coldace

As long as they don't 'poach' Kenneth Bjerre I really don't care. We may need him ourselves!

My view on what Mark Lemon said about Bjerre was that he couldn't commit to the start of the season. It may be possible that he is available later in the season. Just a thought, but if Kildermand doesn't work out or intends not to stay all season, then maybe Bjerre replaces him later. Who knows? With Kurtz, I think he is at a similar stage of development as Fricke was 2017 and see know reason why he can't make the same progress as Max has. He'll certainly have a consistently good track to do it on. I'm looking forward to watching him.

What happened to the talk about Fredrick Jacobsen coming in on a low average at reserve? Has that now changed?

I think you could be right. You could say that Kurtz is at about the level Fricke was a couple of years ago and he has progressed during his time at the NSS and with Lemon. Kurtz could do the same and maybe Holder although he seems to have an 'attitude' problem.

I'd settle for this team if no Fricke and Bjerre. Would take Wright over Worrall as I feel he may well kick on a bit more next season and rides the outside line more. Really going to miss seeing Max reel them in.

Yes, I think you are right however next season may be slightly better for him. He should be able to get around Peterborough, Swindon, King's Lynn and Sheffield. But who knows. I'd rather have Rohan Tungate but maybe too high an average.

I think the absence of a big hitter at number 1 is risky and can see us losing matches because of Ht's 13 and 15. Is it definitely the case that Fricke and Bjerre are giving the UK a miss in 2020? On the options listed by Phil, I'd try for Tungate rather than an aging Hans Andersen. Watching Rohan work his way to the front was enjoyable.

Under the circumstances, I think I'd rather be Peterborough 2019 than Workington 2018! At least we get to see decent racing each week and if Mark can uncover more Jaimon Lidsey's, the joy of watching someone improve. I'm hoping (and presuming) that we have the Colts to watch next year as an added bonus. Any idea on this Phil?

Very well said.

If no Bjerre, a big blow but maybe go for Tungate and spend extra points on a second strong reserve. At least Rohan would be ok at home.

Wouldn't be a bad team in this league and as long as Batch continues as he did in 2019 we may be stronger away. Jakobsen would be the key, hope he is committed to a season, didn't last long at Poole. I'd take a punt on Anders Rowe as a 3 pointer if Swindon would cooperate. This lad looks promising and rides NSS well.

Has Freddie Jakobsen ridden in the PL? He rode in the opening meeting at the NSS in 2018 an was impressive. Did he ride for Poole anyone know?

Right, just got the email. What a pain!

Where did you see this? Nothing on any of the normal sites, please share your source?

Monday the Colts are at home to Mildenhall. If you go I'd be interested in your impression. Should be a good match, hasn't been any bad ones yet.

Just a thought. Have you tried going to a Colts match? They are really good value at £10 and the racing is probably better than seen during most TV matches. Also, watch the 15 year olds progress is heartening. I'd recommend going to the play-offs this year as the crowds are likely to be quite decent. Hope to see you there!

R/R for Fricke would be risky I think as apart from Bjerre we are inconsistent. I'd go for King as he could get a couple of wins especially if he gates.

Would Auty's average fit to replace NBJ?

It could now be a truly competitive meeting. You might think it's Cook's to lose but he isn't so consistent at the NSS. Also, I think that there a good half a dozen riders who will believe they can win. Looking forward to it, just hope it's a classic for those watching on TV. I'm sure that you will see a god crowd. Can't wait!

Agree with you, the last match with Kent was really good and better than many of the televised matches seen this year. Hope we can get a big crowd now the school holidays are here.

I agree about Ayres, he's certainly quick and rides the NSS well. You never know, could be a decent replacement for Aarnio in the Aces team, at least he'd be exciting to watch. Also, if we save any points average-wise by such a move we could engineer a place for Bellago too!

I'm beginning to think that the best way forward for us is to get riders who are strong at the NSS. We don't do very well away and there are probably few riders available who will allow us to do so. This being the case, we have little chance of a two-leg win in the play-offs. If. however, we can get a big score at home then possibly we can defend it during the away leg. How about Bellago in plus a reserve who can score big at home?? I know this means that we have to replace one of the top five, but maybe it's time to do so.

Agree, but don't know how with the averages as they are. Would doubt he could replace Aarnio

But is it an Aussie?

Agree with that and think the first leg at the NSS was one of the best NL matches I've seen with both the racing and the importance of the score contributing. Very surprised with the rather negative comments about Jenkins at Kent, he really rode well at Belle Vue, I'd have him in our team. Would be nice if both legs were put on a video and sent to John Cook.