Bagpuss

I don't think it's necessarily as simple as that, Cook rode in a title winning team with a very capable partner, Stead probably had little choice other than to 'clear off and win' nine times out of ten.

I personally think King is the next best in the PL after Cook and has a bit of improvement in him now he is familiar with the league again. Stead along with Barker, Allen, Kennett, Lawson, Fisher etc will do well to achieve any significant increase. Bjerre and Kerr are the two number ones with potential to improve a fair bit but both are some way off Cook & King currently.

I like to think of it as lively discussion rather than argument we really should do it at the EoeS over a beverage one week next year!

Indeed, the fact that he has finished top of the averages three years running and is the standout rider forms the whole basis of the argument that he should have left the PL behind by now. Can't see things changing this year although Danny King might push him harder having been to most of the tracks last year.

Plus Laguta is never coming to the PL and they ain't gonna unsign Jorgensen. Great post apart from all of those things though.

Indeed, had to be Ostergaard. You don't put an inexperienced rider who will be going to many tracks for the first time with a reserve for three of his heats.

Mushrooms or red shells?

Of the teams declared or nearly declared so far they either look very good or pretty poor, there isn't much in between really.

Holder.

If the fixtures are planned with a bit of common sense clashes should be minimal. People moaned about the amount of clashes between double uppers and FTR's clubs last year and rightly so, the planning of the fixtures was absolutely rank.

The team to beat IMO.

Ah, wasn't really paying attention to the good cause bit. Of course I'll accept the bet

Funnily enough I'm not brave enough to bet either way on that one, could be a fag paper between the two of them by October. I like Blackbird, he has something about him and has been to most if not all of the tracks. Assuming they ride at three and four they will make a very exciting engine room.

Or alternatively, why don't you try contributing to the Cook debate instead of trying to be a defensive clever dick People aren't really knocking the guy, they want to see him be as good as he can be. SCB has articulated it perfectly, and as he says the likes of Kennett, King, Stead, Barker etc have proved that they've all reached their level. Cook is better than all of them IMO and could get even better in the correct surroundings. This really isn't an anti Cook/Edinburgh/PL thing. Honestly.

Yet he arguably was a couple of seasons ago, I remember him beating Doyle from the back on his own circuit on Sky. Just shows what leaving the PL behind once you have conquered it can do for a rider.

If Cook has done all he possibly can to secure a foreign contract over the last couple of years then fair enough.

He got his foot in the door last year in Poland so a few rides over there on his spare Sundays and perhaps the odd Thursday in Sweden would do him the world of good.

I'm extremely frustrated too but I have to say I respect him for his choices, loyalty is a rare thing nowadays and he is fiercely loyal to his two British clubs and obviously making a good living so fair play to him. I just hope there are no complaints if he doesn't make the SWC team or struggles in the SGP qualifiers again. Edinburgh look one of the teams to beat once again, along with P'boro & Sheffield. And Somerset subject to changes.

Cockle, Bailey & Kinsley sign http://www.speedwaygb.co/news.php?extend.27994

Criminal that Ellis can't get a PL spot while there is foreign rubbish being allowed to ride on sub five/six/seven point averages.

http://eastbourneeagles.co/news.php?extend.670

Like Arson says there are probably half a dozen decent teams but for me Sheffield look the best, assuming Proctor signs and Sissis doesn't flunk. Lots of improvement in their side.

And surely Sheffield?

Has the makings of a very good side if they get the reserves right.

Wasn't allowed due to being on an assessed average. Its a rule which needs looking at for the future if a young Brit has the balls and talent to go straight into the EL at 16.