Bagpuss

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.

I'm not keen on people bigging the boy up too much but by the same token you seem to have made your mind up about him negatively based on very limited experience of watching him race. I believe he has as much natural ability as Woffinden and Ward at the same age BUT he has a long way to go to emulate them. I think it's best if people leave him be to develop at his own pace and have an open mind about what he can achieve given time.

Great signing for all three parties.....Robert gets more racing to help his development, which should in turn help Lynn and P'boro get a fantastic young signing who should attract plenty of Lynn fans to help with attendances. Looking forward to seeing Robert strut his stuff round the best track in the UK.

In theory anyone other than King & Tungate could end up at reserve ensuring two strong ones all season. Even though there will be less fanfare than before I think this team could quietly do rather well. Must make the Foxhole a fortress though, it's what successful teams are built on.

I'd say that's significantly better than Lanham & Jacobs.

Who are the last two then?

Morley and Halsey are small track men and the latter has been around for an awful long time without getting any better. I'd have thought someone like Greaves, Kingston or Stokes would be a better bet, they are only ever going to improve.

I think he has British parent(s).

I wouldn't get caught calling them that by a Forest fan! Nott'm the only abbreviation permitted

I think Sheffield will be the team to beat IF they complete with Proctor & Poole and Sissis is as good as most people expect.

Are Cook and Masters both likely to return? Like the look of those reserves, both could stick a couple of points on their figures once dialed in to Armadale.

And the coat! Like something out of Grease

Hmmmm these revelations put a different complexion on things. Would be nice to hear they other side of the story, and ultimately a statement from the governing body to clear the matter up one way or the other. ()

Great side on paper with stacks of improvement in it, however Sheffield's likely team looks slightly better to me.