Bagpuss

IIRC in the 2010 season every team had a number 8 they could declare at any time for a meeting in place of any rider. Coventry's was Aaron Summers and I suspect they used this RULE to make sure Pawlicki didn't ride enough meetings to move up before the Play Offs. A masterstroke to be fair, but a rule not thought out properly at the same time (who knew?!)

I'm sure that's what people like about you on here, the pleasant way you come across I've got a suggestion to increase income, get rid of the out of date programme which is overpriced and in many cases poor and provide something on a digital platform and/or a phone app which is much more accessible and get with the times. Done properly and everyone could be a winner.

So this thread contains posts saying that Belle Vue run a tight ship but also that they lose a fortune each season. Can't be both so which is it?

Glasgow Leicester Poole Edinburgh Redcar Oxford Berwick Plymouth Scunthorpe Brum Newcastle

That's the difference between the haves and have nots in some cases unfortunately. Of course there are other riders out there who Brum could sign as genuine number ones but whether they would come or could be afforded is another matter. I've never been keen on really top heavy teams personally (including my own) and wouldn't be against some kind of control to make sure everybody got one but how that would be governed or regulated I have no idea. Alternatively you build your team like P'boro dud and waltz to the title

I'd put Basso and Nicol in the bracket too. All ought to be able to step up although can't obviously do it at the same time! Unless Cook and Ostergaard went backwards of course which is highly unlikely. But all have the potential and ability to step up to the next level.

I'm sure I've seen her at Lynn while she's been staying at Sandringham, wading through the puddles in the back straight car park and queueing for a burger and a pint during during the interval. I wonder if she pays the extra pound to sit or likes to stand on the bends and get a scalp full of shale?

I think we are talking about different track alterations. Poole Town left after the 94-95 football season and the track changes I'm referring to were done in time for the 1996 speedway season and were possible because there was no longer a need for a football pitch on the grass infield meaning the white line was taken in.

Would absolutely agree with that.....Lynn dominated the PL as it was at various times between 2005 and 2009 with two trebles and two cup doubles but home meetings were rarely thrilling. However in the eighties and early nineties when we were crap most of the time some of the racing was brilliant and winning meetings was such a great feeling as it didn't happen every week.

The speedway track was changed considerably in 1995/96 IIRC, I went a couple of times in the early nineties and while it was a fast and spectacular track it was very narrow with little room, its much wider now. I assume the football club vacating allowed the changes to happen.

Fingers crossed this happens!

Unfortunately that's the flip side of signing three number ones. For me Kemp has more natural ability and potential than Hume and possibly Nielsen but he needs to start fulfilling it, moving to Wolves and Poole might be the catalyst he needs. I actually think the Cooks look more vulnerable than the reserves, a lot of pressure on them as second strings. I expect changes will be made during during the season as often happens but on paper this ain't a league winning team

Race suits at last, hallelujah. Just Scunny to go? Oh and Brum, Toon & Redcar. Presume Kemp or Rowe was the other rider who was coming back but changed their mind?

Fourth largest out of forty odd in England.

Quite agree, anyone who deliberately winds others up on the BSF should be banned.

Leicester looked the best on paper to me once Hans was brought in and Bates/Proctor released. Just didn't happen for them though.

This team could finish top or bottom.....Doyle, King and Starke are the only three who you know what you are going to get from. The others could all perform like last year and it's a terrible season, or they could all raise their game to a level they have reached before or near to it and the Witches could be serious challengers.

From Daily Mail; 'The Oxford Stadium squatted in the gloom on its site near the ring-road, dilapidated and half-forgotten amid the weeds of disuse and disinterest. I tried to visit it a couple of times out of curiosity but the path was always blocked by gates and padlocks. Most people gave up on it ever staging sport again but next year, for the first time since it closed in 2007, it is due to host Speedway once more as the home of the reformed Oxford Cheetahs. So often, we hear stories of sport shrinking and stadiums being allowed to fall into disrepair but this, tentatively, at least, feels like a sporting resurrection, new shoots appearing in a sport that has a dedicated, enthusiastic band of followers. I have never been to watch Speedway but I’m looking forward to putting that right.'

I'm sure the dog track would have had something to do with it too.

Indeed. 'Self employed tradesman in deciding who he wants to work for shock'. Deals done. Who gives a monkeys what Danny Ford does or doesn't say.

Thought not

They'll be looking for polished performances.....

Adrian Miedzinski anyone?

Ah yes, hence my confusion, apologies. Related I assume?

Not the same Rempala was it?