Baldy

Quite right; must admit didn't it much thought but if thought worthy then Mal would of given him one of the empty slots. Just found a bit of one of his races for the Potters on youtube. Hard to say on that if he will be ok or not. Did not like the way he was brought in for Ben. To me shows the man that Ben is to come back just a few weeks later and perform as he did. Not long now. Will get to the "trial" if possible.

What has happened to Tim Nobes?. Is he still about and going to have a go on the Saturday?. Think he turned up without a speedway bike when he rode his match for the Potters; was away on holiday so did not see him.

Surprised nobody has commented on your comments yet. It is true that riders are forced to sit out at best and retire at the extreme by the way that averages are arrived at. I loved the year at Stoke last year watching the riders improving but some races were a complete mismatch. Stoke like most teams has had to be broken up due to "fitting" riders in to a points system with averages that in some cases are not a true reflection on the riders ability. Most have untried riders at reserve (I know the lads need to race, but race against similar standard riders), which means that you get some tailed off at the back which is not entertaining at all. In all sports people find their level, in ours the teams are forced together with most on a merry-go-round every year to scramble for a team place. Sounds like I'm against young lads racing, not at all put race against similar standard and move up to race against the better riders as you get better. Not enough teams I know and some will get left out but let the better racers race.

Quite true he has signed for Ipswich. Didn't explain myself and should of, although my talk of Stoke may have given my team away. I'm also a Proud Potter, not THE, but another, and the track closest is Leciester in the Prem (although Sheffield must run that close, though I used to work for a Sheffield company that made me redundant so I never think of making the trip to see the Tigers!!!). He should do well at Ipswich and I think the speedway world will watch his performances with interest.

Is there a realistic chance that Cam will be riding for Mildenhall this year?. Would love to see him ride again, although much prefer to see him in the Premier at Leicester where he would be riding against riders of similar standard than at NL where he seems to finish way in front of most riders. Love watching speedway but enjoy most when you have four evenly match riders on the track. Looks like Mildenhall are putting together a decent side again and look forward to their return to Stoke. Roll on the season. O and I agree with Malc on that previous experience should be taken into account when handing out averages, after all it supposed to represent their potential of scoring in a match. I know all teams have at one time or another had a rider in their team on a "false" average but don't make it right.

Well said, this way of calculating a meaningful average is so far off the mark its laughable. What do I suggest, all said in a previous post.

We certainly had problems with power and the medics last year; although once with the medic not turning up was to do with a major smash on the M6 with at least one person losing their life. Not quite so funny then is it.? Still hope that things go smoother next year as Stoke supporters get as naffed off as everyone else when a meeting is called off.

He really impressed me too and was very surprised that Stoke did not make an offer for him again for 2012. I don't know anything of the behind the scenes going on's and don't want to; just hope that a promising rider is not derailed by off the track antics.

Quite true that it was not quite the best of meetings and you are probably right that Stoke would not of won with Simon and Gareth in the team but It would of brought the scores closer to extend the interest in the meeting and might of also brought the most unlikely of wins off. Not sure that Mildenhall can turn it around this afternoon; probably as likely as Stoke winning last night; as for me Scunsheff or whatever you want to call them are by far the best team in the league when they can select the team they want, with the success of their riders this season rewarding them with Premier rides, it has left them short in some meetings. Well done to Mildenhall, well deserving of their win and if we can take any consolation from this year it's the developement of the younger riders in the team, the riding of the experienced riders; the pairs and we did finish top of the league regardless of the money spinning roundabout "playoffs" to decide the "winners" of a league. Good luck to all the riders in the meeting this afternoon and looking forward to next season already.

Firstly, well done to the Tigers on their win tonight; thoroughly deserved on the night. With that I would like to say well done to the Potters on the season and the enjoyment they have given during the season and such a pity that in the most important meeting that they were without two of the riders who have put on the Potters jacket for most of the season. It's been a long time since a Stoke side have been in contention at this time of the year. I assume it will be National league next year and you will not find me complaining if it is. See all the Potters fans next year and hope the Fen riders/supporters have a safe journey home.

Exactly what I was going to say, so I won't bother. Hope I'm wrong...usually am!!

This is the most interesting thread that I've read in ages. I know nothing about engines etc but by reducing your outgoings with the work put in that you say then that would allow more riders to give it ago and increase the pool of riders available with a possible increase in tracks competing. I've watched you over the years and it is interesting to hear your views. Only slightly tongue in cheek but you should start a master class on bike prep over the winter, would pay dividends for the lads; although the new iphone is out so that's put paid to that.

This season has been a great success. Quite a few said that they would not go to see national league speedway. they have missed a great deal. The reason Stoke have table topped is because of the improvements in Jamie, James, Tim and Ben. Of course the performances of Simon (third in averages I think) and Tony have been a great help!!. Gareth is a Stoke man through and through, and deserved his chance to ride for us this year. I know that a few( may be loads) say that Simon should not of been in the league but teams in all divisions that are sucessful need their 9-10 men at the lead. Well done Stoke and all those teams that have come to entertain us during the season. More of the same next year please.

Not going to add anything of interest here; just want to register my regards to Mildenhall on the victory and this sets up a very competitive final. Good luck to both sides and ride well.

I quite like the playoffs in respect that it takes the interest,if only for the four in it,beyond the final meetings; unfortuately not all the meetings have been ridden. This would not make any difference to the four that are there but would make a differnce to who finishes at the top. I do think though that this should be in addition to the League Champs Status,which should be the team that at the end of a league season, finish at the top. You see that "League Champs" goes with who finishes at the top of the "League". This, what we have is really just a shortened Knockout comp. Winner of this could be the "........." (Just think of a good title and put in there). Not really "League Champs" because who wins has not always finished at the top of the League.

Well done and a very well deserved win by Mildenhall. Thought their riders rode with their heads and although it isn't all over, it will take a major improvement by the Stoke lads to get this one. Really please that Ben got some points although thought he should of been excluded in the incident mentioned elsewhere; unfortuately this is where my report begins. I have never been abused by my own supporters before; I have always been one for applauding The Stoke riders well but also the away riders too, may be not quite so loud but come on boys and girls; this is a sport, it's not a matter of live and death. I gave Heeps a clap as he came past and was surprised beyond belief when a few of the crowd said "How can you clap that Aussie ******, you want to make your mind up who you are supporting", that contiued for most of the evening without boring you with the language as it got worse. Not sure I want that every week, gives me something to think about over the off season as I'll miss the next meeting with Mildenhall and if they do get through not sure I want to return just yet. It's a sport lets just remember, and if one one the "True" Stoke supporters are on the forum, I'd like to inform you that I have passion in plenty for the team.

My slick "Joke" was more of a play on the Stoke riders not getting to "grip" with the Mildenhall track than any reference to the state of the track. Poor attempt at a joke but it keeps me going through the day. I've never seen it(Mildenhalls track) and probably never will. True the Stoke track does not live up to it's reputation.I think it was the team manager from Scunthorpe that said he thought the straights are too long for the bends,what do people think of that. Thats not a gripe at the chap; just asking what others think of the comments. Is it Vojens that is built on the lines of Stokes track?; might be the other way round, not sure. Plenty of good racing there in Denmark on that track. Just looking forward to the meeting tommorrow and a close meeting between two very good sides.

I think Mildenhall could just make this over the two legs. Too many of our riders can't get to grip of the Mildenhall track; not saying it's slick because I have no idea but you cannot go to a place too often and get away with what we did last week. Was impressed with Mildenhall earlier in the year and they seem to go well at our place. The track at our place hasn't been too bad this year, certainly not as good as in past years but racable most weeks so to say "for once" is a little harsh. Good to see Ben back and regardless of his scores he should of seen the season out in the team. To expect Tim to come in and score was too much to ask and at this stage of the season. I assume he must be injuried with Ben in. Looking forward to the weekend and regardless of outcome of the meetings it has been a good year for the Potters. Hope the loon pots stay away and we get good racing from both sides.

I really do hope that speedway is not going to go the way of football with this sort of behaviour. I have seen isolated incidents of poor language at a few tracks over the years, including Loomer Rd but this is something that should not be put up with by anyone. Poor football put me off at Vale 15 years ago but was asked to take some kids to the Brit two years back. On that occasion and another since after I was persuaded it was a one off I have left games just into the second half because of foul and obusive language, and threats to myself and kids for asking someone not to kick my seat. I know it's very old school to think this way but we have far better ways of raising our voices in support of our teams than to turn the air blue. I was not at the meeting on Sunday but by the sounds it was not pleasant enviroment to have youngsters in, never mind adults. Lets see what happens this weekend; just hope the speedway brings our discussions to the forum and nothing else.

I said a while back on another thread that I would not comment on rolling averages again and here I am. Think you hit it on the head, We are after an indicator of form and 12 matches would give us that. Anywhere between 8 and 12 I think would be ok though. We would not need issues as such. As one match drops off another takes its place, so we would have a "rolling average" If we cannot get a grip on that idea we really are in a state. The way they are being done at present do not measure up to be called meaningful rolling average;(over too big a timescale) though there is room for arguement. Would we continue to support the sport if we thought "average manipulation" was going on?. Please nobody ask how we could tell if manipulation was taking place or not as that really would be a slight on everyones intelligence.

I think what gets at people the most is the fact that this young lad has come in on "false" average; although this is not known completly until the lad had rode. All suspected that he would, but until he took to the track, thats all that it was a suspicition. I have nothing against the lad; in fact I went down to watch the Tigers take on Dudley just to watch him ride and expect to see him ride at Loomer again in the "play offs" or whatever they are called. He is an exciting rider and isn't that what we want to see?. I do. The way riders get averages is a major flaw in the sport. They had the chance when the"rolling" averages came in but these are not rolling but stagnant averages to a degree when a rider acheives his average. Think it's true that some Wolves riders could be using 2010 rides to cal their 2012 average. FARCE. Take last six or eight meetings and drop and pick up every meeting after. Anyway good luck to Heeps, you have a great future ahead.

Didn't notice your horn on Saturday!!!. What a parade allows is the visiting riders a chance to get a few starts and a chance to speed the bends a bit. Doesn't level the playing field but helps out the riders a bit to the way the track is set up. May be a few would of changed a few settings on Saturday as it was very grippy early on. Poor Kyle looked like a novice in the first race, because he was caught out a little or doesn't like that type of track. Well done Potters, pity James fell in heat 15; would of liked to see him take on Hughes and Cockle.

Not the best meeting that I've seen but positives to be draw. Stefan looks like he could become a very good speedway rider. Great out of the tapes and on a very difficult track he did well. James continued his very impressive form along with the usual suspects of Jamie, Tim, old man Tony and Simon. Gareth is probably a little disapointed he isn't scoring more but is plugging away. Ben is trying very hard and no complaints about his application. Put the 3 points in the bag and move on.

Just read Malc's thoughts in the local press and agree with what he has to say about the stay away's having a go at National racing.I have been massively inpressed with the standard and quality of racing this year at Loomer Rd; so lads/girls ;it's a nice evening, nothing on the tv; dancing does start till 11 so come on down and see the lads. I know events off the track have not helped Stokes profile but the track lights should not be needed tonight, although that "sun break" looks on the cards. Come on the Potters!!!

Looking forward to seeing Stefan, thats the lad who was at Sheff/Scunthorpe earlier in the season?. Not heard of Rumsey, new to the sport?. Weather great in Stoke at moment; hope for a good close meeting, how Cockle and Hughes go will prehaps decide if it's close or not; unless there is a STAR in their ranks that I don't know about. Safe meeting for all.