Blackadder

42-48 = good to gloat.

Looking to keep the original line-up apart from Rory Schlein who has a prior booking in Poland.

Pleased to see that Ty is considering legal action. The least that Somerset should do is reimburse his costs.

If this is for real and not a load of bluster, the BSPA need to come up with a ruling on what will or can happen to Jason Garrity and James Sarjeant.

Today's Sheffield Star:- Golden oldie Sam Ermolenko says he can surprise a few when he appears in Sheffield’s opening meeting of the season this Thursday. The 1993 World Champion remains a favourite with Tigers fans after a spectacular spell with the club in 1996. Now, aged 53, he’s agreed to return to competitive racing for the Air Fence fund raiser at Owlerton with all proceeds going to the installation of the new safety barrier. Said Ermolenko: “I rode in some fundraising events last year and I’ve been on the bike already this year. The new consortium at Sheffield are people I have a lot of respect for, and the call came from them to see if I was interested in riding in their season opener. They saw that I’d been riding at Wolverhampton’s practice session last Wednesday and decided to see if I fancied participating. “It’s not going to be a hugely competitive thing but I’m happy to go out there and help. I’m a regular visitor at Sheffield so I’m pleased to help in what should be an entertaining meeting to raise money for the new fence. The promoters accept the fact I’m not going to stick my neck on the line but I’ll be going out there to enjoy myself, have some fun and hopefully I’ll be fairly competitive. “I might possibly surprise a few people. In speedway, he who hesitates gets in trouble and I understand that. I’ll go out there focusing on the fact I’m next to three other guys with the goal of getting to that first corner first. If I can get ahead then I’m sure I’ll be able to hold my own, and I’m looking forward to getting back racing again even if it’s just a one off.”

Signing someone and allowing them to plan their season to work for you, then releasing them before their first day at work is not acceptable in my opinion, and doesn't do anything for the reputation of Somerset's management. Good luck for the season Ty.

When Carl Stonehewer was riding for Sheffield, he was brought down once, from memory by a Newport rider, and grabbed a shovel from one of the track staff to get his revenge. The announcer played Ace Of Spades by Motorhead, which was quite comical.

I think the fence is going in on the 26th.

Another piece in the Sheffield Star:- Neil Machin insists he will leave the new consortium in charge of Sheffield Tigers to run the club their way. The former owner, who has sold out to Damien Bates, Peter Mole and Simon Parker, is to retain his licence with the British Speedway Promoters’ Association and act as an advisor to the new Owlerton bosses. And he insists they are the right people to take the club forward with the enthusiasm he had 20 years ago. “I’d like to wish the consortium members all the very best and their enthusiasm reminds me very much of myself 20-years ago,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it because it means I can enjoy my speedway without any pressure and I am there if they need me for any advice or opinion if they so want that. I have the benefit of a lot of experience but in many ways Sheffield Speedway runs itself on a race night with all the loyal track staff the club has. These guys in charge are the right people to take the club forward. They have good ideas and bags of enthusiasm which I like to see.” Tigers riders will be put through their paces in public for the first time at Owlerton on Thursday from 4.30pm. The team were together yesterday when they had another behind-closed-doors practice.

In the Sheffield Star:- Joe Screen has thanked Sheffield for keeping him involved in speedway after ending his riding career last year. The former British Champion is entering his first job in management after the new consortium taking charge at Owlerton made their move before Christmas. And he’s thrilled to stay in a sport he loves having started as a schoolboy racer at Belle Vue in 1988. Screen said: “I want to thank Sheffield for keeping me involved in the sport. Speedway is a sport I love and I would have been sad to leave it. When I retired, initially I had an open mind on things and it looked at one stage as though I was going to be working with a rider, but that didn’t work out for various reasons. When the call came from Sheffield, I was really pleased and it means I stay in speedway which is great for me. I’m only recently retired too so I can relate to the riders and I’m really excited by the challenge ahead.” Screen will put his riders through their paces at Owlerton this Thursday when the club host their press and practice session from 4.30pm. He said: “I’ve already seen some of the lads in practice at Scunthorpe and we’ve had a couple of really good sessions. But I’m looking forward to seeing them at Owlerton on Thursday, it will be good to get all the lads together on our own circuit.”

The Sheffield Star is doing well this week:- Joe Screen has vowed to be a hands-on manager of Sheffield Tigers this season. The former British Champion, who quit racing last season after a glittering career, says he wants to focus on working closely with riders in a coaching capacity – as well as brushing up on the rulebook. And Screen says he is happy to get his hands dirty on a race night if members of his team need help in the pits. “I’ve always been a hard worker in speedway and always got my hands dirty when needed,” said the former Bradford and Belle Vue star. “And I will continue to do so as a manager, I have no problem with that. I want to work with the lads and if there is something they need help with on their bike I will be happy to give them my opinion. “I know the rulebook is complicated at times, but for me a big part of management is working closely with the lads, making sure they have respect for you and helping them along the way. “We have a talented group of lads and I think the team spirit will be fine. We’re all getting together next week for the press and practice, and I’m confident we will get along great. “I’m looking forward to working with the younger lads like Josh Bates; he reminds me of when I was first starting out and I think I can offer him some help. And me and Simon Stead have always got on great, it’s good to have him as skipper . “It’s a new chapter in my life and I’m pleased to be at a club like Sheffield. The new people seem nice guys and I’m sure the supporters are in for an exciting season.” New Tigers signing Taylor Poole will line up in the opening meeting of the Owlerton season. Poole, who jetted back into the UK from his Australian base over the weekend, will link up with the remainder of the top five from the revamped Sheffield side for the Air Fence Fund Bonanza on Thursday, March 27 (7.45). He will be joined by fellow countryman Cameron Woodward, who is once again riding for Elite League Eastbourne this season. Season ticket holders will be offered a £5 discount on admission for the meeting.

In the Sheffield Star:- Taylor Poole has landed in the country to step up preparations for his first season as a Sheffield Tigers rider. And the talented Australian is regarded as a key signing by Tigers’ chief Damian Bates who says he has the ability to challenge for the club’s number one spot. Poole impressed during a previous spell in the UK with Ipswich and his average fits Sheffield’s plans to perfection. Said Bates: “I am particularly pleased with the signing of Taylor Poole, he could be the key rider, for me. With the likes of Simon Stead and Leigh Lanham you know what you’re going to get from them. So if Taylor can challenge as a heat leader it will benefit the team. I like the way Taylor rides and he’s super keen to become a big hit with our supporters, he’s going to be popular I am sure of that.” The club are currently making final plans for press and practice which takes place on March 20 with the Air Fence Fund raiser as opening night, seven days later. Said Bates: “It has been hectic since we, as a new consortium, have come to the club and everything that has needed doing. There is a long list of things to do every day and I’m grateful for all the help we’ve had so far. We had a fantastic night at the Legends evening last week when over £2,000 was raised towards the air fence and on behalf of all the management we cannot thank everyone enough who made the night such a big success.”

Taylor Poole and Cameron Woodward to be in the Air Fence Fund meeting.

My post 1044 - I was told 5 names; 4 have been correct, the other 1 unnamed so far. Today's Sheffield Star:- Sheffield’s axed boss is offered roles. David Hoggart could be in line for a dramatic move to one of Sheffield’s Premier League rivals after leaving Owlerton. The Tigers co-promoter, who played a major role in pulling together the club’s new consortium, has been axed by the club who say they want to do things their own way. Four clubs have made contact with Hoggart - two from the Elite League and two from Sheffield’s league. He said: “I’ve been touched by the amount of people who have been in touch and it has made me realise how many good friends I have.” On his Owlerton exit, he added: “I’m disappointed my services are no longer required and it would have been easier to accept had there been some discussion. Currently I am too upset to make any further constructive comment and would prefer to maintain a dignified silence.” Tigers consortium member Peter Mole has paid tribute to Hoggart, who has been with the club for over a decade either as promoter, manager or sponsor. He said: “David has been a loyal servant of the club, working tirelessly with Neil Machin during some difficult seasons. He played a big part in bringing the consortium together, which made this situation difficult. “We are working hard to take Sheffield to a brighter a future, and everything is positive. Whilst David has been a big part of the management here over recent seasons, we now have our own ideas.”

Very surprised and disappointed about Mr Hoggy leaving.

The full list of confirmed starters so far for the Air Fence Fund Bonanza is: Simon Stead, Leigh Lanham, Adam Roynon, Andre Compton (Sheffield), Patrick Hougaard (Leicester), Josh Auty, Ashley Birks (Scunthorpe), Rory Schlein (King’s Lynn), Ty Proctor (Wolverhampton / Somerset).

The photo of Ken going in to the 3rd bend at Owlerton when riding for Ashfield Giants brought back memories of crowd levels and the old track lights. There was also a good quote - 'Speedway is part sport, part show business and part entertainment. It is about giving the fans what they want. Good close racing with everything else added in.'

In the Sheffield Star:- Tigers chiefs have hailed the work of city businessman Ian Hunter in sealing the deal to take control of the club. And Hunter has once again pledged the support of Sheffield Window Centre as main team sponsors for another season which starts on March 27. Consortium member Damien Bates has revealed how businessman Hunter became involved with negotiations as outgoing owner Neil Machin was in Australia. He said: “Sheffield Speedway owe a huge debt of gratitude to Ian Hunter for the hard work he has put in this winter.” “Ian was most helpful in helping finalise the deal to take over the club with Neil being away in Australia. “The fact that he has also agreed for Sheffield Window Centre to continue as main sponsors of the club only adds to the input he has had with us. “Ian Hunter is an integral and vital part of this club and on behalf of the consortium I would like to express our appreciation and hope he remains on board for many years to come.” Sheffield have confirmed more names for their opening night Air Fence Fund Bonanza meeting on Thursday, March 27. Skipper Simon Stead, Scunthorpe’s Ashley Birks and Elite League star Rory Schlein were all confirmed last week and they will now be joined by Wolverhampton’s Ty Proctor, new Sheffield signing Leigh Lanham and Tigers reserve Andre Compton. All profits from the event will go towards the installation of the new air fence barrier at Owlerton which is compulsory under new regulations.

Jim McGregor made the riders carry on despite the sun, so other referees can do the same. Don't they have issues with the sun in other countries?

Facu has his license back now.

In today's Sheffield Star:- Tigers are planning to stage 25 meetings at Owlerton this season - with or without progress in cup competitions. Management member Damien Bates has moved to assure fans considering buying a season ticket that the club will be looking to stage extra meetings to fill blank dates in the fixture list. Some fans have been in touch with the club expressing concern about the prospect of only 18 fixtures. But Bates said: “We can confirm we will be looking at 25 meetings, there or thereabouts. “Obviously we want to make progress in the cup competitions, but if that doesn’t happen then we will look at other fixtures. “I’m a big fan of the Northern Riders’ Championship, it would be nice to revive that - but to be honest it would be better for us if we were looking to arrange league cup and knockout cup meetings because we have been successful! “That’s the plan. I understand how some supporters have been concerned about value for money on season tickets if we only stage 18 meetings but that won’t be the case. “Once we get to 25 or 26 it represents a great saving for season ticket holders and that’s the plan. “We are also looking at bringing Cradley here for a challenge match and hopefully we will have some news shortly on the opening night fixture on March 27. “I would also urge supporters to be patient with us, we have entered this fairly late after the takeover and we have loads to do.” The club have also revealed how fans attending the evening with Tigers Legends next week, March 5, can get their hands on rare items of memorabilia. And the new 2014 team race jacket will be unveiled with a one-off signed by the legends available to auction on the night.

In this week's Speedway Star - the race card is being replaced by a newly designed programme.

From today's Sheffield Star:- Sheffield ace Adam Roynon says he is fitter than ever before as the 2014 campaign draws ever closer. After two years of injury hell, Roynon has revealed he has worked harder than ever to reach peak physical condition before the new season gets underway next month. The popular Cumbrian is now hoping he can help the Tigers launch a challenge for the Premier League title. Roynon said: “I’m really looking forward to the new season now. I’ve given myself some good preparation over the winter months, and I’m feeling really positive. I’ve got myself as fit as I ever have been which has been a hard job. I’ve pushed myself far past where I’ve ever been before which I’m delighted about, and I’m just hoping it will show out on track when the season starts. “I think the side the new management have put together looks great, so it looks like being a really exciting year for Sheffield. “Even though it was put together quite late in the day we’ve managed to get some riders with scope for improvement and some reliable scorers as well.”

From today's Sheffield Star. Barnsley based Damien Bates is to hand in an application to become a club co-promoter at Sheffield. Bates, 32, will work alongside Owlerton boss David Hoggart who pulled the new consortium together to take over from Neil Machin. Former Newport promoter Peter Mole, a dentist in the West Midlands, is part of the group along with accountant and photographer Simon Parker. And Bates has revealed how it’s an amazing turn of events after he first watched Sheffield at the time Machin rescued the club in 1992. He said: “My Dad took me to Owlerton when Neil had first bought it, that was the first time I had been to watch Sheffield as a kid. As a group we have a lot of enthusiasm, we have some fresh ideas and we are happy to listen to the fans – they’ve already given us some good feedback on social media. “We are going to revamp the race jacket, we are looking to changing the music in our presentation and will work tirelessly to get out there and promote the name of Sheffield Speedway once again. Neil did a fabulous job, but things weren’t easy over the last couple of seasons. We need to inject some passion and desire back into the place. “The club will apply for me to become a promoter, I’m pleased about that because I’m based locally and David is extremely busy with other roles he has right now, so I can help out. I’ve got the time to put into the role, we are already raising funds for the new air barrier and things seem to be heading in the right direction.” The deal was completed earlier this week and members of the new consortium will meet supporters at a meeting tonight at the nearby New Barrack Tavern. Hoggart will retain his role on the sport’s management committee as well as co-ordinating the major events and working on his Sheffield duties. British great Joe Screen was unveiled as the new team manager last month in an exciting move for the club. Facundo Albin has had his racing license suspended by the Argentinian authorities following a 'bust up' with an official.

I found the best way to find out is to bump in to someone who knows in Argos.