Robert Lambert as a 2.00er!! Despite the fact he had EL experience at that point in time already... I welcome Poole to this league with open arms personally, a new team, new faces, a big name in this league making up extra numbers!! What is wrong with that? It's nothing but good for our Championship that it continues to grow!! I'd rather Poole be in this league than go bust and not exist at all

Edited December 16, 2019 by Dandelion

[poolebolton 464]

2 minutes ago, Dandelion said:

I get the feeling some people on here are just trying to wind Poolebolton up... I have not really read the Poole thread, so I don't know his/her background... Might be a right pain in the arse, but from what I have seen he/she seems like a decent honest poster on this forum and the only reason people are giving him/her a hard time is because he/she is a Poole fan... Don't really see what he/she has done wrong here other than predict results on a PREDICTIONS thread? A league that his/her team is in too... Some people confuse me on here and seem to hold grudges against what seem like (to me) perfectly reasonable forum users... If anyone's the troll here it isn't Poolebolton... Again I must stress that I have not read any Poole threads so I dunno the background to this hostility against them... And I know Poole are a bit of a controversial club at times, but why take it out on the club's fans and give them a hard time on a public forum?

If what I know is right, what Poole tried to do with that certain Danish rider was not very well, but EVERY team has tried little tricks like that at some point in time... Like when the Diamonds (I'll use my team as an example to show I'm not being bias) tried to bring in Robert Lambert as a 2.00er!! Despite the fact he had EL experience at that point in time already... I welcome Poole to this league with open arms personally, a new team, new faces, a big name in this league making up extra numbers!! What is wrong with that? It's nothing but good for our Championship that it continues to grow!! I'd rather Poole be in this league than go bust and not exist at all

He 

[Dandelion 775]

1 minute ago, poolebolton said:

He 

Thought so but didn't want to assume

[poolebolton 464]

Just now, Dandelion said:

Thought so but didn't want to assume

I’m just trying to create some prediction debate. I want a berwick fan telling me why they shouldn’t be 10th in my prediction. 

[Fromafar 10,338]

5 minutes ago, poolebolton said:

I’m just trying to create some prediction debate. I want a berwick fan telling me why they shouldn’t be 10th in my prediction. 

Maybe they will be 10th though

[Dandelion 775]

Anyhow... Back to what this thread is all about... My predictions...

1. Poole - Even though they're not complete, if they do finish with Adam Ellis as their other heatleader I think despite whoever else they sign the top 3, plus Stefan and Josh at reserve, will be more than enough to beat most teams at home and away, yes I know they're not the most popular of clubs, but you can't just forget about them. I am struggling though whether to put them of Leicester as favourites and maybe the final 2 signings for Poole will dictate that for me (Revisit in the future).

2. Leicester - Despite having two 16 year olds at reserve who have zero experience of the CL whatsoever, the reports coming back from them are unreal!! Sounds like they're the next big things... At least at home they should cope, but if they can pick it up away Leicester look stand out favourites to me, but riders like Ty, Kyle and Nick CAN be a little inconsistent at times also... Hope the Thompson twins have a strong and successful first year at this level.

3. Glasgow - Changes to be made at some point I'm sure, but the current Glasgow 1-7 look pretty good regardless. Second best rider in the league and probably the best reserve too. Not sure if the likes of Ricky AND Justin can both recapture their form of old, but if only one of them does, Glasgow could be a big force in the league once again. Hope Connor and Broc have a good year again.

4. Eastbourne - Done great on keeping the main spine of the team together and I think they look pretty strong, solid 1-5 all the way through and decent young reserves, glad they resigned Tom Brennan in a team where it looks as if there'll be little pressure on him at number 2? Have a lot of respect for Eastbourne and I can't wait to see them in action next season.

5. Redcar - *shudders* I am predicting them to scrape into the playoffs, with the best rider in the league and the second best heatleader trio they've got a VERY powerful top end... If Jordan and Kasper kick on as well the top 5 could win the meetings all by themselves... Look extremely weak at reserve though, they desperately need either Joe or Jordan to have their breakout years this year... Good luck smoggies 

6. Birmingham - Solid team of racers, I really like the look of their team and all of them give 110% to the cause!! Would think the Brummies fans are much happier with this team compared to last year, I see them pushing for the playoffs but not guaranteed on making it, potentially down to the inconsistency of THJ (I hope I'm proved wrong, big fan of his) and the injury proneness of some of the other riders (Again, hope I'm wrong on this).

7. Somerset - Their weakest looking team for a while!! Losing Nick Morris, Chris Harris and Nico Covatti was bad enough... But they've not exactly replaced them very well... Josh and Ben likely to not do a whole season (For one reason or another) and despite them being very entertaining, I really don't see Somerset as a very strong title contender at all, which is what a club that size should be aiming for every season. Think once Bradley's average has dropped 1/1.5 points changes will be made for sure and maybe that will push them higher up this list, but for now... They remain JUST outside the playoffs for me.

8. Newcastle - I could have been bias and put them at number 1 But realistically I know we don't have the strongest looking side so far and unless we manage to get Kenni in on a 4.00 assessed average we don't look to be too threatening either, but the team is still decent considering our uncertainty at the beginning of the season and how much later we had to start than everyone else. Btw best reserve PARTNERSHIP in the league... And I'm really looking forward to seeing James, Connor and Max improve next season and some of Mattys impressive inside passes on bend 4

9. Edinburgh - Despite the fact I think they will make pretty drastic changes at some point in the season and will look much strong because of this, the team Edinburgh have now I reckon will finish around about here. Of course very strong top end as usual for Edinburgh and James Sarjeant at reserve is impressive, but I'm not sure how the two new faces will do, especially considering one of them will be at number 4, would like to see them both kick on though, obviously.

10. Scunthorpe - Pretty usual, boring looking Scunny side, but probably one of the strongest they've fielded since they won the little knockout trophy at the end of 2012 when the Diamonds were LEAGUE winners  Simon Lambert is a great reserve and I'm sure Jordan Palin will increase his 2.00 average significantly... Josh Auty easily the weakest number 1 however and will only really do ok at home... Think Jake Allen will kick on though and the likes of Tommy and Danny will increase on their averages also... Jealous Tero is riding for yous and not Newcastle like

11. Kent - Think the first year for Kent was always going to be a struggle, and they do have top riders like Scott and Cameron in their team. Not sure how Nico will handle being the second heatleader, especially away and they don't look massively strong at reserve, even though I'm glad they signed Dan as I think he will be great next year!! Kent, another team I have a lot of respect for.

12. Berwick - Look pretty weak despite having some good racers in the team in Aaron Summers and NBJ, like what they've done at reserve though, two young local(ish) reserves who will form a good partnership imo... But that still doesn't take away from how weak their team looks overall... Sorry Berwick.

Feel free to counterargument in a polite manner

[Dandelion 775]

23 minutes ago, Fromafar said:

Maybe they will be 10th though

12th probably...

[foamfence 2,917]

21 minutes ago, Dandelion said:

Anyhow... Back to what this thread is all about... My predictions...

1. Poole - Even though they're not complete, if they do finish with Adam Ellis as their other heatleader I think despite whoever else they sign the top 3, plus Stefan and Josh at reserve, will be more than enough to beat most teams at home and away, yes I know they're not the most popular of clubs, but you can't just forget about them. I am struggling though whether to put them of Leicester as favourites and maybe the final 2 signings for Poole will dictate that for me (Revisit in the future).

2. Leicester - Despite having two 16 year olds at reserve who have zero experience of the CL whatsoever, the reports coming back from them are unreal!! Sounds like they're the next big things... At least at home they should cope, but if they can pick it up away Leicester look stand out favourites to me, but riders like Ty, Kyle and Nick CAN be a little inconsistent at times also... Hope the Thompson twins have a strong and successful first year at this level.

3. Glasgow - Changes to be made at some point I'm sure, but the current Glasgow 1-7 look pretty good regardless. Second best rider in the league and probably the best reserve too. Not sure if the likes of Ricky AND Justin can both recapture their form of old, but if only one of them does, Glasgow could be a big force in the league once again. Hope Connor and Broc have a good year again.

4. Eastbourne - Done great on keeping the main spine of the team together and I think they look pretty strong, solid 1-5 all the way through and decent young reserves, glad they resigned Tom Brennan in a team where it looks as if there'll be little pressure on him at number 2? Have a lot of respect for Eastbourne and I can't wait to see them in action next season.

5. Redcar - *shudders* I am predicting them to scrape into the playoffs, with the best rider in the league and the second best heatleader trio they've got a VERY powerful top end... If Jordan and Kasper kick on as well the top 5 could win the meetings all by themselves... Look extremely weak at reserve though, they desperately need either Joe or Jordan to have their breakout years this year... Good luck smoggies 

6. Birmingham - Solid team of racers, I really like the look of their team and all of them give 110% to the cause!! Would think the Brummies fans are much happier with this team compared to last year, I see them pushing for the playoffs but not guaranteed on making it, potentially down to the inconsistency of THJ (I hope I'm proved wrong, big fan of his) and the injury proneness of some of the other riders (Again, hope I'm wrong on this).

7. Somerset - Their weakest looking team for a while!! Losing Nick Morris, Chris Harris and Nico Covatti was bad enough... But they've not exactly replaced them very well... Josh and Ben likely to not do a whole season (For one reason or another) and despite them being very entertaining, I really don't see Somerset as a very strong title contender at all, which is what a club that size should be aiming for every season. Think once Bradley's average has dropped 1/1.5 points changes will be made for sure and maybe that will push them higher up this list, but for now... They remain JUST outside the playoffs for me.

8. Newcastle - I could have been bias and put them at number 1 But realistically I know we don't have the strongest looking side so far and unless we manage to get Kenni in on a 4.00 assessed average we don't look to be too threatening either, but the team is still decent considering our uncertainty at the beginning of the season and how much later we had to start than everyone else. Btw best reserve PARTNERSHIP in the league... And I'm really looking forward to seeing James, Connor and Max improve next season and some of Mattys impressive inside passes on bend 4

9. Edinburgh - Despite the fact I think they will make pretty drastic changes at some point in the season and will look much strong because of this, the team Edinburgh have now I reckon will finish around about here. Of course very strong top end as usual for Edinburgh and James Sarjeant at reserve is impressive, but I'm not sure how the two new faces will do, especially considering one of them will be at number 4, would like to see them both kick on though, obviously.

10. Scunthorpe - Pretty usual, boring looking Scunny side, but probably one of the strongest they've fielded since they won the little knockout trophy at the end of 2012 when the Diamonds were LEAGUE winners  Simon Lambert is a great reserve and I'm sure Jordan Palin will increase his 2.00 average significantly... Josh Auty easily the weakest number 1 however and will only really do ok at home... Think Jake Allen will kick on though and the likes of Tommy and Danny will increase on their averages also... Jealous Tero is riding for yous and not Newcastle like

11. Kent - Think the first year for Kent was always going to be a struggle, and they do have top riders like Scott and Cameron in their team. Not sure how Nico will handle being the second heatleader, especially away and they don't look massively strong at reserve, even though I'm glad they signed Dan as I think he will be great next year!! Kent, another team I have a lot of respect for.

12. Berwick - Look pretty weak despite having some good racers in the team in Aaron Summers and NBJ, like what they've done at reserve though, two young local(ish) reserves who will form a good partnership imo... But that still doesn't take away from how weak their team looks overall... Sorry Berwick.

Feel free to counterargument in a polite manner

Obviously an anti Redcar bias, or is it just the inferiority complex emerging?

[Skidder1 7,632]

20 minutes ago, Dandelion said:

Anyhow... Back to what this thread is all about... My predictions...

1. Poole - Even though they're not complete, if they do finish with Adam Ellis as their other heatleader I think despite whoever else they sign the top 3, plus Stefan and Josh at reserve, will be more than enough to beat most teams at home and away, yes I know they're not the most popular of clubs, but you can't just forget about them. I am struggling though whether to put them of Leicester as favourites and maybe the final 2 signings for Poole will dictate that for me (Revisit in the future).

2. Leicester - Despite having two 16 year olds at reserve who have zero experience of the CL whatsoever, the reports coming back from them are unreal!! Sounds like they're the next big things... At least at home they should cope, but if they can pick it up away Leicester look stand out favourites to me, but riders like Ty, Kyle and Nick CAN be a little inconsistent at times also... Hope the Thompson twins have a strong and successful first year at this level.

3. Glasgow - Changes to be made at some point I'm sure, but the current Glasgow 1-7 look pretty good regardless. Second best rider in the league and probably the best reserve too. Not sure if the likes of Ricky AND Justin can both recapture their form of old, but if only one of them does, Glasgow could be a big force in the league once again. Hope Connor and Broc have a good year again.

4. Eastbourne - Done great on keeping the main spine of the team together and I think they look pretty strong, solid 1-5 all the way through and decent young reserves, glad they resigned Tom Brennan in a team where it looks as if there'll be little pressure on him at number 2? Have a lot of respect for Eastbourne and I can't wait to see them in action next season.

5. Redcar - *shudders* I am predicting them to scrape into the playoffs, with the best rider in the league and the second best heatleader trio they've got a VERY powerful top end... If Jordan and Kasper kick on as well the top 5 could win the meetings all by themselves... Look extremely weak at reserve though, they desperately need either Joe or Jordan to have their breakout years this year... Good luck smoggies 

6. Birmingham - Solid team of racers, I really like the look of their team and all of them give 110% to the cause!! Would think the Brummies fans are much happier with this team compared to last year, I see them pushing for the playoffs but not guaranteed on making it, potentially down to the inconsistency of THJ (I hope I'm proved wrong, big fan of his) and the injury proneness of some of the other riders (Again, hope I'm wrong on this).

7. Somerset - Their weakest looking team for a while!! Losing Nick Morris, Chris Harris and Nico Covatti was bad enough... But they've not exactly replaced them very well... Josh and Ben likely to not do a whole season (For one reason or another) and despite them being very entertaining, I really don't see Somerset as a very strong title contender at all, which is what a club that size should be aiming for every season. Think once Bradley's average has dropped 1/1.5 points changes will be made for sure and maybe that will push them higher up this list, but for now... They remain JUST outside the playoffs for me.

8. Newcastle - I could have been bias and put them at number 1 But realistically I know we don't have the strongest looking side so far and unless we manage to get Kenni in on a 4.00 assessed average we don't look to be too threatening either, but the team is still decent considering our uncertainty at the beginning of the season and how much later we had to start than everyone else. Btw best reserve PARTNERSHIP in the league... And I'm really looking forward to seeing James, Connor and Max improve next season and some of Mattys impressive inside passes on bend 4

9. Edinburgh - Despite the fact I think they will make pretty drastic changes at some point in the season and will look much strong because of this, the team Edinburgh have now I reckon will finish around about here. Of course very strong top end as usual for Edinburgh and James Sarjeant at reserve is impressive, but I'm not sure how the two new faces will do, especially considering one of them will be at number 4, would like to see them both kick on though, obviously.

10. Scunthorpe - Pretty usual, boring looking Scunny side, but probably one of the strongest they've fielded since they won the little knockout trophy at the end of 2012 when the Diamonds were LEAGUE winners  Simon Lambert is a great reserve and I'm sure Jordan Palin will increase his 2.00 average significantly... Josh Auty easily the weakest number 1 however and will only really do ok at home... Think Jake Allen will kick on though and the likes of Tommy and Danny will increase on their averages also... Jealous Tero is riding for yous and not Newcastle like

11. Kent - Think the first year for Kent was always going to be a struggle, and they do have top riders like Scott and Cameron in their team. Not sure how Nico will handle being the second heatleader, especially away and they don't look massively strong at reserve, even though I'm glad they signed Dan as I think he will be great next year!! Kent, another team I have a lot of respect for.

12. Berwick - Look pretty weak despite having some good racers in the team in Aaron Summers and NBJ, like what they've done at reserve though, two young local(ish) reserves who will form a good partnership imo... But that still doesn't take away from how weak their team looks overall... Sorry Berwick.

Feel free to counterargument in a polite manner

Hey Dandelion thanks for the kind words - just for info it was announced that Stefan Neilsen (4.40) will start at 2 for Poole rather than reserve.

I'm not into predictions at this stage as I'm not knowledgeable enough of the other SGBC teams.

[Bandit59 1,151]

1 hour ago, poolebolton said:

I’m just trying to create some prediction debate. I want a berwick fan telling me why they shouldn’t be 10th in my prediction. 

We will be 7th as like the 2 previous seasons we just miss out on the playoffs. 

[poolebolton 464]

15 minutes ago, Bandit59 said:

We will be 7th as like the 2 previous seasons we just miss out on the playoffs. 

It’s the 2 and 4 in the team which worries me. I think you have 3 solid heat leaders. And reserves who can improve. But it’s just the 2 and 4. I like Garcia I just hope he steps up.