theblueboy

These were the engine room for the Pirates. To put it in to a footballing context I would liken these two to Geoff Thomas and Carlton Palmer....

Not sure how or why the asset system came to prominence in the UK, however, as all riders are self-employed it is a ludicrous state of affairs. Contracts should be signed, and maintained, by both parties. Once the season has ended the rider is free to negotiate a contract of his own free will. No money should ever exchange hands for a loan fee. This should be one of the items on the agenda this winter but guess it will be swept under that massive carpet at the BSPA with all the other contentious issues...

NKI making an appearance this season at the FPA?

Doyle, Morris, Alpen/PK BWD and Zach for me. I think the first things the promotion should do are to tie up BWD as either 2nd string or reserve and Zach. They are both improving youngsters, on very workable averages and with decent track time have improved immeasurably this season. I know they are assets of other clubs but I see these two as pivotal as we can put together a decent top 3, maybe 4 on the current averages. I am guessing Adam has gone back to Poole. Alpen has been awesome and would love him back but PK, if he is interested, is on such an attractive average that may be we should try and include him?

Injuries are part and parcel of the game given that riders ride in 3 or 4 different countries and possibly GP commitments too. The timing of Freddies and Jacobs injuries, are from a Wolves perspective, unfortunate. However, Swindon suffered several injuries through the course of the season, one of which was season ending, and because of the margin of victory that may have tipped the balance Wolves way. Life is full of its, buts and maybes. Would Doyle been World Champion if he hadnt crashed in Torun last year? Would Arsenal have won the FA Cup had the referee spotted a Harlem Globetrotter was on the pitch? If England could take penalties would they have won a major tournament? If...if...if

Apologies Skidder. That is my recollection too, however, my comment doesn't read like that. So are you saying Adam knew about the impending transfer of his registration to Poole? He certainly is on an attractive average for 2018. Of course, even if he is now a Poole asset, he may still decide to ride for the 2017 Champions....

No knickers in a twist LC...my thong is a bit tight tho. Just asking JTS if there is any truth in said rumour as the last time this was mentioned he categorically stated there was nothing doing. That may have changed. Skidder knows plenty about the 2018 line up and he wont be far wrong... I am basking in my teams glory, thank you. As a Robin I have had more lows than highs but yesterday was fantastic and I have watched the meeting twice already. I hope that Poole, the fallen giants of speedway may return, and as a fellow speedway fan, I hope that you do...just not next season, or the season after that (repeat)...😛

Adam a definite then...? *bing bong* Would Johnny The Spud please make his way to the BSF. Thank you.

Firstly, commiserations to the Wolves team and their supporters. To fall short in the final heat of the season is no way to lose, particularly at home, and knowing your two best riders were unavailable, which would have made a massive difference to the outcome of the title is difficult to digest. I can only echo the sentiments of my learned colleague, Orion, with regard to the supporters of Wolves. Very magnanimous in defeat and I was congratulated by a Wolves fan immediately after the final heat, which, given how he must have felt was a top response. Many stayed behind to applaud not only their own riders but the Swindon riders and fans too. Secondly, well done to the Swindon dross chokers Robins on a Lazarus like recovery. I had every faith, and I believe said so in an earlier post. Not sure what the neutral fan was thinking or wishing in heat 15 but it made for a very tense atmosphere. Great to see so many Robins at Monmore who were in great voice throughout. I am glad I made the effort to travel from SE London and I am now able to enjoy the moment fully. Tuning in to BT Sport at 9 to watch it all again.... Swindon Robins - Champions 2017 🏆

Given that Swindon have won 8 times already away from home this season, the tie is far from over. Luckily we are not Poole, otherwise, we would have been so far behind I wouldnt be bothering at all...

If my meeting finishes in South East London on time I am on my way. Dont believe this tie is over and the hope is we can stay level or nudge ahead early doors. Puts a little pressure back on the Wolves. Should be a cracking meeting at the horror track Any issues with the weather?

Well, that wasn't in the script... Congratulations to the Wolves. Faster out of the gate and rode the right lines when behind. Even when the Robins made the gate they all looked slow and were easily passed. It would be interesting to get more substance to Schlein's comments re the Swindon riders. There is still a chance the Robins can turn it around, if they ride as a team, however, on tonight's evidence I fully expect the Wolves to finish the job off...

Not since the semi final Steve...when Ellis, Morris and then Carr took it in turns auditioning for the role of Blunsdon track inspector and the Pirates were just one behind on aggregate... Just talk us through those last four heats again. Was that you on the back straight shouting 'come on you Pirates' after the 5-0? How do you Poole fans see it? Was that an anti-climax or would 'bottle job' be the words I am looking for?

Bang on the money again... Why are you so knowledgeable Gater? You are the Yoda of the BSF.

Have you got a link to the programmed line ups R & R? Normally use Sportefawkty but they too must be in the dark...

I am very surprised a Poole fan knows what a big lead looks like...🤔😛

I heard some noise after heat 11 along the back straight ...sounded like a real pirate had just turned up. Then the noise subsided as the tapes went up for heat 12 as Alpen and the new Ivan Mauger casually sauntered into a 3 length lead. Then no more...

Perhaps it was the 'Dorset Camouflaged Ninja' branch of the Pirates? Quiet and invisible...

Swindon made hard work of beating a mediocre Poole side. Much the better team but never have I seen so many points thrown away in a meeting from winning positions. An excellent crowd to reward the innovative promotion, who have reduced prices significantly and been rewarded with large attendances on each occasion. I thought Grondal was unlucky to be sacked earlier in the season but they played the long game and the signing of Alpen has given that engine room a new lease of life and has proved a master stroke. Hopefully they'll keep prices competitive for the first leg and if they did, I wouldn't be surprised if the Swindon promotion scoop a huge pot with a massive first leg crowd in the Grand Final. The 5 or 6 Poole fans on the back straight that were part of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and until heat 11, had undertaken some brilliant impressions of Marcel Marceau decided to put their head above the parapet, however, 5-1 5-1 4-2 and 5-1 brought further impressions of Marcel. The most joyous sight of the evening was the Poole fan on the back straight striding purposely to the exit with his passport and EasyJet ticket in hand....

Surely the promoters could see where this was heading? People like Jason Crump were advocating issues whilst he still rode in the UK and was basically telling the promoters where this was heading. We now have Jason Doyle saying it and, as he is all but World Champion, I guess he should be heard when he voices his concerns. There are some fans on the BSF that would be glad that the GP riders have gone, not me. I am not a snob but I wish to see the best riders performing on my doorstep if at all possible. The promoters have ensured that they continue to sell the sport short thinking they are saving costs whilst driving another 10% off their fan base fed up with either the lack of quality or the constant bending of rules that goes on from all teams. I do understand that these are different days and it's probably like selling ice to the Eskimos but it feels that the promoters don't really understand the issues that have driven thousands from the sport. The Play Off gate for the Poole 1st leg was poor. If a club like Poole can't get 2000 for a semi final against their near neighbours then we all might as well give up. There is no thought to how Speedway is seen by the public. I know lots of people, friends and acquaintances, who follow Swindon's results and talk to me about how they are doing but very rarely, if ever, go. The question that has to be asked then is why? The cloth continues to be cut tighter. The hope with fixed nights is that better riders can be tempted back, which is welcome. In addition, some of the bigger fish from the Championship may take heart from Somerset and Rye's performance and take that step. You say that most promoters have tried everything but as an example, Swindon is poorly advertised. No signage close to the stadium advertising the next fixture or on buses or taxis through the town. Young Kilby, as Commercial Manager, seems to be on the right path and engages with the fans via social media and full of new ideas, but how long that enthusiasm lasts, who knows. I like the hockey always have done but it too is starting to creep the prices up. It used to be about £9-10 now £15. If it's not careful it will become like speedway and price itself away from what people can afford. In summary, Speedway is a young mans sport, run by old men for old men. Until that perception changes the sport will continue to die...

Cheers R & R...

how long before the start of the meeting are the line ups formally declared?

Looks like Kurtz (have I spelt that right after last night?), Anderson and THJ continuing to use the same bicycles they have used all season. We all know Halfords will be announced as team sponsors for 2018, will they be announced after Monday when the Pirates have been knocked out?

You seem to be about 10 other instances of cheating light... We've got all day if you want to provide those explanations Steve. Let's get the ball rolling...Joe Screen

Yes.