thebaron

Agree; I think we do not need a knee jerk reaction and then end up making mistakes. Get Andreas in as we intended and lets at least give the team its chance to respond. Those that struggled at Glasgow; Berwick and Peterborough deserve the chance to put things right. I always favour backing our original judgement and seeing where it takes us; but the counter argument is that we do not have much time; before results start to affect crowd levels further ..or will they ? Are we already down to the core of our support ?. Zdneck seems to be coming in for most criticism; but for me he is far better than a 3.00CMA and he could yet prove a real trump card in reserve. What with his injury; he has not had a real shot at it so far, if we could just cut him a bit of slack. Still think we have a very supportable team; if we can just ride out these disappointments; stick together and show what we are capable off 1-7.

Been pondering over our team change(s) dilemma. I hate changing to be fair but needs must I suppose; Ashley Morris is probably unlucky to go; but he was aware of this. Can we make another ?; because it might have to be Zdneck Holub who loses out for the greater good ?. Even if we can actually do this ?. So if we brought in Andreas Lyager for his obvious potential, and say; Ty Procter; that should make us more solid, and he fits the bill average wise being almost a straight swap for our original Aussie signing Taylor Poole. I am sure that the rest of the team can bounce back from the Glasgow "walloping" not for one minute are they all suddenly bad riders; far from it. To have kept that meeting in the realms of respectability we are relying heavily on Josh Auty; and he will be disappointed as anyone with his return on the day. But it does underline the problem we have if he is not leading the charge. All of them have shown their ability and I am sure they will do again.

We're in bother! that was Saints-esque. Do a rollback to 13hts and its 65-13 and the Saints were regularly done over in 1972 by these sort of scores. Irony is Lunna banging in a paid max ooch !. On the Scunthorpe 2016 thread earlier I suggested we sign Cookie and frankly we need a rider like him without question; is it a financial gamble worth taking ? Its a dilema for the Scunny management; no one wants to see riders out of work but theres a window now and perhaps some difficult decisions will be made ? After this we need Cook; Compton and Procter ! and I dont like saying that because I would always back the team. There was precious little speedway at Glasgow by the looks of things and that cannot be good for Glasgows business or indeed speedway generally. I am sure that the management will be looking at this and trying to work out the best way forward. But its important to stick together and take time to reflect on what went so wrong.

Blooming heck just reading through all this has my head spinning. But now Holub is "officially" 3.00 and as much as I back Lyagers potential and value to the asset base. IF we really wanted to "zipper dee do dah" our way to the Premier League title SIGN Cook ! and we are talking a serous big hitter mmmmmmm

Your fully entitled to your opinion Lewis; you may well be right; it is a gamble and as you say when Wilko moves up as he undoubtedly will then we could be exposed. But I have this belief that we have three great prospects in Little Josh; Holub and Lyager and if we could just stay with it we could reap the rewards. But its a results business and as with all sport what you do in the here and now is what counts on and off the track. All the best.

I just do not see Procter; Compton or MPT for all that; coming in. The commitment is clearly to Andreas Lyager; whom the management clearly rate (rightly IMO) as a great prospect. Someone has already said that when he came in late last season; straight away he looked capable of winning races. Rob has referred to his application and high standard machinery. I think we have to let Andreas have a run and see what he is capable of; then he is our asset and one we can look to for the future. Procter and Compton are short term fixes and do not add to the asset base of the club. We are all about developing young riders from here or abroad and when you look at the team including Andreas; its got a lot going for it. You only have to look at Peterborough; when they bounced us out 26-64 at the Showground they looked all over a class act. Suddenly they get a bad result or two and the cards go up in the air. I am all for giving the riders we trusted at the outset the chance to take us deeper into the season. Bottom line is the team is supportable; we will get knock backs but its how we deal with them and stick together and if we do we can reap the rewards. Everyone should try thinking along the lines of Leicester City as a team we may be bigger than the sum of our parts on paper.

Newcastles line up issue is an example of why doubling up is counter productive. Least wise why having three riders in a team doubling up is. Perhaps there needs to be a limit otherwise the fans loose out somewhere. For that matter why would the Diamonds promotion want to go into an important KO Cup tie minus three of their team ?. Has me asking how serious everyone views the competition when it can be undermind by "unavailability" of not just one but three riders. Obviously this may work in Scorps favour but thats not the point; I want to see the Diamonds at full strength not a select 7.

I know some were concerned about the attendance; myself included; but there was absolutely nothing to complain about the delivery of this meeting to the paying public. Everything that the very welcome Devils support put down in that letter marks Scunthorpe Speedway down as deserving of the backing of the Scunthorpe citizens and people from wider afield. So pleased for everyone at Plymouth that the Devils survived making the fixture possible; we couldn't do it without you. Welcome anytime at the EWR cheers guys. "Fire on the mountain" run boys run Devils always welcome at the home of Scun! Point5. Everyone loves Little Josh; told you he's a great asset on track; everyone is going to enjoy watching him ride this season. . Hey rmc; did I once get the drift that your the real Rob McCaffrey circa Sky Sports ?

Affirmative again Procter would undoubtedly bring something to the team; and has the experience; whereas Andreas is learning the ropes somewhat. We already have two riders in Zdneck and Little Josh for whom David Howe has his coaching brief; can we afford a third in Andreas ? I get that.

Compo would definitely be one that comes into the frame; but it was just what Rob said in the Star; about having Andreas UK bikes here already in storage. I do think that Andreas might be more than a 4pointer; but agree that its more of a unknown.

Agree; I was a bit concerned leading up to the meeting about what the crowd would be. Fair play to the Devils fans on the first turn who had made the trip North. As I looked around; I did not think that there was much difference from the Peterborough meeting two weeks previous. You have to get some continuity into the season; so far its being a very staggered first month and throw in some setbacks on the track for the team and folks are probably holding off. The weather has a part to play too; so all things considered the crowd was not as worrying as I might have feared. Great nights action; with the Devils playing their part fully. Really impressed with Little Josh; hammer n tongs behind an equally impressive Stephan Nielsen in Ht12; for third but Little Josh just being squeezed out on the chase to the line. Again in Ht14 contributed to a thrilling race; with Ryan; both all over the back of Nielsen again. We went away; talking about how the emergence of Josh Bailey could bring more spectator interest to the club. You do not want to throw too much emphasis upon him; but he is clearly a talent. David Howe's mentoring must be a good thing; especially on set ups and track know how. He knows where to put the bike and safely as well. If the Scunthorpe public catch on that Josh Bailey is a burgeoning speedway star developing right on their doorstep. There could be spin offs for the club as the season unfolds. Delighted to see Wilko back on it and delivering the sort of points we had in mind; very evident that it was not the man and as Rob explained a trip back to his engine supplier did the trick. Big Josh delivered a top score 16 points; and looked all over the big hitter we need him to be. Ryan has been on Facebook; saying that he has rarely ridden harder for 8 points; whilst Alex was apologising for his 6 point return. You can never accuse Alex Davies of not trying; he puts everything into it; and he'll sort it for sure. Unlucky that Ashley Morris took the panal out the air fence with that alarming Ht11 crash; he let the bike go headlong into the fence. Honestly when he came back off the air fence; he looked worryingly close to collecting the other three riders as they sped by on the inside. Phew ! hope your ok fella. So all in all a lively and enjoyable nights action at the EWR. Talk from Rob was of making the team change(s); with Zdneck due back at Berwick on Saturday. Reading the Speedway Star; my belief is that Andreas Lyager will still be introduced into the team for Nicolai as per the plan. I think Andreas can be a surprise packet. Carlos will drop to reserve as Zdneck cannot have less than a 5.00CMA as I understand; once he gets match fit we will see the potential in Zeddy. I hope that once the locals cotton on that there is a great speedway outfit in town; and a great race track to watch them on they will start to get out and back it. Some good weather and continuity is helpful of course. But as has been said; there are some of us doing round trips of 120 miles; so to think that folks in Scunthorpe would rather sit at home and snooze off over ITV's The Durrells just beats me it really does. Support your Local Speedway its a long time gone and those of us in Bradford/Halifax know that only too well.

I'm lost with all this Sooty send for Sweep ..izzy wizzy lets get busy ! can't we just have 7 riders; four laps in a race and have done with it; no matter what the size of their underpants ?

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 !