thebaron

A fit Alex Davies on 5.41 and its literally 'daylight robbery' agreed. He was last season because it seemed to me that Alex was playing 'catch up' when the had season started and was needing to get fit when he should have kept himself in shape close season. If he came back over his back injury and fully fit; he could add +2 to that 5.41 average. As Broadsider say's if he's fit; whoever gets him in (at reserve) on that average would be real contenders. Given the 40 point limit I cannot see a team with Wilko, Lewis Kerr and MPT in it ?; and have the top end in decent shape. Lewis's form was seriously impressive for us last season; and that's why I would take him over Wilko. MPT on 6.98 will easily be a top Championship rider in 2017. Auty 7.01 + Douglas 7.18 + MPT 6.98 + LK 5.98 + JB 2.05 + FW 5.00 + AD 5.41 = 39.61 that's as decent as it gets under 40pts I would argue; and ALL of them can step it up in 2017.

Cheers Rob ..back to the drawing board for me I guess... phew !

You know me a big 'Thunder Davies' advocate but is he (through no fault of his own) more of a gamble ? and where has Lewis's average dipped to 5.98 ? Someone else had him down under the 6.16 he supposedly finished on according BSPA figures.

I have commented that we need to assemble a team where the nucleus of the team could move up with us to the Premiership. If we can challenge and I believe we can; we need to put the building blocks in place. We don't want to be faced with signing a complete new team if we got promoted. So the likes of Josh Auty, Ryan Douglas, Lewis Kerr, MPT (who for me can be a Championship No1 in 2017) and Fritz Wallner all fit that into that category. Josh Bailey on a 2+ average is a 'give me' and then I would look at the likes of Stefan Nielsen who really progressed in the Elite and PL in 2016. That team ticks the entertainment box and all can improve and comes within the 40 point limit. I just cannot see us throwing money and points on a 'big hitter' because realistically who would that be ?. If your going for it then Chris Harris is available !. But I just don't see the management jeapordising the club financially. If we go for Ben Barker fine but; his nigh 8 point average limits the bottom of the team further and for me he is not the rider he once was. Due in some part to injury mind. I do not think we got carried away with the team at the end of last season. By luck more than design we arrived at a good 1-7 that proved it has great potential certainly the likes of Lewis Kerr, MPT and Fritz Wallner will have no worries getting fixed up elsewhere if we look elsewhere. These are riders our opponents will covert and we should be in the box seat for doing deals with them for 2017. It all points to me for us to show confidence in our good work in the second half of last season and give that team it's 'head'. Add a 5+ rider and Stefan Nielsen must be in with a shout? and I believe we will reap the rewards next season. That said if we did opt for Ben Barker as a potential 'big hitter' I came up with Ben Barker 7.91 Josh Auty 7.10 Ryan Douglas 7.18 Lewis Kerr 6.16 Fritz Wallner5.00 Rob Branford 4.60 Josh Bailey 2.05 Total 40.00 Branford is a rider who goes well at Scunny and could step up next season. With Rye House going up he will be looking for a Championship ride. Hopefully Ben Barker would give us the ability to go other tracks and with Ryan and Big Josh have three riders to take on the opposition top three. Then in Lewis and Fritz have two more riders capable of hitting the big points. Come to think of it that's not a bad line up at all ! and just within the reduced 40 point maximum ..infact bang on it !

Lewis Kerr's tweeted he's signed deals in the Championship and the Prem !. Fingers crossed its us ?; if it means anything Ryan seems to have given him a LIKE for it.

Wilko on Twitter says he's done a deal for 2017. Expect that would be with us Anyone heard anything on this ?

Thanks Phil for putting me right on Nike. As you say either way there's a balance there. One thing we have to work out is 'doubling up' because I bet 'they' think it wont happen.. but I reckon it will; and we will end up with with the two promotion play off teams at loggerheads over a rider who has ridden for both teams all season. Suppose the solution is he reverts to his 'parent club' in the event of a clash ?

The 40 point limit puts to bed pretentions of including a 'big hitter' for me. Li'l Josh on 2.00 - if correct looks like a no brainer. This strengthens the case for getting MPT on board; as he is one rider who can step up at Championship level and can ride Premiership. We have to adopt the approach that we are assembling a team to push for promotion and for the nucleus of that team to serve us once we get there. So for me MPT (7.01), Lewis (6.16), Ryan (7.18) and Big Josh (7.10) are a good nucleus thinking forward. So that would leave us on 29.45 and 10.55 to shuffle with. Wilko(6.12) and Fritz (5.00) is the decision for me. If we go with Wilko we would have 4.43 left and if it was Fritz it would be 5.55 left. We all love Fritz caused a 'revolution' round the EWR when he arrived but do we need tried trusted over a season?. Because if we do; then you might go with Wilko in a top five. With Rye House promoted to the Premiership how about Leigh Lanham on 4.34 as the reserve partner to Li'l Josh ? Bags of experience and a steal for me on that average !. I absolutely do not want to lose Fritz; he definitely ups the entertainment level without question; but something's got to give. I wondered if we could do a deal with Fritz as our 'go to rider' in the event of injury and then see where we are end of June and if we needed to make a change bring him in at that stage. Then again; Rob could very well go with Fritz from the off at reserve ! and look for a 5.55 man in the top five Stefan Nielsen on 5.53 given Plymouths demise. Remember his heroics with 12 v Sheffield at the EWR last season !. Also is Nike Lunna still our asset ? 4.86 and a full season at Glasgow might make a break through in 2017. Some food for thought .......

Smoke seen billowing from a chimney in the Broxbourne Wild Life Park, Herts ! Think something's been decided.

I thought about Bjerre; wasn't he supposed to have fallen out with the Redcar management; and rode the season out under 'sufferance' ? He's on 6.65 I think, and agree might be a steal as he has the ability to become a No1 rider no doubt.

Reading this weeks Speedway Star and MPT making a clear statement that he would like to be back with us next season. Rob having made no secret of his desire to have MPT in the line up in 2017 and Tofty indicating the feeling was mutual. I reckon MPT will be on the 'wish list' of a number of clubs next season; and for me he is a rider who can push on towards being a No1 at PL level. I was a bit less hopeful after the last meeting; Tofty seemed to be playing his cards close about being at Scunny in 2017 when Rob put the point to him. Wait and see I think was the reply; which made me think he might be looking elsewhere ?. For sure having signed for Danish Super League Esjberg and eyeing an Elite ride as "doubler upper" MPT will be busy no doubt. But would be great to see him back in a Scorpions race jacket. I really rate him on the bike; really accomplished performer since his first days at Scunthorpe. Has me wondering how that sets us up 1-7 with MPT (7.01) back; I would really like to see Lewis Kerr (6.16) continue his excellent form as a Scunthorpe rider next season. Ryan (7.18) is a cert; while Big Josh (7.10) already has contract. Suspect there might be 'riots' if we overlooked Fritz Wallner(5.00) after his end of season exploits, and Lil'Josh or Jack Smith for the three point berth. Then Wilko's (6.12) always Robs 'go to man'. If the points limit stays 42.50; I calculate our total (ave in brackets) = 41.57; the team showed its potential in the last couple of months. I believe there's a lot more to come from this line up and it could be challenging at the right end of the table in 2017. But there is also the temptation to say we need a real No1 rider; and Ben Barkers name has been mooted in earlier posts. I rate Barker; especially round Scunny but on a 7.91 average that takes a 'chunck out' and someone would have to give to fit Barker in. Regarding Ben Barker; if you were getting the Ben Barker of his Birmingham/Plymouth 3-4 years ago he would be a BIG hitter; but I have got into the habit of thinking that he has peaked as a rider and for whatever reason ( and injury has played a part also ) his form has suffered. Clearly a lot is going to depend on next weeks Conference at the National Speedway Museum. I will not hold my breath for radical change; but I am hopeful that Rob and Buster Chapman can deliver at least some step change for next season that can help Speedway move into a healthier place. We have to embrace the superb new National Speedway Stadium and the luxury of a SKY TV contract to put the sport into the public eye. Next season the Speedway Grand Prix is going to absolutely fantastic with the line up of riders in the Series. So Speedway has a lot going for it in 2017 for me. For me; I would like to see the Elite League carry on for the purpose of showcasing the sport to the wider public on SKY. But it has to be what it says on the tin 'Elite'. Clubs have to adopt a squad system; and avoid the at times farcical use of guest riders. Having one common race night in the Elite would help continuity and reduce the incidence of fixture clashes v Premier League matches - particularly if as I expect the 'double up/down rider is retained. We need more meetings; and an interesting fixture list and more teams ! - whilst I cannot see an amalgamation of Elite/Premier leagues; I can see some form of Regionalised inter-league competition; maybe where the 'top GP riders' sit these fixtures out where their commitment to the Grand Prix and Euro leagues conflicts.I think we would all be excited to get to see the Scorpions race against Belle Vue at the National Stadium; and I reckon fans would back it home and away. There has been talk of standardising machinery to bring rider costs down; and maybe that is something to be tried at National League level or maybe in any 'Inter-League' fixtures- a form of equalising at least from the start point. So Scunthorpe would not travel to Belle Vue knowing they were going to have to take on riders with such vastly superior machinery thus making a mockery of the meeting. As I say I am hopeful; of step change rather than radical overhaul. Love to hear other ideas emanating from fellow Scorpions. Stay safe. Keep the faith.

You need to get out more Searcher !

That's a proper 1-7 and this is no disrespect to Wilko before anyone throws that in !. We all know what Wilko has and can bring to the mix. But I would be tempted by that team because there are so many permutations across it. All of the rider's can consistantly deliver on the all action racing the EWR is famed for.

Did you see Tofty ride for Kings Lynn at Poole on SKY last night ? What a performance he’s really put himself in the shop window for the Elite League in 2017. Just how much as he grown as a rider since he was first with us. What a quality signing he was mid season when Peterborough had their first “meltdown” and axed him. How bonkers was that; and Rob has been vindicated in turning to our “Nightwatchman” to turn our season around somewhat at the last. But; back to last night he really attacked the Poole track and was always in the race. Thing with Tofty is he is a “craftsman” on the bike. Knows where to ride; and safely to maximum effect. No matter if he’s last out the gate; he can effect the race from the back and you never rule him out. He looks to me to have strong engines and he can control a race from the front. Also a great rider to pair up with because you can trust him to be where you want him to be and not where you don’t !. Last night as I say has definitely put him on the radar for Kings Lynn at the very least and probably every other Elite track as well. Remember he also banged home 13+2 for Leicester out of 33 at Swindon not withstanding that Belle Vue know all about him. As far as I know he is a Scunthorpe asset ? correct me if I am wrong. Originally I remember he has a tie up with Kings Lynn but I thought that was ended in favour of a Scorpions contract. I would love to see MPT; back with us in 2017; but on the evidence it might be he has Elite ambitions. You would like to think we had a shout if the Leagues were merged in some way or he doubled up for us. If he is our asset; he would have a transfer or loan valuation. What I can say; without getting carried away; is that through a fairly turbulent 2016 campaign by quirk of fate we seem to have found our team. Lewis Kerr; was an excellent call to make; irrespective of whether he rides for us or not he warrants our respect and admiration coming back from such serious injuries in 2015. That he is actually riding for Scunthorpe and demonstrating his skill; bravery and hitting the big numbers is brilliant. We need to get the Kerr-minator back for 2017 and he would like to be back from what he has said. Fritz Wallner; no idea where the management came across “the Blitz” but what a late season find. Lets again not get carried away; but he has smashed it for an “unknown”. An almighty effort in Heat14 last week v Redcar blasting round flat out on the dirt line. He is thrilling to watch and skillful on the bike. A definite crowd pleaser. He has rapidly dialled into the EWR on good engines and considering his limited if any team racing experience has put down a marker for 2017. Josh Bailey/Jack Smith; no doubting that Lil'Josh has been superb this season and very unlucky to be out through injury. But I have been impressed with Jack Smith's inclusion and he might just have made himself a contender for 2017. There's not much between these two young racers ability wise; obviously their parent clubs will have a say in things too. Rob has said he would go with the same 1-7 in 2017; and I am all for getting our stall set out early. Josh Auty has already agreed in principal to next season I understand. We do not know at this stage how the Leagues will look in 2017; so its maybe too soon to make firm commitments. But certainly if the Premier League continues in its current format we have a team that could; be up for the prizes; things being equal. But we should not get too carried away; and let our heart rule our head; and be prepared to make a change if the right rider is available to add to the top end. Obviously depending on finances and over team averages. Just when its all getting exciting again; here we are tomorrow – end of season. But it’s a great thought to sustain us through the Winter knowing we’re back next season and plenty to look forward to at the Eddie Wright Raceway. Good and valid points here Iron; for me although it could make our journey from Bradford slightly more problematic; we think a return to Friday might be our preference. But clearly there are pro's and cons which ever way the management elect go.

Looking forward to the meeting after a week off. Reading in the Star that Lewis Kerr is enjoying his racing at the EWR and has an eye on a return in 2017 !. That's great news as I see it; no harm in getting your ducks in order early !. Rob is right; had we started with this 1-7 the season might have worked out better. But you make decisions for the right reasons at the time. If you take the long term view that we are building now for 2017 that makes the remainder of our season important for everyone. A team that had the Kerr-minator and MPT as its middle order would look strong. Then having invested the time in Josh Bailey you want to be getting the payback in 2017 and to be fair Fritz Wallner is worth persevering with. Then your looking at the heat leaders Josh Auty has already signed and Ryan's certain to. So it would leave one place and for me I would bring back Tommy Jorgensen. I reckon that line up has entertainment written right through it and can be challenging at the opposite and of the table next season. So I'm not writing off this season as I see at a springboard to the next. Let's see if we can put the Comets into orbit tomorrow and grab the points !

Welcome our new Austrian signing Fritz "der Blitz" Wallner - woah ......looking forward to this

Hi Scunny supporter here; I am up in the Borders next week and intend taking in the footballBerwick Rangers v Annan Athletic on 13/8 and then Bandidos v Pboro later. If you park in the car park can you leave your car there and rollover into the speedway or must you go out the car park and comeback in for the speedway ?. Minor detail but just wondered how it works if you do both. Reminds me of Halifax Speedway this; footie in the afternoon and back for the Dukes in the evening.

Thanks Iron; time was when the old Div2/New National League would carry on through "international schedules" throughout the summer, but now there is a lot of cross over between the leagues due to the scarcity of riders. Then if you throw in domestic shared events; its easy to close your local speedway for month in June-July. But no good for continuity and keeping the punters engaged.

Anyone else brassed off with another blank week at the EWR ?. All that fantastic racing v Edinburgh two weeks back. Somehow all the excitment and enthusiasm that generated is in danger of being lost. Your almost starting again v Somerset a week on Sunday. Any news on if we have a replacement for Alex ?

Sounds like we should have won this ! There was I thinking 40-49 was a decent result at Barmadale ! Is there anything we could lodge protest about ?

Two days on and reflecting on Sundays brilliant racing and every bit as good as I thought it was !. Infact it's better than I thought. You will never see a non passing race as good as that one, Even if you turned up at a track every night at a speedway for the next 100 years.! All four riders were almost in unison going round and it was blanket stuff all the way. Look beyond the final result 44-45 (subject to stewards enquiry-Mitch Davey?). There were no losers at Scunny on Sunday only winners if you were there. Scunthorpe Speedway the track that just KEEPS ON GIVING !

Lewis Kerr was the opposite of you last Sunday at Scunny ..alltheideabutnaegear !

Not going to agree that our riders don't have the skill; but going to agree that for some reason they rarely do well there. Wilko clearly laying the myth then; when he has had great meeting there. Those riders you note; different class they could ride any track with relative ease.

No; honest I'm not; the Scorpions are capable of far better than their results have been; and granted again Monday we showed our frailties again at Rough Park (where we rarely do well). But I'll stick by my belief we can push on and still have a say in the outcome of this league. But obviously your fully entitled to your own opinion.

Absolutely brilliant Scunny; we really have the bit between our teeth and sense there is a galvanising of the team spirit and wanting to turn the season around. Panthers have really made a mullocks of their team; rewind to the League Cup tie at the start of the season; when they walloped us out of site. They looked polished and a real force. Could not look much beyond them for the eventual League winners. But; tearing up that 1-7 to get Cook in on such a high average has weakened them no end. Great for us because we got our "night watchman" MPT back and clearly he had a point or 15 to prove last night. Off the bottom now and three points off mid table; so there is all to ride for. If we get our in match; in race management right; and the evidence is we can; then by no means discount Scunny squeezing into to those play-offs. Edinburgh- Home Sunday; and there's a really good vibe about the Scorpions now.