GeneralMelchett

Pleased to see well deserved testimonials - let’s hope they can run without the now inevitable delays we’ve seen for the last few due to them being run at the very beginning or end of the season!

It’s never going to happen - it’s just something I have always wanted to see - the only time they seriously tried it in recent times I remember Swindon refused to be relegated - and then voluntarily dropped down a year or so later!!!

He had a bad start - bikes were the issue for part of last season - he was actually more like the Emil of 2023 when he was injured

Must admit not against it either - I also remember the old inter league cup from the early 1990s Arena gave out a couple of spankings to higher league teams including a very satisfying demolition of Eastbourne / Wimbledon I’ve also always wanted to see proper promotion and relegation but that’s a different matter!

Seem to recall Brennan had a falling out with Charles Wright, in fact one of their spats occured at Ipswich! (actually it was more Charles falling out with Tom) Regardless really happy Tom has signed as I rate him and he seems popular at Foxhall already due to a few guest slots

Assuming all is fine with team building etc am looking forward to seeing this 1-7 at Foxhall and probably Owlerton this year.

I am playing devils advocate here but the same could apply to Jason also - hes been out a long time and we have to hope he is fully fit and able to carry on where he left off! KIngs Lynn always seem to have a (half) decent side on paper - afterall they started 24 with Tobais who I rate then all seems to go wrong after a few weeks! At least if Harris is announced they have a racer to watch!

I agree and suspect Rew will get much better as will TomB (if he is the final rider)

Have I missed something re Pete Adams? or was it more putting two and two togther due to Chris being the TM?? Adams did state quite clearly on the Humans of Speedway podcast he'd only ever be involved at Wolves - mind you that was 2years ago so maybe he has had a change of heart as it seems Wolves wont be back anytime soon sadly.

tomorrow or whenever

Good news indeed - Jason has become Mr Ipswich in many ways so great to have him back, his bursts from the back when failing to make the gate are highlights for sure. If it is Tom B tomorrow then that would be a great signing have a lot of time for him, at the same time it will be a shame if Rew isn't returning as in my view he made great improvement last year and will be a decent rider. It has to be Tom B though to ensure the team is as strong as can be.

No issue with Ellis back at all - means the final spots will be interesting!

and the lottery numbers please!😜

Happy to see Danny back - sorry to see whoever leaves leave to be frank - there team was fine last year and only a bad run of injuries probably prevented a win but thats what happens sometimes. I don't get the anti Danny stuff on SM either it wouldnt occur to me ever to post stuff like that but there you go - think not being at no3 will be good for him.

absolutely plus like TomB in my view only headed one way!

Expected but thoroughly deserved!

Great to see and also what a great way to annouce it - the Witches Facebook page said it would be a big week this week too!

David Smart too!

Happy to see him back!

Last season is done and gone - we should be looking forwards! The fact is both Sheffield and Ipswich failed to win the league (Sheffielddid get the cup) cos in some ways they took their eye off the ball and allowed BV in!

I seem to recall you were pretty spot on last season with your line up! Its a decent line up too the one you suggest!

I suspect they actually enjoy the less frantic pace of speedway in the UK, the pressure and scrutiny are significantly less they can just turn up ride enjoy themselves and top up their earnings, and maybe win trophies. A bit like an elder footballer still wanting to play but droppping down a division for an easier life but still earning a decent wage for doing something they still love doing! Some riders probably just love riding!

Proper Heat 13s as I call them! In the old says we had the likes of Knudsen, Tatum v Gundersen and say Cross or ~Pedersen. Now we have Holder and Woffinden v Satfudinov and Doyle etc - thats why we pay our money to see riders like them!

I didn't pick up on this at the time but Josh 'retired' so to speak and remained stateside after 2-3 seasons at Arena-Essex he qualifed as a fireman if my memory is right! He did return but many years later - I remember some of the cheeky younger members on here moaning about how he wasn't any good and some of us older lags reminded them he'd been a top division rider and a world finalist(?)

Sorry to see this, great character and father of my all time speedway hero Andrew! He was always in the pits at Arena when Andrew was a Hammer! Thanks for everything Len!