szkocjasid

All I read on FB is "we need to sign a top number one" etc

Good point, it should be easier to understand.

In place of who? Would mean having stronger reserves, but Plymouth fans have been calling out for a stronger top end.

A team can only declare ONE rider who has previously (prior to the 2024 season) achieved above a 4.00 Championship average and currently has a below 6.00 Championship average, and is not declared in a Championship or Premiership declaration. That is the ruling, one (4-6 / pre 2024) rider per team. Ablitt didn't have a 4+ average pre 2024, so isn't covered by this rule. Also means if Ablitt later got a Champ spot, wouldn't have to leave the development leagues.

Sam Masters, Richard Lawson & Charles Wright are the only 3 riders, who had a higher away average than Harris, who will be riding in the Champ this season. Even if you believe Harris was poor away last season (I don't) he'll be better this year because more top riders have left the Champ.

Actually Killeen is below 4, so could have ridden before the rule change. I'd like to think Morley could come back in that situation.

Should have given a name to the "Any rider who previously (prior to the 2024 season) had achieved a 4.00 average in the Championship, and currently has a Championship average of below 6.00" rule, maybe call them a "graded rider". That way the next rule would be only ONE graded rider per team, if a graded rider signs for a Champ / Prem team, has to leave in 28 days. Would also save time on the forum being able to say "graded rider" instead of "that rider who previously (prior to the 2024 season) had achieved a 4.00 average in the Championship, and currently has a Championship average of below 6.00"

So few matches these days, unless you're an Oxford fan. I'd assume fixtures may be spread out?

He can, the 4-6 point rider rule is for pre-2024. Anyone who rode this year is eligible for the development league in 25.

They only have 3 guaranteed home Trophy fixtures, hopefully 4. Of course it's not gonna be a full season lol! Unless they run a LOT of challenge matches?

In that case, I can see why you thought it was a poor signing. I wouldn't have fancied him on a 7 ave myself.

I agree, but that's kind of irrelevant, only thing that matters is if he can up his average. When Lynn announced Harris at reserve, you didn't get many complaints that he was "past his best". It's the same for Zagar at Birmingham, I know he's past his best, but if he can keep his starting average, then he's done his job.

I don't understand all the negativity, they're only using 4/5 points on Kildemand (I believe), which makes him a heck of a reserve, if he moves up will still have a good reserve. As long as they don't waste their final signing, look like a play-off side to me. Even if he struggles, just replace him with a doubling up Champ rider, Kerr / Kemp / Batchelor / Worrall, no harm done.

Did anyone say Kildemand?

Now I've seen the rules, Kent could go with Ablitt & Morley. Any rider who rode in 24 is eligible for 25. Morley would be the only "4-6" rider.

Just fits, would be their best team for a few years imo Michael P Toft 7.80 Nico Covatti 7.82 Ben Barker 5.87 Joe Thompson 5.63 Alfie Bowtell 5.07 Lasse Fredriksen 4.67 Ben Trigger 3.00 Total 39.86

I think it would have to be a ruling on matches ridden, age shouldn't really come into it. Personally I don't mind Morley in the development league, he's giving the better riders someone to aim to beat. i.e if you can beat Morley you're ready for the Champ. If the top NDL riders ended up being Scott, McGurk, Hodder, Garrad, Perry & James, all riders who couldn't reach the minimum 2.00 Champ ave, how would NDL riders know when to step up?

The rule was, if a rider had ever averaged above 4, they couldn't race in NDL. So even 3 points riders like William Lawson could no longer ride in it. Rules must have changed to allow Morley & Harrison to race in the development league, just wish they'd announce the rule changes.

He rarely has a full season to try & "kick on" this year was probably one where he rode most of the season, very good at reserve, averaging above 5, but poor in the top 5, so his average dropped pretty much back to where it started. I'd pick him if I had 3.7 available, but not over 4 like Workington have left.

I'll disagree on that one, lots of 2 point riders get a second season & Jack is better than all of them. Maybe if he did worse last year could fit into some teams, explain that to non-speedway fans

I get your point, but any points Oxford or Workington gain from their number 7, Poole will gain from their 3,4&5.

I don't think Knudsen as as bad as some are making out, but I would've preferred Ablitt, if I was an Oxford fan.

I agree, just pointing out that next year only having one heat leader isn't going to be as bad as it would've been 5/10 years ago.

That would always be my preference

Not sure why the need for concern? Let's say Berwick only have Cook as a "genuine heat leader", Edinburgh only have Sedgmen, Oxford only have Masters & Plymouth haven't named any. Looks like we'll have more teams built with strength in depth in mind?