Cue Ball

3 or 4 years ago I would have loved to see Bunyan ride for us, but think he is past his best. Would much prefer Andre or Wilson unless anybody can come up with a better suggestion

Not really plying his trade as he wasn't working or getting paid for it

I agree - why on earth would we want somebody on a 4.28 average that can score double figures for fun week in week out around Sheffield and that is exciting to watch? His away form maybe patchy, but there is only a small % of supporters who go to away matches, the majority want to see exciting racing and to win at home every week. Hall at reserve would guarantee that

Gutted for Taylor, but given his average and the rules its not unexpected. You would expect that a fit Andre would be the person who is more than able to fill the void, but is he fit? Wouldn't mind seeing Pepe back in the team, last time he rode for us I feel that he was harshly treated because he came into the team as a number one, something he clearly wasn't when you look at his average, as a second string / third heat leader he is more than capable. The only draw back with Pepe is availability, he missed a lot of meetings because of continental commitments

He hasn't as far as I know

if I was a club that had signed a rider expecting them to be available for all my meetings as they weren't contracted to another club, I think I would be more than a bit peeved if they signed for another, something I couldn't prevent, that then meant they were going to miss x % of my meetings. This just seems like a strange rule to me - think it should have stopped as being he who signs first, gets priority

Anybody got an idea as to when we are likely to find out whether we have 5, 6 or 7 eligible riders signed for the season?

Are bonus points taken into account for the rules? I know they aren't for team building, but wondered if they are for visa applications. Don't know what difference it makes to Taylor's average, but it may get him over the line

Not anymore!!

Have you got a link for the rest of the results from the Crump meeting please?

It seems to me that there are three standpoints, firstly that the rules are rules and they have to be applied regardless, secondly that the rules are rules, but they shouldn't be applied to speedway because it doesn't suit and definitely not to Australians because they speak English and therefore aren't immigrants really and thirdly that there may or may not be immigrants playing football in this country.

Does anybody give a rubbish as to whether or not there is dross, requiring a work permit or otherwise, in the lower leagues of English football? I thought this thread was about speedway. I get that you 2 enjoying having a dig at each other, but it's getting boring now to be honest.

Compton and Ben Wilson spring to mind as being very employable now (would have had them anyway personally)

Compton and Ben Wilson spring to mind as being very employable now (would have had them anyway personally)

Hearing some rumours about Aussies not getting permits to ride over here with 20+ riders effected - do we need to be concerned about Ty and Taylor?

Just nice to be a Tigers supporter (from either side of the border) and not be associated with the wooden spoon within the first few posts! Both teams should be play off contenders at the very least

Only 2 races where not everybody finished wasn't there? He also finished one race with a flat tire. You've got to be in it to win it, and he finished every race, that has got to be the plus point. Agree he isn't going to be a world beater by March, but don't think it is all doom and gloom just yet - would be interesting to know if he was way off the pace or just losing out at the start

He didn't fall off and scored in every race, not too bad for his first competitive meeting for a few years - the only way is up!!

Shame half the riders mentioned never rode in the PL

Stead, wells, covatti, king, Franc, cook - enough riders in the Premier league to form a World Cup team! Can't all be bad

Enjoyed watching Skidders ride when he was at Sheffield, but don't think he will achieve the aforementioned 8 point average - I've been waiting for him to kick on for a few years now and it has never happened, don't see 2015 being any different. He is a 7 point rider at best it seems (would like to be proved wrong as I do like him, but just can't see it). Hall is more than capable of upping his average to over 7 - it has been up there for several years and last year was a very uncharacterisic blip. In from the start of the season and equipment prepared, he will do the Bears proud.

He posted on twitter along the lines of disappointed not to be back, but will see what the new year brings, doesn't sound like he is intent on retiring just yet. Don't know anything about Jack Lee to be honest, but sounds like he has some experience, so what's the worst that can happen?!?

New manager to be announced at 10pm... Place your bets ladies and gents

So... Manager gets announced next week, what the hell do we do for the 3 months after that?!?!? Happy with the team, should turn a few heads and if they can all stay fit, Owlerton should be the fortress it once was and we'll pick a few points up on the road too

Thanks