Brough Diamond

Unless of course we........were.........to ........buy........him?

Looking at Danny's scores for Stoke, he really progressed as the season went on and racked up a paid max in his last match. That's the kind of rider we want to see rather than someone stuck in the CL for years. Plus he's comfortable at Brough. The key for all these young lads will be machinery with loads more matches so let's hope we can get him some sponsors. If we are looking to Europe then George better find his old number for 'Iris' and get the Danish production line back on track.

Don't forget the two uppermost factors; 1) There are very few decent riders actually available on a Sunday, 2) More importantly the team has been built to a set budget. Dont expect any major changes.

That's quite catchy if you sing it to the "all about the base" tune by Megan Traynor Here's hoping for a speedy recovery for Adam though. The lad needs some good luck eventually

There could be some really unexpected improvements this year due to the exhaust changes. Riders who favour grippy tracks aka Ludvig have struggled big time and we might just see more big blasts from the back. Super Ludde to hit 8.5

Expect a call from the BSPA in the morning. Anyone who could find the time to produce that reply will be invaluable on the regulations for such topics as the position of the heel for sit down gardening, permitted colours for fuel caps and the use of Brasso for cleaning of the through pipe silencer. Demand top Dollar!

Just glad to see a team on track personally. With that kind of make up it's key to get the partnerships right and ensure the track is to the riders liking. Even with Christian we are a bit short of top line experience. Hopefully Porgy will be back in the pits.

Showing your age now Dave. You'll be telling him to get on his 2 valve JAP next!

I see the Kings Lynn website has Lewis Rose missing from tonight's match at Lakeside but he expects to return for their home match on Thursday. One bit of good news at least.

Big difference is that Doolan is not scoring as a number one but riding at a pretty steady level. Ludo on the other hand looks like he could beat Nicky Pedersen one week and gets beaten by Mike Williamson the next. Probably one of the most frustrating riders I've seen in a Diamonds race jacket. His away form has been patchy but he might score a few in this one. Diamonds need Lewis Kerr to discover some form too.

It was nothing to do with the track. Basically a weak referee. One or two riders started putting it about and before long most of them were at it. Kerr had words with Auty in the pits and Rose with Jorgensen. Lots of elbows and handbags. If you want to know how the track was look at Schrammy - never fell of once.

It shows how old I am, it was 1984. Thirty years ago ...http://www.speedwayplus.com/BruceCribb.shtml - see the comments at the bottom Tsunami is much older of course, he would have been there but the grey cells were younger then

Don't know about 2009 but Bruce Cribb rode an ice bike round Brough in a time far faster then the track record

Kenni Larsen's available but on a big average. It would mean more chopping but would be one hell of a number one. - and no D/U problem

Seem to remember the problem for Masters last year is the Aussies can only do so many years without moving here permanently or taking a year out. Doyley has been here a few years so maybe falling foul of that rule. Others with British Grandparents don't have an issue and some have moved here full time. How good you are doesn't cut it with the authorities.

Its interesting to see the different tactics being played out again in 2014. Somerset, Edinburgh etc. going with the big hitter and weaker second strings whilst Newcastle, Workington and others sacrifice the big number one for a more balanced side. Last year it worked for the big hitters but in 2012 Scunny took the title whilst Newcastle topped the league pile - both using the balanced methodology. One thing is certain though - you do it only if your riders can up their averages. Nothing wrong with a couple of Premier League veterans to steady the ship (Robbo, Lanham, Howe etc and teach the 'young-uns' the ropes, but if your team is packed with them it's hard to get from 42.5 up to the 48's of league Champions. Older lads sometimes add a point but rarely more than that. It will be interesting to see who has got it right? Who is taking the Michael? There are some strange choices out there but some clever promoters also.

Newcastle asked Rene to recommend one last year and he said there was no-one good enough for the PL coming through the ranks. Sweden may be your better bet.

What a load of absolute Tosh. Newcastle asked the Management Committee for several decisions last year(like moving the Berwick match when Lindgren was away) and were turned down flat. Try getting your facts right before throwing pathetic allegations at other clubs.

Deffo a good looking side and like Newcastle a top 5 with the potential for most of them to be Number 1 at the end of the season. Too early to be declared favourites but I had you down as League Champions last year and it didn't happen, mainly I think because Rene didn't get back to a 9+ average I thought he would. Good luck to the Comets though as a fellow Northern side. Unlike a certain Redcar 'individual' on the Newcastle pages I personally hope all the Northern clubs have a good year. Below by my beloved Diamonds of course. (Hopefully).

After his Twitter rant about Redcar in October I seriously doubt it. And I ain't repeating it, because of the expletives!!!!

I see Lewis R and Lewis K are in the list of riders as EL reserves. Be interesting to see if Kings Lynn pick both given they would lose both of them if we were riding?

I'm sure George said in the S Star last year that Ludo was a bit down after reading some of the comments. May have been the season beofore - can't remember, but many riders do. They just don't post.

Chin up Arson, Almost an identical team to the start of last season. We started with no number one and Richie almost got there. Anton should be able to push on and Lewis has filled the position of Tully. Our great strength was having a top five with no weak links and all of them were capable of winning the race (except against Cook haha). We've got that again. Agree we might be suspect at reserve early on but give Lewis Mk2 his chance. Schrammy is a trump card on some of the bigger away tracks and will deffo up that average. Needs to learn to ride Brough. Ludvig at 1 is a toughie but he's top of the averages for a reason. Lets cut him some slack and see if it's the making of him. Robbo will look after both Lewis's. Lads -if your reading this (know Ludvig does) welcome back and give em hell. Lewis Mk2 - Welcome to your new home - you're gonna love it.

Pleeeeease don't start that "Our Stadiums better than your's" malarkey again. Last time it went on so long people were comparing the paint in the toilets and the wattage of the light bulbs round the track. I just hope both teams have good riders and a great year.

Strange when the Bears themselves had a chance of getting in the final all you can think of is lobbing comments at us, Smeeeeergeeeee. Well done Somerset. A great team and performance.