thebaron

Cripes I am confused; sorry Ash totally overlooked you !; yes of course. You did well Sunday fella; your efforts worth more than the 4pts by the way.

No; I think it means that whilst Zdneck has an assessed average he cannot be dropped. At the moment he still has a 7.00CMA as he has not ridden sufficient meetings; and therefore carries that assessed average; until the next set of official CMA's are calculated. Hence until then we are a little bit restricted if we want to make a change for Nicolai; than we eventually might be come mid-May. Zdneck is not immediately under threat; Andreas is the one who might have to hang fire until we know where we are with the team CMA. Till then R/R for Zdneck and a guest for Nicolai; I think.

Thank you Rob for correcting me there; so he never was our asset; but is an asset of the Monmore business and presumably contracted in some way; that would allow both parties flexibility to exercise the contract or otherwise.

To answer my own question Procter is saying he is aiming to be back in the UK by mid May. Workington might have first dibs on his services having done a deal with him close season ?. I was thinking about contracts in speedway; they cannot be worth the paper they are written on. You agree a deal with a rider; and then just because it goes a bit Pete Tong; riders are soon shipped out with little sentiment. I know Rob; is quite loyal to his riders so decisions are not made without a bit of thought at Scunthorpe; but generally in speedway they're seems little sentiment today. I suppose you have to do what you thinks right for the business. When a rider loses out in any team changes; what is the deal; are they club assets ?; are speedway contracts like "zero hours" "we will call you" when there is some work; because it seems that way to me. Looking back to the 70's-80's hey days barring injury the same seven riders ploughed on through the season regardless. Look at Scunthorpe in 1972 bottom of the league the entire season and I do not recollect much change in the septet of riders. So what is a speedway riders contract with any club worth today ? ...zilch I suppose. Then I am thinking about Tai Woffinden at Wolverhampton. Correct me here by all means; but Tai is a Wolves asset; for which they paid money to secure his services. When he joined Rye House did they buy his contract from us in 2008 and then sell him to Wolves in 2009 ? Or did he remain a Scunthorpe asset and we sold him to Wolves ? Either way he is now World Speedway Champion; and decides to sit out the British Speedway season and ride abroad. So is he could be said to be "withholding his services" as a Wolverhampton employee?. Not having Tai Woffinden riding for Wolves has to be damaging to the business of Wolverhampton Speedway; before you start thinking of the wider implications to the sport generally in the UK. Tai has to be the most valuable asset British Speedway has at the moment; let alone Wolves, and yet he has no involvement with the speedway in the UK directly. This applies to numerous high profile (mostly Grand Prix) "club assets" in UK speedway today.

As I have said; I do not like changing; but speedway can force your hand; and sooner than anticipated. I would hate that conversation with the rider (all of whom put themselves on the line each race). It would be harsh on Zeddy due to injury and Andreas who is not even here yet !. On paper that looks a more robust line up; largely because Procter and Compo are seasoned performers on the British scene. It does what it says on the tin; Procter can be a bit hit and miss; when is he back over here ?; but Compo probably just the sort of experienced rider that can nit the team together and lead from the front.

I would think what David Howe cannot tell you about speedway; probably ain't worth knowing any how(e)!

David Howe back as team coach !; positive response from the management this. It is right that we should tap into his great experience we have a young team and they will benefit. Dave Peet is the manager; but I do not think he has actual riding experience; David Howe bridges that gap and will be invaluable help to everyone I am certain. Welcome home David.

There is bound to be disappointment after two heavy reverses to Peterborough; but lets not over react here. Rob was clearly deflated at the end, and talking openly of change; but it is very early days. We have a lot going for us at Scunthorpe; Ryan who is showing he can overcome a very serious 2015 injury and post big points. Josh Bailey is a real little rider; and needs track time; to keep getting better and better. Great to see David Howe in his corner yesterday; what he cannot pass onto Little Josh probably is not worth knowing !. I dislike having to make changes; but we knew we would loose Nicolai and had covered that scenario. We did not bargain on Zdneck's injury coming so soon; making Andreas return more complicated. This can happen; and is the nature of the sport; but we have no need to be down in the dumps about it. Goodness no; the Speedway season has only just started !. I have suggested that we need a big hitter to push Big Josh for No1 and take some of the load. Ideally yes; but no; if such a move would risk the clubs future. Big Josh; is also recovering from a nasty injury last season and the indifferent form may be machinery related. He looked a bit underpowered compared to the Peterborough lads. He seemed to want to "go there"; but wasn't getting there as quick as he wanted to. Our plan for Wilko to be a strong reserve has not paid off; as we hoped and he probably is not 100% fit to be fair to him. While Alex never lacks for all out effort but is just blowing a bit hot and cold at the moment. Ashley Morris deserves credit for a determined six ride debut; in my book 4pts was bit unjust for his efforts One thing; did Peterborough look fitter and stronger on the bikes ?. Have they hit the ground that bit more in front from the off and we are building our fitness out there on the track ?. That can make a difference in any sport; but especially in this game where knocks and falls are all part and parcel. Sure everyone's getting there; but if you have been out due to injury your not going to be at the levels you want to be fitness wise. That's a fact not a criticism. Peterborough sized up the track from the off; and for once passing was at premium at the EWR. The point made by Big Cat D; about the track being slicker explains that. As Zdneck has not ridden his quota of official matches to gain his new average; we are very limited to what we can do. Dave Peet mentioned that it would be toward the back end of May before changes could be made. With that being the case; we have a window to keep faith with the team we have and make the best of it. I am sure that everyone will be working very hard to respond; and we should look at the positives; least of which is that we have a team to follow on a great racetrack. It is not always about coming out on top in every meeting; we don't just throw the towel in because we are beaten twice heavily by for me; a really top drawer Peterborough side. There could be no complaints about how the team got stuck in at Sheffield last Thursday. We get up; dust ourselves off; keep believing in what we are doing and go again; at Somerset on Friday. That's a good point; when I look around at crowds Scunny yesterday and Peterborough last Friday I see crowds of the order of National League football. My local club Guiseley FC have crowds in the region of 500 for home games. Last weekend we got over 1000 for Cheltenham (top of the league). I think speedway has settled in with crowds of this order across most tracks and it worries me about the viability; particularly when big points money will need to be found. I suppose the sponsors are important in keeping clubs alive and it is important they do; not everyone has owners like Glasgow. I think back to Bradford back in the 80's-90's and for all we threw the kitchen sink at it in terms of top stars and top meetings; the crowds were hard pressed reaching 1500 for weekly racing at Odsal. That's nigh on two decades ago; and think of how events have changed since then that have only further detracted from Speedway keeping its fan base in place.

Give you another who could do a similar job and was in at Lakeside and then released. Bjarne Pedersen.

Thats a turn up tonight Peterborough undone at home by Sheffield 49-44 !. We did ride pretty well at Sheffield all things considered.

Your not wrong there NBT he is 46! but even so could still do a job no doubt. Was just thinking last night how being able to put out two "big hitters" against the oppo top two would make a difference. Big Josh needs to be aiming to be an out and out No1 but taking a bit of pressure off him might be a good idea. I am not advocating making changes; Zeddys injury was not in the planning. But if Ashley Morris was to become more permanent at reserve we need to bolster the top end and PK was one that came to mind. Looking forward to Sunday but going to be tough. Grondal is going to be a big difference for Panthers at reserve !

Sat here mulling over the team; and I am not one for change for change sake; we should back the team we declared at the start. But if ..IF you had a chance to make one change in the make up of the team for the greater good what would it be. Change ultimately may be forced upon us if Zeddy is longer term on recovery and Andreas yet to actually appear. Do you know what I would do ?; I would get us a genuine big hitter to back Big Josh so we have a No1+No2 that can run with the best of them particularly when you think Ht15s. I would approach Wolverhampton asset Peter Karlsson 5.51 Elite Average in 2015; and sat out at the moment. I am sure I read he was willing to do Premier League. So I think his average would convert to 7,71 in the PL. Leaving a re-declared line up of Auty 8.00; Karlsson 7.71; Douglas 6.68; Davies 6.26; Wilko 5.33; Morris 4.53 and Bailey 3.00 = 41.51. As I say; this is if I was looking at one area of the team where we seem to lack a bit; that being genuine big hitter back up to Big Josh. Of course PK is now 40+ years but he is still a darn good rider and potential class act at PL level. You could say that its a gamble; but every signing is a bit of gamble. There is still some surety in Karlsson on the Speedways in my opinion. Also adds experience to what is a very young team.

We did well last night on the Owlerton Motorway. The absence of Zeddy seemed to make us that bit stronger; as all his rides were available to the whole team. Ryan-13, topped the scorers again; and had a former rider I was standing with calling him a real prospect !; while Alex- 8 showed up well and took the fight to the Tigers in all his races. Little Josh-0; do not read that as a flat zero; because he is improving and learning fast; while Big Josh again (as at Peterborough) was constantly trying to hunt down the likes of Stead; Garrity and the excellent Dimitri Berge all of whom pulled out big leads in races. They have their engines set up for that track make no mistake. Had us talking of standardising the engines to bring riders closer together !. Nicolai was hot and cold as per; and I was surprised he stepped out from last night and we had announced a new signing for Sunday. Wilko started slow; but seemed to bring it back together and took a good second off Josh Bates in Ht14. Scorps did what we asked of them last night; and put in a decent performance after the walloping at Peterborough; so no complaints here with a respectable 41-49 reverse. Ashley Morris comes in on a 4.53 average at Ipswich last season; so it does bring the collective team average down further; and potentially further flexibility with the replacement for Nicolai. It will be a tough debut for Ashley on Sunday; against a Panthers team who put a real marker down last Friday as to their credentials for Premier League top cats. As usual we trust in the Rob; and the management but in the knowledge that we always have one cast iron guarantee. More great Speedway at the EWR on Sunday !

Everyone calm down; we did well last night on the Owlerton Motorway. The absence of Zeddy seemed to make us that bit stronger; as all his rides were available to the whole team. Ryan-13, topped the scorers again; and had a former rider I was standing with calling him a real prospect !; while Alex- 8 showed up well and took the fight to the Tigers in all his races. Little Josh-0; do not read that as a flat zero; because he is improving and learning fast; while Big Josh again (as at Peterborough) was constantly trying to hunt down the likes of Stead; Garrity and the excellent Dimitri Berge all of whom pulled out big leads in races. They have their engines set up for that track make no mistake. Had us talking of standardising the engines to bring riders closer together !. Nicolai was hot and cold as per; and I was surprised he stepped out from last night and we had announced a new signing for Sunday. Wilko started slow; but seemed to bring it back together and took a good second off Josh Bates in Ht14. Scorps did what we asked of them last night; and put in a decent performance after the walloping at Peterborough; so no complaints here with a respectable 41-49 reverse. Ashley Morris comes in on a 4.53 average at Ipswich last season; so it does bring the collective team average down further; and potentially further flexibility with the replacement for Nicolai. It will be a tough debut for Ashley on Sunday; against a Panthers team who put a real marker down last Friday as to their credentials for Premier League top cats. As usual we trust in the Rob; and the management but in the knowledge that we always have one cast iron guarantee. More great Speedway at the EWR on Sunday !

Scorpions will be out to make amends for last Fridays slip up at Peterborough; make no mistake about it. Anyone know how Zeddy is; will he be fit or do we have a guest ?. Tough match certainly; but we need to clear heads; and use the meeting to re-establish a foothold. Want a win sure; if we can... but if not; restoring confidence with a good nights racing; and safely; will do me.

So this is the gist; agree a rule change at the AGM no Tac Ride in League Cup. Someone prints rule books including the Tac Ride and instead of going with the decision at AGM we go with whats printed errorneously in the rule book. Yeap rearrange this organise up brewery a pi** in couĺdnt I hope I am wrong.

Some great shots there Steve excellent work. Really shows how awkward the crash was for Zed. You manage to bring the racing to life whereas watching live it was gate Go!. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Wheres the football pitch at Kings Lynn as its not the infield at Saddlebow and therefore what bearing does football have on the speedway or am I missing something about the Lynn set up ?

After a 6hr round trip from Bradford including a detour off the closed A1 @ the A639 junction on the way home! I am left feeling a bit beat up after that mauling and questioning my own sense of reason. Panthers were on another planet so much so even the rider formerly programned at Scunthorpe as Tom Perry0 is now known as Tom Perry8+2!. I sat in the mainstand surrounded by the Panthers faithful and it was uncomfortable viewing from the off. Showground is a big flat out track but the Scorps were just flat out there or have Peterborough just got themselves some cracking riders this season in Ostergaard; Porsing;MPT; NBJ and the excellent Grondal. I had hunch he would be good;but pumped for Wilko in my Fantasy Team; I might be shuffling earlier than anticipated on the evidence last night ! Time and again the Panthers outgated us and were set up by turn one. There was very little passing in the meeting such was their supremacy yes and thats including Tom Perry8+2. At this rate its going to get a bit boring at the Showground because few will be able to contain their top five there this season. Certainly there was little speedway going on last night for the connossieur. But back to the Scorps; guest Rich Hall has apologised as he was unwell. MPT ruled Zeddy out the meeting in Ht3 riding into him. Awkward one and sent Zee zee over-the Top ! Looks like a shoulder so we might have to shuffle ? This meant a busy night for young Josh who will at least have learnt a bit. Old-er Josh tried hard to go with the Panthers but quick off the mark they always had the edge and he was often chasing their tails. Ryan was our only saving grace really winning the re-run of Ht10 after Lambert slid off but it was over by then. I was thinking; had this been a boxing match the ref would have probably stepped in to save us !. It could have been worse as we were effectively gifted two shared Hts. When I look at current day 15Ht matches I always ark back to the 13Ht formulae to get the true impact of it. Last night was a 20-58 reverse in old currency; so it had me recalling 1972 and the pan handlings the Saints would take !. Alex and Wilko tried to give it a go but again chasing tails as the Panthers stormed away. Wilko was interviewed and mentioned having to re-learn to ride a track on a new set up. I suppose theres a point there so the away team is on hiding really because your having to re-learn the track on the job while the home riders are all dialled in adding further to the degree of difficulty! Insightful words from Wilko and explains somewhat. Panthers will take some stopping this season; Porsing is Elite quality and Grondals going to be big in my book. Would Nicolai have made any difference well it was a bit of a gaters paradise; with Hall under the weather he could surely have faired no worse. So where to from here is it down to the lake I fear...err No ! lets regroup check the wounded; dust ourselves off and get ready to face this lot at the EWR next week because they wont be mucking about. Panthers top five are going to be a handful round the EWR and the rider formerly known as Tom Perry0 !

I can see the logic in that but I think the way the PL teams are set up this season anyone can beat anyone on the day. We should go there without fear; its a racers track and sure the lads will be out to make amends for Sundays reverse. We could very well catch the Panthers tonight.

Devilishly fantastic news for everyone involved and speedway generally. Looking forward to seeing Plymouth on track at Scunny this season. Woohoa !

I am with you here; its just common sense not to use a rider who's competing in the same group qualifier surely. In no way am I suggesting that Richard Hall would deliberately ride down; and I am sure he will be entirely professional about it. But it kind of puts that burden on a rider if he had a dodgy night. I would say using a rider outside of our qualifying group makes sense all round. That said I have seen Richard Hall hammer round the Showground; so we might be on a winner. Tempted to make the trip as we have no action at the EWR this Sunday.

Fancy Scunny for this.

Cannot concur that Scunny were "awful" Alby; at the end of a good if not great afternoons racing we managed to post 43 points against a good looking Tigers outfit. Granted it was down to Josh Auty and Ryan Douglas with 27 of the 43; but there were postives in the meeting; not least Josh Bailey who showed that he could well be the No1 Fast track rider in the PL this season. Sheffield came up trumps with Lasse Bjerre as a guest; I was thinking he might be feeling his way around rather than looking as competitive as he did. Berge goes well at the EWR; and Bates although erratic at times; is now a contender. Then you add in the guarantees from Garrity and Howarth and you cannot afford too many slip ups before your staring down the barrel. Unfortunately; Wilko was doing well to be out there at all after his prang v Ippo; Zeddy seems to working out the best set up; once he does he will be the rider we think he can be. Nicolai; can be hot and cold; and it was cold v Tigers; he's a class act when he's out in front and he'll want to get that consistency into his racing more than anything. We always say; he shouldn't look back when he gets in front of a rider; he does that a bit often and then he loses the advantage and can put himself under pressure. Alex; had a off day; but he has shown time over what a valuable asset he is in the core of the team. Rarely can you rule Alex out of a race; he'll be on point at Peterborough on Friday. Josh Auty was superb and put down his marker as the out and out No1 we need him to be and Josh Bailey put his marker down that he is more than just making up the numbers at this level. Finally Ryan; using his head and working his way on the track and finding the right line between daring do and safety to post a polished 11 points. There was some really good racing on Sunday; you have to give credit to the Sheffield; Richard Hall love him or loathe him; is a spoiler at reserve and was in the end mostly the difference. There will be many twists and turns throughout the season; we want to see the Scorpions winning; but we also want to see great speedway racing and if it means we are going to be involved in a few hum dingers at the EWR I will take that over week in week out boring whitewashes. We'll be ok trust me.

The Shay Halifax ! first two turns topped off with a steely !