szkocjasid

That's not really accurate, you could say they stuck with the planned team once Cairns joined for example. But Marson expected a team spot till then, which didn't happen.

I seem to be in the minority, but I don't have any worries about Dan as a number one.

I think he (Dan T) could end up with a 9.5 ave, I don't see what's funny about that?

Interesting scenario with Riss, if he put a point on his ave, I'd probably call that a disappointing season. Think Morris could put a point on his ave, but not 2. Oxford look to have more improvement in their averages as a whole, good team.

Yeah, think he could put a point on his average.

They probably do have those ambitions, but not necessarily next season. The reserves for example could be aiming to reach that level in 2027 or 2028?

Agree, looking a good team imo

They changed the rules last year, Zischke dropped to 3.00 in the Prem, so did Gusts allowing into the Champ on 4.50. I totally agree with you, that it shouldn't be allowed to happen, at a time when foreign riders are more restricted due to Poland flexing their muscles, why not encourage more Brits?

Just thinking any Prem club interested in Riss would be best to wait till his Champ season starts, then sign him a few weeks into the season. Current Prem ave is 6.46, but Champ converted would be 4.75. Of course that could change a little, once he rides in the Champ. To a lesser extent Pickering would be 7.76 in the Prem, but 6.14 on a Champ converted ave. This is why I dislike the current system, as it almost encourages manipulation, as it's legal.

all look capable in those averages. If I was a Leicester fan, would be happy with that team. Especially if Gilkes was RS, as someone else mentioned.

6 Champ heat leaders is a "half decent team"?

Palm Toft on a 4.07 converted ave? Former Lynn rider.

Personally I wouldn't have Cooper in the Prem & certainly not in the top 6. Let him find his feet at Champ level. If they did start with Gusts & he went missing a lot, simply use Rushen as a guest to get be him experience. If he starts scoring maximums every week in the Champ then look at bringing him in?

If Hume is still injured, then obviously no team will want to sign him. Besides I never said Berwick made a mistake not picking him, I merely disagreed with the comment he'll never improve. Every rider is different & injuries affect them all in different ways. Look how Lewis Kerr returned after being in a coma for example.

Gusts has a 3.00 Prem average, he could ride at 6 instead of using 2 x RS

Can the BSPL afford to do that with so few teams remaining?

Of course they're on the way down, ex GP riders on the way up don't race in the Champ lol! Anyway, while I get your point, Batchelor's form last season allows him to be a 3rd heat leader, while Cook was decent (when he was there). At their peaks, team would be over the limit. Biggest issue with Cook would be him not starting the season, as long as he starts the club could use guests if he went missing. I think the silence when he goes missing goes against Cook. If for example he came out & said "I'm having mental health issues & have been signed off by a doctor" I think people would be far more understanding. But when he doesn't turn up & clubs say very little, fans could feel he just can't be bothered.

I've never said Hume was gonna jump up a level, my original point was disagreeing with this comment "he will not improve, I don't get why people can't grasp that" - to me that's a very strong statement. There's no evidence he won't improve, it's not like he's gone downhill year after year. I looked at slightly different averages, counting a full season not just the rolling aves, as the 2022 season only had a 10 match rolling ave so doesn't show his form for the whole season, plus his 2025 average carried half of 2024 matches. So in 2025 he had his best average in the Champ, that doesn't suggest to me, he'll never improve. 2021 - 4.98 2022 - 5.54 2023 - 4.90 2024 - 4.99 2025 - 5.68 my Hume comments have been: "but why were you so sure he wouldn't improve?" "He may not get any better, but I wouldn't say he can't" Edit: just noticed since he left Glasgow, he's never dropped back down to reserve.

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.