King Jamie

Celina's unbeaten at sunny Armadale, isn't she? Won all her races there last season at any rate.

Fair comment, although I would like to pick up on bit in bold. I read that same sentiment previously, a week or two ago. Can't remember who posted it. So, I decided to stick my factual hat on again and investigate... This season, Kye has not lost a race against any visiting reserve at sunny Armadale. On the road, prior to this week, his defeats were at the hands of: Celina Liebmann (Worky). Perhaps I could suggest that Kye's such a Gentleman, he would never make a pass at a lady?!; and Ashton Boughen (Oxford). A young lad who has a tidy habit of jumping out the gate and breezing into the distance at a rate of knots. That's it. Obviously, his failure to score at Plymouth meant he would add to this tally (take a bow Jacob Hook and Joe Thompson) before Sam Hagon popped out the gate and emerged victorious in a rerun heat 8 at Poole on Wednesday. For completeness purposes, I should mention that young Sam also beat Kye during the KOC clash at Wimborne Road earlier this year, although this isn't included in the average stats. So the golden question is, "how often is too often?" Answers on a postcard

What about all the previous swallows? (see below) It hasn't. Kye's 'average counting' scores so far this season: BSN Series Berwick (A) 4+1 (4) Berwick (H) 10 (4) Glasgow (A) 7+1 (4) Glasgow (H) 7+3 (4) Championship Plymouth (H) 14+3 (7) Workington (A) 4+1 (5) Oxford (A) 8 (4) Oxford (H) 5+1 (4) Redcar (A) 3+1 (4) Scunny (H) 9+1 (4) Scunny (A) 4+1 (4) Plymouth (A) 0 (4) Poole (A) 8+1 (4) Yes, granted, he's hot and cold but he is a 6.50ish rider. What are you expecting? Double figures every week? Monarchs' averages this season are slightly skewed in that the H / A split is currently 5H and 8A. That, generally, keeps a rider's stats lower and highlights the negative. Kye has achieved above his average at home in all meetings bar Oxford. Away, he's reached the 6.50 'target' on 3 occasions - Glasgow, Oxford and Poole. He's also the bonus point king within the team. His '2024 meetings only' average is a full point lower than the 'including bonus' figure. Indeed, his 14 bonus points are only matched / bettered in the Championship by Jake Mulford, Luke Harrison, Craig Cook (all 14), Kyle Howarth (15), Sam Masters (16) and Jacob Hook (19). All hail those looking after job security... As I said, yes, he's hot and cold. But he's not the biggest problem in the side. Good luck to Kye for the rest of the season.

He actually goes into the bends too hard. He'd be much better off going in more controlled, piddling round the white line and using the drive off the exit of the bend, ala Max Clegg. If he's incapable of doing that then, I'm afraid, he'll continue to get swallowed up over the course of the 4 laps.

I don't think the levels of Monarchs' invincibility at sunny Armadale is in any way connected to the identity of the track curator. A decent home team will, more often than not, prevail whereas a 'lesser strength' home team is a lot more vulnerable.

That's terribly unlucky timing for the young chap, what with it being Norway Day.

As Lisa said, the BSN Series is a league, not a cup. Last night wasn't a "1st leg". It was a one-off meeting which, when drawn after 15 heats, allowed a super heat to decide a 'winner'. The real issue is whether you agree with the extra race and extra point. Personally, I don't. And, as Gambo said, the extra point could help decide qualifiers from the groups. In the same way, it could also decide 4th place (or, indeed, all places) in the Championship table for the stupid play-offs. A very strange concept. Yet more Americanised nonsense, designed to bring the evening to a grand climax. Quite pathetic really. 15 heats. If both teams finish level, what exactly is wrong with that? Shake hands, take your point and go home.

Dear Mr Wonder Kye Thomson wasn't in heat 5 when Dame Edna crashed

Would you care to list and provide details of these "several occasions" you refer to? My memory isn't as good as it used to be. That aside, all the very best to young Max. A rider who I first saw pootling around Owlerton as Sheffield mascot and whose scores I followed from a very early stage of his career, even more so after discovering he was a Wayne Carter protégé. One of the few riders who can say they've won a race with a broken leg! Was absolutely delighted when he signed for the Monarchs in 2015. One of the most entertaining riders to watch at sunny Armadale. There were quite a few meetings when he achieved more successful passing manoeuvres than the rest of the riders put together. Mundane fixtures could be brought to life when Max was on track. Granted, he could also be quite frustrating to watch at times. While there was no doubting his talents, his generally poor gating did appear to hinder his scoring, especially on away tracks. However, I always defended him when others seemed intent on criticism. An excellent servant to the clubs he rode for throughout his career. Pleased he collected so many medals, team and individual, and I hope he has lots of happy memories to look back on from his time in the sport. Good luck Max

Paul McStay-esque.

You still hold that opinion?

I trust we're all in agreement that we'd rather sign somebody Finnish than somebody who's finished.

Perhaps it's his best Richard Lawson impression?

I still have vivid memories of the day my gloves froze to the wall at Shawfield during a Clyde vs Hearts match Sad to see another victory for the Green nutters

It doesn't always work like that. I well remember the 2007 season. We had a number of injuries and finished near the bottom. That year, the likes of Andrew Tully, Matthew Wethers and Derek Sneddon were 'stalwarts'. William Lawson had also featured for a while and, albeit not part of the declared 1-7, Aaron Summers was used as the equivalent of what's now an NL guest on a number of occasions. Roll on to 2008. Kaj Laukkanen and George Stancl were replaced by Ryan Fisher and THJ, joining the 5 named above. The result? A brilliant season. Strolled the league title and added the Premier Trophy for good measure. I should probably collect stats as to how many winter changes teams make on an annual basis. Sadly, I can't be bothered, so I can't actually say whether the above is the exception to any potential rule!

I entered the times below in my programme. Possibly one or two may be slightly out. As you said, it was quite loud. Heat 1. Awarded. Heat 2. 62.62. Heat 3. 63.12. Heat 4. 62.32. Heat 5. 61.62. Heat 6. 62.06. Heat 7. 62.75. Heat 8. 64.87. Heat 9. 65 13. Heat 10. 65.88. Heat 11. 63.19. Heat 12. 64.25. Heat 13. 63.93. Heat 14. 64.06. Heat 15. Absolutely no scoob whatsoever. Sorry.

"we", as in myself and any other Monarchs / speedway fans who may agree with me. You appear to not be in agreement with my thoughts. That's not a problem. Fair play and all that. It may well be that I am the only Monarchs / speedway fan to whom it matters. Not really something we could prove either way. You're more than welcome to undertake a fan survey in an attempt to find out? I'm well aware what my name is m'dear. The difference being, this is an online forum for, amongst others, terracing nobodies such as myself. Nothing official about it. By comparison: British Speedway website - he's referred to as Josh. In the Monarchs programme, it's Josh. Monarchs website - it's Josh everywhere I've looked, apart from in the live updates for some reason. Official channels should stick to official names at all times and on a consistent basis. I've always been annoyed at the use of inaccurate ID. It goes back a number of years. For example, several tracks have printed / announced riders by referring to them as: Dalle Andersson (instead of Daniel) Thomas Jonasson (missing the vital H in the middle) Rusty Harrison (instead of Russell) Willie Lawson (instead of William) Paco Castagna (instead of Michele) The list is endless. A poor show.

He's been paid, week in week out, for doing his job throughout those 7 years. What further public thanking are you expecting? Fishing for platitudes is a sad way to live life. At least we won't be subjected to any more "Joshie" nonsense in the updates.

Poole's change was due to injury. Unavoidable. Glasgow's change was due to a rider being told to go home. Unavoidable. Oxford's change was an attempt to strengthen their team. Wholly avoidable. Bad Oxford. Cheats!

Makes a difference from the usual saggy old cushion

I hope you didn't hold your breath Monarchs achieved the grand total of 15 points from 16 meetings. Being crowned Champions on the basis of the final 6 meetings would be nothing short of embarrassing. Thankfully, it won't happen. I'm going to put the above down to a transposition error and say well done on your correct prediction.

I don't think you'll need to touch any wood (Dayle included) in order to get your wish. Neither side deserves a chance to claim themselves as Champions this season. Here's to Poole winning the group and going on to clinch the title. #Peoples'sChampions

If Charles wasn't injured, would the call for a ban still be "appalling"?

Ian Barney was one of my auld man's favourites. I recognised him from the black and white pic but not the colour one.

Edinburgh and Glasgow currently sitting top of their respective groups. Could we be in for a repeat of the 2015 Final?