We all know where the Foxes stand, Mark Lemon I understand is part of the Foxes setup? Co opted as promoter or something yet as soon as Doyle became available, did he try to get him in at Northampton? Oh no, he made sure to look after Belle Vue first. Its just like I said it will be, we need another club, not to be competitive, but to make up the numbers, same as Arena Essex circa 2004

Even if you want to look at more than just stats & I agreed MPT should be doing better, I did think he'd do a little better and weren't happy with his efforts when he doesn't make the gate (I've not seen him this year, so can only comment on his scores / average) I still maintain it'd be hard to find a better 6 pointer racing at number 5 (unless Scunny signed Kye Thomsen). Scunthorpe's management not being smart enough / ruthless enough with Pickering's average drop is what's costing them imo. Although they're currently well placed after picking up 3 away points, could be even stronger.

THJ raced in the Championship for Berwick in 2019, finished second-top heat-leader with 6.96.   If he came back now, his average would certainly be reduced, but not by a lot.   The big reductions surely go to riders returning from retirement, not guys who just haven't raced in Britain.....

Personally I think this was pushed by Poole knowing only Thompson and Lawson were over 8 and knowing they had cairns and rushen coming in at reserve. 

I may be wrong but I don`t think the "inclusion of only one 8pt rider" has been added to the speedway rules and regulations. I can only see any reference to it in the "2026 British Speedway AGM- Statement", which as Redtruck implies, the one over 8 was only a "requirement for INITIAL team building declarations" and therefore, not a rule. Meaning if any 8pt riders were available, after the first match teams could sign 2 or even 3 if they wanted.                                       2026 British Speedway AGM - Statement - Speedway Hub UK

Problem is Morris is ruthless as a ‘team rider’ in most meetings he’s carved his own team mate up, be that Thompson or Howarth, or Kemp.  He’s possibly better off at 2 riding with Douglas and then have Thompson and Howarth at 3 and 4, that’s if Masters can regain some form and get points from riding at 5