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Bowes had a much better home average this year, McDiarmid was much better away. If Mitch can learn how to ride his home track better, his average could rise by 2+ points imo. Being an Aussie, I'd kind of expect Workington to suit Bowes more than Poole would, so think his average could even drop!

agree with both of these, couldn't have put it any better

The play-offs will certainly stay, no chance of them disappearing imo. Maybe it'll be top 2 straight final or top 3 if it's a 5 team league. If they get 6, will stick to the top 4, which they did before. While I dislike play-offs & think table toppers should be Champions, it's not like British Speedway is alone in doing this, so wouldn't say it harms the sports credibility (guests probably do that more).

Well Hume's 2025 scoring was better than the previous season, so he was going in he right direction. He may not get any better, but I wouldn't say he can't.

I agree Glasgow had an awesome top 5, was pointing out it's weaker this year as you mentioned their reserves are stronger. As the league is weaker Oxford's top 5 wouldn't need to be on a par with Glasgow's from last year. If Riss goes back to his best, plus McDiarmid & Killeen ride to their potential, then Oxford could be close to Glasgow's 2025 top 5 though. This year rate Oxford's top 5 higher, but Glasgow's reserves as stronger. With Poole the favourites (assuming they've signed Rushen). Pedersen and Hausl could make the difference though, be interesting to see how they go. Think Oxford should be happy with McDiarmid & Killeen though with more British track experience.

I agree, but also a weaker top 3 / top 5. Just pointing out weaker reserves doesn't mean you can't win anything. Glasgow were only a superheat away from the title. Don't think Oxford will be favourites, but think they'll be up there challenging.

Hume doesn't fit now so I guess it's irrelevant, but why were you so sure he wouldn't improve? You're entitled to your opinion, but others who think he may improve are not necessarily wrong.

Lambert & Perry would be the best options for the final 2 imo

I wouldn't be too concerned about the reserves. The top 5 should be good enough to carry them. I do think they could be 3.00 reserves, but don't expect massive improvement. But even that would be stronger than Glasgow's bottom 2 & they topped the table.

I would just hate to build a team 1.5 under the limit, which may not happen. But depending on who they end up with - I could feel Wood would've been better. If they go with Paco & Kyle, wouldn't have been surprised if Wood got the last spot, maybe they'll go another way?

He'd have been a good signing with 2.5 available, not so great if they end up with 3.7 available.

Wise move by Cook if that's the case.

What "unfinished business" could Zach Cook have with Poole, they've won everything multiple times? If he had said "I want to win more titles" that would've made more sense to me!

I make Pickering's average 11.64 (7.76 x 1.5) meaning the above team would be over the limit? Although I notice the confirmed signings thread also has him at 11.46!

But Poole, who Rushen's rumoured to be joining, always say they don't pay more than othe clubs? 🤔

Confuses me too, thought every clubs fans would want him?

Personally I think Kemp's the better rider, but have obviously heard of his temperament issues. In a slightly weaker league, Sedgmen should be a pretty decent reserve.

Kinda answered your own question, Mondays & Thursdays work as they allow riders to double up. Both leagues racing on the same night means more guests.

It's funny, plus it's pretty true.

Tends to score pretty well at reserve, then of he went into the top 5, Hume would score well!

How about? Peter Kildemand - 8.05 Victor Palovaara - 7.35 Nick Morris - 6.86 Lasse Fredriksen - 5.49 Danyon Hume - 4.97 Alfie Bowtell - 4.65 Max Perry - 2.29 Total - 39.66

Well no point in arguing over the pros or cons of Grahn as he's been signed now. I'd have no issue with Kye as 3rd heat leader, as he performed really well as number 5 in the latter half of the season. As for Heeps, he went downhill after leaving Edinburgh, had 3 seasons averaging 5ish or less, then had a much better season in 2024, before reverting back this season. So my thinking is if he's been a 6+ rider as recently as 2024 why can't he reach that level again? Apart from that, I'd sign him for the same reason Poole signed Kerr & Workington signed Batchelor when they dropped their averages. As for Lasse his GSA has gone up every season, so I wouldn't agree that he "isn't getting any better". Jacob Hook could also be an alternative to Lasse. Now I'm not saying either of these riders will definitely up their averages, my theory is combined Fredriksen & Heeps would score more than Castagna & Wood! Finally as people laughed at my Coles suggestion, can you name riders under 3.74 (if they go with Paco & Kye) who will do better? Wood, Perry & James have been suggested, while they possibly could do better, there's no guarantee - otherwise they would have a higher average than Connor! I'm not saying Coles is 100% the best option, no-one stands out above the rest imo. So thought use the guy with the highest average.

If they went with Kye & Paco, I'd kinda like Connor Coles to get a chance. Don't see him getting a team spot anywhere else on a 3.25 ave, but as there's not an obvious stronger choice if they go that route, maybe give him a second tier lifeline?

Agree, especially if he was on a 5 point ave!

While I agree with that, question is would Smith be better than Perry or Summers etc.