ZODIAK

Anyone know if Todd needs a Visa?

I think the Manzares one is the interesting one and the one we're all waiting for. If it really is as Black and White as top 4 in a state championship or an average of 7 or above, then he won't get a visa, simple. If he does get a Visa, then it's obviously not as Black and White as some on here are suggesting and there's a little more to it that we're not privy to. Time will tell.

I think the "no issues" comment was regarding the riders meeting the qualifying criteria, not the process of actually obtaining them, which is obviously proving to be long winded and problematic.

Then who received the loan fee from Peterborough? Should have been Mildenhall, shouldn't it?

He isn't he's a Chris Louis asset. Blackbird ceased to be a "Mildenhall asset" (and I use that term very loosely) in December.

And Kevin Doolan, both when we first dropped down to the PL.

Oh terrific!

The sooner we get back in to the EL the better as far as I'm concerned. The Hammers fans must be drooling at the prospect of watching Andreas Jonsson most weeks and good luck to them.

Nobody is sure yet, even Chris Louis wasn't sure a month or so ago. As for the captain, King for me. Hawkins done a good job last year granted, but I've always preferred to have your top man leading the team.

We can, or rather the promoters can. They shouldn't be offering utter dross like those mentioned contacts but they've chosen to do so. I accept some are more difficult to replace as there just isn't enough Brits good enough or ready enough in the short term, but I refuse to believe there's not a few British youngsters that couldn't do at least as well if not better, than Konopka or the other 3 point dud at Glasgow. The PL should without question, have British reserves. I hear that could be the case next year, but it should be in place already.

http://www.lovespeedway24.co.uk/teams/ipswich-witches/gino_looking_forward_to_a_full_on_season_and_no_hiccups_during_the_final_few_months_1_3943018?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

More of an issue for me, is promoters offering contracts to far worse riders than Campton rather than giving British youngsters a chance! There isn't a great deal of British talent coming through granted, but surely there's a few that couldn't do worse than the likes of Dilger and Konopka who are proven sh**e.

http://www.speedwaygb.co/gbe That doesn't say you have 3 years to achieve the 7 average. On the qualifying criteria in that statement, Manzares simply doesn't qualify.

Has there been any official statement, detailing exactly what the qualifying criteria is?

Manzares, it seems, does meet the criteria as Chris Louis has apparently told the local journalist that the 2 Ipswich riders have "no issues" getting visas.

But how does Manzares meet the criteria? He hasn't gained an average over 7 and hasn't finished in the top 4 of a state championship. The only thing I can think of, is he is the current US under 21 champion, and someone mentioned on here a while ago that that would meet the qualifying criteria.

Pretty obvious what point he/she was making and you know that. Cardinalsin already made the point on this thread more than once, that rules are rules and if he doesn't qualify he doesn't qualify. But it does seem "wrong" unfair, skewed or whatever word you choose to use, that someone like Manzares isnt cleared to ride here but another non Brit with far less talent can because of his place of birth. But, as you rightly say, speedway isn't "above the law" and those affected will just have to lump it and like it! The PL will be a poorer place for his, and a couple of others exclusions though. Still, perhaps Ipswich and others will follow Berwicks example, and sign more Slovenian no marks in their place.

Not so sure Baldyman the problem with Friday meetings for Lakeside that put off a lot of promoters is still there. There might not be too many other options though so his chances will definitely have increased, but I think those affected with Visa issues may well explore other options first.

TBF the lad has only got himself to blame for being born in America. He should have been a bit more savvy and got himself born in Poland, Sweden or Denmark!

They'll just be replaced by second rate Swedes and Danes instead. Good luck with #BacktheBritishkids.

Agree it's a different animal. There's been youth stars over the years that looked like they had the world at their feet, only to flop once they moved on to 500cc and disappeared. On the flip side there's been others who looked pretty ordinary at youth level who then thrived on 500cc and had good careers. Always dangerous to make predictions though before a competitive wheel has been turned as you can end up looking a right turnip. That's why I'll sit firmly on the fence and say Sissis could actually do very very well, or he might not

I know for a fact Chris Louis watched him very closely at Foxhall last summer. I think Louis made his mind up there and then that it wasn't an option he was going to explore in great detail! No offence to the lad but he looked abysmal, couldn't turn the bike properly around the bends and was slow and constantly out of shape. Almost looked as though it was the first time he'd ever sat on a speedway bike let alone ridden one. Could all be a red herring of course and he could well turn out to be decent given time. I won't hold my breath though..

How did Arthur Sissy get on? The poor lad's had a mare in pre-season so far.

Without getting in to the intricacies of who should and shouldn't qualify for a visa and the qualifying criteria, purely from a fans point of view it would be a great shame in Manzares didn't obtain one as he was excellent entertainment last season. He's certainly been a good addition to the PL.

You're right it didn't, but the amount of times he was missing was tiresome. Hard for Ellis to miss out after he thought he was signing for Ipswich again, but in Louis' defence from what I've heard, Louis thought he wouldn't be riding for Lakeside again either. Missing so many meetings again obviously didn't appeal.