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Can't see there is the budget for marquee signings? Some clubs it would seem are still paying well over the odds and the kind of level that some in the Championship can't sustain. I've heard that's the reason why a few won't be joining us as they have been offered silly money elsewhere. Better to have a solid 1-7 and to win some home matches on a well prepared track and to enjoy the spectacle than to take silly risks. It's vital that the budget and income match so that we transition in to 2023 and grow in small steps. Let's get the basics right, entertaining speedway on a well prepared track. Sorry if this is boring for some, but it's a lot less boring than losing speedway altogether.

David Bellego? Chris Holder? Andžejs Ļebedevs? Krzysztof Kasprzak? Offer them the money and the crowds will come in. Doyle number one and Holder at 5.

This post will be referenced time and time again to prove that you are a clueless fool.

Only Rob Grant knows the reasons for the strength of the side he has built, but I do think our team is better than the one he built last season. I’d obviously like a stronger team, but I think I’m probably a little more understanding of the Diamonds situation than a lot and I am happy that I’ve got a side to watch. My point is that you need to accept that you won’t get what you want in 2022 and that isn’t the fault of the Birmingham promotion. There is a lack of quality riders available to British Speedway (which was very apparent to all Diamonds supporters this year) and although Josh Auty may seem an uninspiring signing, the chances are that he was one of the few decent riders available to your promotion. I’d be very surprised if you manage to bring in a big name at number 1 unless you throw silly money at someone, but even that might not work and isn’t a wise thing to do anyway. Unfortunately, whilst the new Birmingham promotion establishes itself, things will inevitably take a step back as they are playing catch up and rider confidence in them needs to grow. A lot of people seem to be overlooking these points and it frustrates me to see people seemingly surprised that the names being signed are not superstars. They won’t be and expectations should be realistic. Although they haven’t been announced, it doesn’t mean riders haven’t signed elsewhere already. I only had to read other teams threads to work that out. Try not to be too disappointed in Birmingham’s signings, as I’m sure they will be doing the very best they can with the cards they are holding.

The king of Ashfield completes our 2022 lineup

Scunthorpe are much stronger next year than this year. Douglas & Allen in for Ellis & Jorgy is a big improvement because Ellis wasn't even committed. Kennedy is a better rider than MacDonald so that's another improvement imo. Newcastle's team isn't good at all imo. Congreve has no UK experience, BWD is not a No.1 and he's been off the bike for a while so might be rusty. Newcastle have also lost Connor Mountain which is a big blow.

Have to say I’m not Cook fan,but he is sensational at times to watch round Ashfield.Unfortunately for me is just about untouchable round Shielfield too.

What was that you were saying , My first time getting all seven right

So glad he is back !!! Looking like a pretty strong team the Glasgow management has put together x

This team could surprise one or two folk, on paper it looks ordinary but you never know ,so long as there is good racing i’m not bothered, anyway it could be worse we could have signed Danny Phillips.

Agreed, The team is looking good so far and the last signing could make it Very good or average !

Speedway racing can be the best form of entertainment. But going trackside to watch the spectacle becomes slightly samey if you don't have a dog in the race, a team in the true sense of the word or a favourite rider. How can you possibly turn up at a track and support what is often a list of seven men thrown together simply because their average fits... and the track's race day, which also allows them the to race for at least one other team? The sport has lost its characters, its personalities and, more importantly, the reason most of us tagged on in the first place - the team thing. Now it seems so much like Formula 1. If I would have wanted a sport like F1 to follow, I would have followed that. In fact, growing up, I used to get annoyed when people asked "speedway - is that Barry Sheene?" I wasn't at all interested in motorcycling, never have been. I told them it was league racing and not about individuals. Speedway was special, it was about my team, Belle Vue. It wasn't just about motorbikes. I didn't want to support one individual, as motorcycling and F1 required much of the time, I wanted to follow a team. In doing that, you got your own favourites in that team, at times not even its star man. But, now, speedway isn't anywhere near that. I see riders gaining the most from it nowadays and get the feeling they'd ride anywhere. It isn't about loyalty now. They just want a team place for next year. Maybe it's always been the case. But I genuinely think the way the sport has gone in the last two decades - an over reliance on doubling up and down, has killed off the team thing that most fans fell for. Although it's seen as being popular, the play-off system has also killed off reason to have six months of warm up matches just to get there. Then , after a few matches of higher than average crowds that the PO Finals drag from indoors (where've they been all year?), we end the season thinking the sport is in better shape than we thought.

An actual speedway track.

There are more than enough quality riders if they were shared around better.. The issue is that a few clubs will have 3 heat leaders of Div 1 heat leader standard and some clubs will have one at best, and some maybe none whatsoever.. There really is no point in "saving" tracks and then leaving them to face another year of struggle due to not being supported in team building.. Running the sport like they do really doesnt help anyone either, as these teams with a poor side will struggle at home so their own fans will stop going, and struggle away so their opponents then get low crowds when they visit, and then invariably pay out loads in points money for a hammering.. With ironically the team with the poor side who get hammered away getting a 'positive' as they dont pay out much... Still.... Winning that UK Speedway title is so important isnt it? Much more important than the collective growth of the sport... I mean. You may get your results in the weekly local paper, (just above the darts and crib leagues updates), and, if successful at the end of the season, be invited to a buffet with the local mayor. (Covid rules allowing obviously)... A completely avoidable race to the bottom once again for some...

Can we afford the British Champion???

On a sub 9 average it would have been criminal not having him back.

Good to have Cookie back.

Perfect. Looks like has some shiny new engines to play with next season too

Offer him what you can afford, not what he wants (same for every signing).

You (and anybody else) have that option, but........ Others may want to buy the pass now, no matter who the last rider is, to support their team regardless.

To put it bluntly however strong or weak we simply have to turn up and encourage others to do so of we want Brummies to survive. The annual rent is 50k if we have 20 fixtures that's £2500 per match. With only 14 guaranteed fixtures if we don't make play offs or progress in the Cup that would be £3571.48 per fixture. I hope this has been factored in but its a stark message to everyone to support your local club. We've lost too many.

Definitely has its own micro climate like Buxton. Little bit more squeezed for space around the track but a much better racing surface. Seen plenty of good riders round the place and setting some quick times. The plus side is the training track, 2nd halves etc can all be a breeding ground for future riders with an actual progression route (rather than the BSPL mickey mouse ones)

Don’t you believe it I’ve got seriously sun burnt once as it’s a sun trap in that part of Kent - never cold.

I know Brum will have a tight budget to work to but this will need to be balanced against having a poor team without having a proper No1, past history over a number of years have shown that Birmingham fans will not turn up to support a poor Team, so far no rider has been announced that makes me want to go and watch them. I know its not easy but Tolley, Rogers and Co need to give this a great deal of thought, Thomas will be a big miss for Birmingham as i think he has more scope for improvement than either Morris or Shanes.

Amongst the supporters methinks... being in the box all those years was great, but I've missed the crack of being with mates in the crowd.

No but at home we are getting 15 heats of cracking racing. If not that’s when changes will happen

Really? For me Newcastle’s team looks awful.

Entertaining speedway on a well prepared track is certainly not boring ..... But we do need to sign at a couple of riders that's going to attract the 'neutral' fan... I'm sure there's more revenue in one season from a 'neutral' speedway fan attending, than a 'new' face....(just my opinion...) Back in the 70/80's, I never missed a B'ham home meeting (religion) but my old man would take me to see Cradley on a Saturday and sometimes Wolves on a Friday, simply because they both had riders worth watching....I know it's different these days.....there's no so called 'stars' at any club. Gone are the Box Office days of Olsen v Mauger....Penhall v Carter....Gundersen v Nielsen....to name but a few !! I'm so envious of the 'Poles' these days

I agree 100 % Kennedy is an upgrade on Mcdonald as is Douglas .with reference to Jorgy rumour was he was nailed on for a team spot then he upped his money demands I can’t confirm this but I’m sure there’s a few in the know on here

Never going to get a title winning 1-7 as Scunny cant compete with the likes of Leicester, Poole & Glasgow. I think Rob has built a decent side to win at Home and get into the Play-Offs, Cant complain too much when you've got three HL track specialists as well as a British hotshot on the up and Kennedy at reserve imo.

So the Promotion are happy trying to win all the home matches? For me, I want a competitive team that fancies its chances at every track in the country! Two heat leaders fine. Two 2nd strings passed their sell by date and will not improve. A 17 year old who has done extremely well ,but will now be under great pressure in the main team. A reserve who basically has hardly ridden for two seasons and another reserve who again is expected to shine from the off. I am underwhelmed and it seems plenty of other Scorpion fans feel the same whilst chewing the fat with them.

Initial thoughts were that the middle order is a bit light. On reflection, providing that the heat leaders maintain their averages, we have four young riders who are on their way up and between them I would expect an increase in combined averages of three (may be more) points. On that basis, the Lions should be there or there abouts come September. I really do think that the gaffer has assembled a team of racers and am looking forward to seeing them give it a right go.

Correct... it was apparently a "little misunderstanding" however that nice fella Rob Godfrey got things sorted so @Neila can get down off his high horse and credit to the Chairman of the BSPL for resolving the minor blip... It will save @Neila a couple of quid as he will still be able to use his old Hat; Scarf; Clip Board; Jacket; Flag; Beanie; Pyjamas; Underpants; Sweat Shirt; Polo Shirt; H18tory Hoodie and Advertising Strip in the back window of his car. "Win Win" (Win Win Win Win Win Win Win Win Win and Win) there then Neil eh... Hugs and Kisses to big Bad Rob G as all's well that ends well eh Neil... Come on Workington Barbarians... Oops... Regards THJ

Connor Mountain is the secret weapon in the side. He rode most of the season at 3 & 5 for Newcastle, Connor will be a second string for Leicester so he's capable of scoring big and upping his average by a point imo. Leicester & Glasgow both look very good sides to me.

Its been announced its at Oxford august 12th, the night before the GP So if you want to plan ahead So a heads up for anyone wanting to book accomodation, Premier Inn Cowley a 10 minute walk from stadium Holiday Inn Express and Hampton by Hilton both by the Kasstad and 20 minute walk from stadium There are newly opened Premier Inns in the Citycentre and Botley which is just off the A34 Both on very regular bus routes which will get you to a couple of minutes walk from the stadium , you'll have to change in the Citycentre if going from Botley. From Citycentre all you need is a return ticket from Botley a daypass to cover all bus operators, currently £3.80 return or £4.30 for a day pass Theres a Travelodge on the Abingdon rd, and a Jury's hotel in Wolvercote Obviously lots of other hotels and BnB's around from very expensive to very cheap, ive just chosen big chain hotels that are normally not a rip off price to let anyone who wants to book well in advance know about

Would highly reccomend Redcar, usually a very good meeting at the MPA against Scunny, and vise versa

Covatti would be an incredible signing.

Last season's included Ty Proctor and Josh Bates. Many were talking up that team as if it had already won the league, with supposedly five heat leader calibre riders. Well, we all know what happened to that

I believe there are rules that Poland have imposed upon those riders, which restrict the number of leagues they can race in. I would be surprised if any of them would be available to the Championship for that reason.

Rob uses the stocks.training days,amatuer meets to improve the stadium, we started out in a field and almost every year we get an improvement, and we have a great sponsor we can turn too to help out. the only downside is the PA system but im hoping if the live streams are a success that money could go into that...oh and the one in the clubhouse. too much feedback as i think the riders sit too close to the equipment. might be worth reseating them or move the amp?

Good summary of the Team situation.

Thomas Jorgensen

Tommy Gun plus any half decent 2 pointer makes it look a cracking side

Think he has the metal to do the job...

Yes I know....but the point I was making to AP was that we were always going to sign less expensive riders, not Just because we were choosing from 'what's left' ..... which is what his post referred to.... No matter when we were going to put a team together - October 2021 or December 2021, we were always going to sign riders that we could afford and not riders that the everyday fan had on their Christmas list.

Didn't they both race on the same track in the same weather that night no home track advantage which there never is may I add

As Aarnio has been signed on his home form, I’ve had a look at his home scores in 2021 in all comps and he got 69+4 from 32 rides which is an 8.62 average and 9.12 with bonus points. Very impressive! His only poor meeting was in his opener against Leicester in the KOC when he scored 3 from 3. But that was Leicester. His other meetings were against Eastbourne, Newcastle (without Barker), Edinburgh, Berwick, Kent (without Batch) & Birmingham. So the glaring point there is that he missed meetings against most of the top teams, which would artificially inflate his average. Added to that fact he only rode 7 of Scunny’s 13 home meetings, so he needs to have overcome his visa and other problems and actually race to score big home points!

That was reserved for Cameron Heeps but he never signed,so they might throw one in.

You may or may not get something

Agreed. Very honest and self-aware. He had a lot in his favour. A speedway family, great role model team mates like Hans Nielsen, talented. He should have joined a big track and got away from Eastbourne. Truth is Dugard, Barker and Norris should all have done better and as three likely lads together, probably held each other back. In all sport though, you can never really say who is going to make it to the top until they actually get in that environment and see how they react. It's not always the most talented who make it. For example, not many of us would have seen Jason Doyle becoming a World Champion.