EnglishRoundabout

I agree, very competitive and as you say, hated losing. Will this be one of the reasons he cuts short his return? I just can’t see him being satisfied being beaten on a regular basis, and by what he and others consider much less talented riders. I used to love watching him at Swindon, especially his duels with Leigh Adams. I can’t wait to see him ride again, but something tells me it’s not going to last.

What does this mean please?

Classic KKS from 2012 .....Originally a Panthers fan.

Hagon is a bit of a fashion icon in Swindon’s Old Town I’ll have you know......

Yes, I’d forgotten about David Rudd. Those two together were often brilliant. James Wright regularly practiced after meetings at Somerset Sid. Looked really fast and up for it ( obviously it’s easy to look good on your own). He also regularly “spannered” for his brother Charles Personally I think James has seen his best days.

Yes, I can’t quite remember Barry Briggs, but I think I may have seen him once or twice at Blunsdon. One other “bread and butter “ rider who was really popular amongst supporters was Geoff Bouchard. He was one of the worst gaters I’ve ever seen, but provided great entertainment as he chased down, and eventually inevitably passed his opponents ( especially at Blunsdon). Bouchard was incredibly brave, often making passes inches from the fence Adam’s team riding was something else. He used to ride so close to his team mate....always covering the inside line. I recall sublime team riding with the late Lee Richardson and he used to nurse Travis McGowan around Blunsdon on a regular basis. Additionally, Adams and Zagar was a sight to behold You could almost sense the two of them were enjoying every minute of their team riding (usually in heat 15) of that great half season they had together as Robins Leigh always looked for his team mate. The familiar quick glance across as he entered the first turn, watching to see if his team mate was making the move around the outside, then another look as he exited bend two. Brilliant stuff.

Saw all of those you mentioned Sid. My all time favourite differs from yours I think. For his consistent high performance and averaging over 10 for a number of seasons, plus his contributions to his team, both on and off the track, it has to be the little master, Leigh Adams.

I remember those days Sid. I wasn’t aware that the gate separating the starting gate side from the back straight opened mid meeting. I recall being told it was expensive to stand near the starting gate. I used to look across from the back straight, longing for the day when I could afford to stand there!!

Rumour has it Hagon, that some never reappear having gone in there though. Now that is scary!!

For the record, they are infamously disgusting, and have pretty much remained the same standard as when I first started attending at Blunsdon some 40 odd years ago. Nuff said.

Yes, I agree with you and you are right, forums are indeed a place for discussion and debate. I just feel that your posts are often tinged with negativity about Swindon, team building and Rosco. In the current era, we have a winning team that have won 3 titles and a cup. Surely it’s time to rejoice and be positive! I have been going to Blunsdon since the early 70’s supporting the team home and away for quite a few seasons. Apart from a few close finishes, we’ve never looked like winning the title, especially in the 70’s. We are still at Blunsdon and surviving as a club. Looks like another competitive team has been built again with the best rider in the league as our number one. Happy days!

Scotty fan ( Poole fan) is a bit like DC2 is towards Poole Sidders. You actually wonder if they are fans of their clubs, or just enjoy it when we/they fail. Extraordinary attitude.

We had a great side assembled for the 2007 season also, but won nothing that year. (Sorry, I was soundings a little like DC2 there!) Seriously though, well done Rosco on putting together what looks like a very competitive side. Tough choice to let Musielak go, who when I watched him the few times that I did last year, looks a real class act. Can anyone tell me where the idea of tangerine/orange influence came from? I thought it looked really good personally.

I take it you live in the midlands and not Yorkshire?

Yes, December not looking too good for my team. Merseyside Derby on Wednesday too.

Sorry Coombers, but couldn’t resist.....White, Gibbs, Manilow....Briggs?

Living it up today then Coombers?

“Handed the title?” “Would have got smashed if they’d have ridden?” Have you actually read what you have posted? CONJECTURE. An opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information. FACT. A thing that is known or proved to be true Does that help a little? You will no doubt be disappointed to see another potential title winning team being assembled by Rossiter. Aside from the excellent signings of Musielak and last season, Jensen, don’t forget Rossiter’s inspirational mid season signings go back to 2006 when he signed The virtually unknown Chrzanowski who turned in some incredible double figure scores whilst the team were struggling, almost getting the team to the play off final. I am sure Rossiter has some plans for mid season should things not quite go to plan, and has probably already identified someone who could do similar to all the aforementioned.

Personally I have never ever seen a better team rider than Leigh Adams. Absolute master at what is a difficult skill. As pointed out, Adams averaged an amazing 10 points per meeting consistently, and over several seasons. It’s very difficult to compare riders from different eras though. Doyle I would say is more mean and aggressive than Adams ( although again, Leigh was more aggressive than for example Martin Ashby. I remember watching the Ray Wilson/ Ashby run off in the British final at Coventry which decided the final place in the World Final at Wembley. There’s no doubt in my mind that Ashby would’ve won that classic race but he was too nice to Wilson, and allowed him through on the last bend. That said, how lucky have we been at Swindon over the years to see such great and genuine class number ones.

I have to say I am pleased to see Batchelor and Doyle back. Mighty impressed with Batch last season. He’s always looked good, even in his early days, but watching him last season he looks a tremendous rider now. He can be relied upon to deliver when it matters, and he did so last season. Another potent spearhead for the Robins Surely Adam Ellis, Perks and Jensen will join them now

Don’t be ridiculous.

He played cricket for the West Indies.....

Not sure there’s going to be too much sympathy for Poole. Many on here remember only too well the skullduggery employed by the Pirates over the last decade. The average dropping identified by the great Leigh Adams by Poole riders at Swindon during one particular league match, the win at all costs and the “innovative” use of the rulebook, means many speedway fans can’t help but have a wry grin on their faces as the 2020 season approaches.

He’s won over me Coombers....I’ve not been a fan of his for a few years now. But, .in his defence, he’s certainly a better team rider than Doyle is. Trouble is, I reckon Batch is a better rider when he has a genuine number one in the team who can take the pressure week in, week out, and who rarely has a poor meeting (like Batch does from time to time) Unfortunately, we all know the champions will be broken up and although hope and sentiment keeps our interest, I can’t see any chance of the team remaining together.

Thank you Hagon.