Big Al

Yep, saw him myself, he took the wrong lane on the motorway, probably now heading to Birmingham

Are you acting as their agent? Desperate to claw back that money you're going to lose after betting on Leicester?

There's potential there for a gag involving mountains and molecrap

Of course this whole Laguta business could be a very large red herring! Looks as if he'd need a Tier 5 Visa, same as Jason Doyle, which we know dragged-on for ages until it was granted and he had to undergo loads of biometrics. Unless he's already started off the application process but that would have implications in terms of the sponsoring employer. Sayfutdinov did the smart thing a few years ago by gaining Polish citizenship which of course avoids all of that hassle - so who knows - maybe Laguta is doing likewise! Also is the current political climate making it difficult for Russian nationals to get UK visa's - or is our government all bark and no bite, as with many other matters? If, aas seems likely, Laguta came into the team on an 8 average, Leicester would have to let another rider go, either Mads or Stead. I'm getting more sceptical by the day about this saga!

From the current SCB rules, it looks as if the management committee decide on an assessed average based on a rider's other pro league performances. As Laguta averaged almost 8 last season in Poland, it's not far fetched to think that's what he'll be assessed at if he joins Leicester.

B ut what sort of average would Laguta be on - if he can get a visa? 7.00 would be fine - but if 8 then difficult to see how Mads can stay in the team unless Simon Stead makes way for a lower average rider. Let's hope a 7.0 average has been sanctioned! The rules seem to give the management committee some leeway with a Category 1 rider, but looks as if they use current average from other pro leagues to decide it. Anybody know more? :blink:

It must be Vladimir Putin then

Yeah but its much better entertainment than the actual "racing" He who walks with big stick and carries a Lithuanian guitar, usually has a twin in Sutton Coldfield, comrade. Time for

Last years A.Laguta Ekstraliga average was about 7.9 You'd think that would mean an assessed UK average of 8 rather than 7.5 - too high to fit, but you never know. Or the MC may re-assess Sayfutdinov's 2011 Cov. average and change the assessed 8 he finished on, into the actual from his 9 matches, which was more like 7.50 even though he did'nt do enough home matches!! Ah!! A BOGOF deal

Looking at possible non-Poles without previous UK averages, Vaculik might have a decent chance of getting assessed as 7.00/7.50 as he had a poor Poland season (about 5.00 ?) but that runs against other theories posted on here! A.Laguta averaged about 8 in Poland last season - that would be more in line with LGF's claims - but how is he going to be given an assessed UK average of 7.5? Sayfutdinov was given an assessed of 8 in 2011 for Cov - but as he only rode in 3 home matches didn't earn an official average although over his 9 matches averaged 7.5. Otherwise we're back to Lindback and Smolinski, arn't we??

If he's someone who's never rode UK league before, presume he will be classed as a Category 1 rider and so will be given an assessed average which is based on current average in other professional league/s. And If he's as good as you claim him to be, won't that average exceed the points that Leicester have available? If it's somebody with a previous UK average, who is there with something under 7.65? Also I wonder if this is going to be a short-term gimmick signing.

Smolinski ended 2013 with 7.56 by the look of it. No Polish commitments and Leicester don't usually have fixtures on GP weekends

Ljung + Hougaard out, Bjerre in, would leave 7.65 available i think

Surely you mean the Fordgates?

Has to be Charles Wright - cant think of anybody else who'd be available and fit that description?

Seeing that Lakeside were the visitors - was it anything to do with Ellisgate?

You should apply for the job of Leicester press & PR officer

Delusions of grandeur, control-freakery, or just plain old lack of competence? I think it's a fear of dispensing news that will create a negative image. But they have to come clean at some point!! Maybe they have hopes of changing Paddy's mind. But he wasn't exactly scoring heavily, was he?? Agree that Berwick are exceptionally good at being open and honest with their supporters (I think Edinburgh are pretty good, too), but they seem to be in a minority.

It's sounding like the Polish clubs have become more demanding this season, with their non-Polish riders - along the lines of "if you don't turn up to Saturday practice you'll be lucky to get in the team on Sunday". I heard that Chris Harris was omitted from his team the other weekend, even after he did show up for the Saturday practice, and of course most Polish teams can operate this way as they have a squad system. I know they do this with their Polish riders, maybe they're playing hardball more and almost forcing riders to be there on Saturdays? It doesn't bode very well for the likes of Leicester and Eastbourne in terms of being able to sign and retain riders, does it? It was fairly obvious (to me, anyway!) right from the outset, that Leicester would encounter these difficulties in the EL, and I now start to wonder about what Mads' future is? Follows the same method the government uses.....wait till there's some good news and then "bury it"!! And the good news is.......??

The chief beast was a certain Mr Pedersen. Horrible crash, just seen it on catch up, so a big thumbs up for JD that it's "just" a flesh wound. Is it a case of these riders deciding to spend their Saturdays in Poland in stead of the UK, because being selected to ride for their Polish teams on the following Sunday depends on their taking part in the Saturday practice sessions? Who will be next? Mads?

Richard Hall's available again

Surely Anton Rosen's been dropped by Newcastle due to poor form (perhaps caused by riding with injuries). Presumably he is a big buddy of Ljung! I predicted that Ljung would be gone by the end of June - looks likke I got that one badly wrong.

News from another Planet, every Wednesday

Ridiculous comment by Cook, if that's what he said. Sounds like he should stick to what he does best

Thanks for the input. A balanced and thoughtful (and well-informed?) comment in defense of the Leicester track, for a change! I really do hope you prove to be right, but you can also appreciate why many have already given up and are spending time & money on other things.