acclennell

Think you might not be far off but again if this is so the exact same problem from last year will be the lack of heat winners (especially on away tracks). Not comfortable with Steve Worrall on that average around Brough also as he has never really looked at ease on our track. Time will tell before the team is announced but I would not be filled with any great hope if this is the line up.

Has to be Joe Owen he had it all and was the greatest I have seen at Newcastle in 40 years since I started going in 75. Takes some doing being the best Newcastle rider mind you with some of the riders we have had down the years. Barring that major injury he would have been one of the top riders in he world without a doubt and to come back from that and to still be a magnificent rider says everything about his skill and determination. I know I won't see anyone better again at Brough that's for sure.

Got feeling the remaining riders will be made up of a good proportion of Messrs Rosen, Summers, Lindgren, Henry and Neilson/Mills - will give my opinion when the team is announced

Same here think most of the team will be back - hope I'm wrong but we shall see - I wasn't impressed with the starting line up last year (before and after the changes) as just not enough heat winners in the team and that always results in problems especially on away tracks.

I think just as important is getting heat leaders who will win heats at away tracks as it certainly hasn't been the case this year

Totally agree got a feeling there won't be though

Not enough heat wins between the three for me especially away from home, which has been proven this year

Also remember him and Stu Swales having to be separated after a race also.One of my all time favourites though with Joe Owen, Derek Richardson and Rod Hunter.

You're right but basically a stupid rule is going to hinder a young British talent whereas we seem to fall over backwards to cater for foreign riders with assessed averages and allowing them to DU. Surely the sport in the UK is about encouraging British riders to succeed and progress and not about pulling fast ones as it makes a team stronger. No wonder we are miles behind Poland, Denmark and Sweden with this attitude. Sad day that an exciting prospect is hindered whereas numerous foreign riders are allowed to DU and make more revenue, Yet the only thing some people can think about is great Newcastle can't put out a better team.

Well done for the great work Dave you and the rest of the track staff put in on your own time

Got to be honest I think there are too many question marks with this team - may be wrong but doesn't fill me with confidence at all.

If that's the case and Christian is unfortunately out for a long period of time, then there may be a need to get someone in as otherwise all the hard work could be blown

And Robbo falling when on a 5 - 1 in the first heat - outstanding performance

Meeting off

Depends which Lud turns up and I'm not confident it's going to be the heat leader version

Unfortunately I agree and also Lud needs a kick up the backside as he has cost us in my opinion 6 points tonight and at Glasgow - Andy needs a couple of meetings to get back in the swing but Christian is having a fantastic year and apart from a shocking decision is his 1st ride would of had 10 again tonight.

Seems to be that its the time of year when Luds form goes out the window - where is the rider who was looking near on unbeatable at Brough only a few weeks ago - he seems to go through this phase every year! Steve is a big worry and looks totally way off the pace and even 1 point tonight would have given the win - it may be time to let him get his confidence back in the NL as at the moment he can't even buy a point. Another strange thing is that away from home the team are flying from the gate but at home the last few meetings the gating has been generally poor. Well done Ipswich on the point but definitely a case of 2 points lost for the Diamonds and wipes out the win at Ipswich on Thursday.

As NJC71 stated I stand by my earlier comments. However I want to congratulate George and the riders on a fantastic performance and the committment and determination they demonstrated was outstanding. I didn't give the team a hope in hell but I'm over the moon to say they proved me wrong big time!

Yes but then don't go whining in the local press when you agreed to the decision of the fixture change, which is the point I'm putting across. NJC71 summed it up perfectly above.

I never said that at all - my whole point is that once you have committed to the fixture; then don't criticise having to then fulfill the fixture within the local press as the promotion have done today. Surely the promotion should then have ensured what effect in rearranging this fixture would have been before committing to it? If they have assumed or thought things would of happened then that is not very professional and I would hope that would not be the case. Obviously the promotion is split on their thoughts concerning the fixture or why mention that fact within the local press.

I agree either don't accept the fixture in the first place or don't then criticise for having to go ahead with it once you have made that decision. Come September this decision may come back to haunt the promotion.

I think there needs to be some questions asked looking at the article below. It's alright saying 2 of the promotion wanted the fixture to be pulled but then proceed in going ahead with the fixture. You can't try and blame something and then go ahead with it either way. This leaves a sour taste and I expect nothing more than Berwick getting maximum points tonight by a good margin, when potentially there was a very decent chance of an away win and a brilliant encounter. http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/speedway/newcastle-diamonds-huge-task-hands-3902152

No but they are responsible for the stupid rule of replacing a rider in the main body of the team with one from the National League

Absolute poppy cock the rule for replacing absent riders with national league riders - I can undrstand reserve changes but for riders in the main body of the team it's just stupid in my opinion. This is a showcase event and it's already going to be full of scratched up teams - no wonder crowds are decreasing