TB1

I wouldn't be so sure about beating Edinburgh unless half their team is missing. Winning form is great, losing form is hard to shake off. Minor changes at reserve will solve nothing. I don't think any of us really know the answers but can clearly see the problems. In terms of league structure in general I have for a long time hoped we could see one big league. Possibly 6 man teams to reduce the burden of the shortage of riders. Set a points limit of around 32 points and have one big league of 24 teams home and away once . Riders would be guaranteed a minimum of 46 meetings as you could ban doubling up. Then you make it a minimum of 4 of the 6 riders must be homegrown. Yes for a few years the racing may be crap with a number of inexperienced riders, but if you give them opportunities they will improve. So then if you disagree then what's the alternative? Stick with status quo or be brave and revitalize the sport.it's needed or what's left of the sport will die in the resuscitation room. Sorry, that reply was meant for everyone.

And plenty of crap we have had over the years. We take a good rider and turn him into crap. Poole take a crap rider and turn him into gold. Many of us criticize Poole for their money, but they always seem to have a togetherness and psychological edge over the opposition. That win at all costs mentality we had got lost year's ago.

The whole place needs an uplift. Problem is I can't see it happening. Most people have less money to spend, and there are more organisations that are vying for your money.How does speedway, with its poor advertising reputation compete with others.

Not seen this shames fella. Presumably he's top notch.

By next week effectively our season could be over if we lose in the cup. I would be inclined to stick with what we have for now, unless we can vastly improve upon it.

Don't think we have to thrash them, just pick up a win on the road. Although after Rye House there is a level of concern.

With the way results have gone in our league cup group we still have a chance if we can step up a gear or two.

Yes but perhaps we can blood some of our nl riders and build a base for the future. Granted some of the racing might be poo initially. But you have to start somewhere.

Agreed 100per cent. The club only had a rough idea when the rain would arrive.if they had called off early they would be slated. No Mickey mouse meetings this year. Official ones only me thinks. All clubs will need to be meaner and leaner and possibly moving from their normal race day to survive.I think Plymouth is a warning shot across the bows.I always want Thursday's as for most of us it is religion. But the reality is that we will need to change to adapt to a changing economy

The promotion must have been well aware of the financial situation in advance of the season starting. Perhaps they were hanging on in desperation that things would improve. I don't think anyone can blame a business for trying this. Is this the tip of the iceberg though? How many other clubs are struggling or worse still on the brink. Scunthorpe made it clear last year that things had to improve or else. I know it's too early to say but the league cup group is going to be a mess to sort out.

From the photoshoot Paco Castanga looks like Rohan Tungate in glasses!

I think it's fair to say that the first meeting is always a tad unpredictable. However it's important to make a good start. Am I right in thinking though that there is only 14 meetings scheduled on a Thursday. I know we have the Saturday meetings but presumably nothing meetings won't be held any more?

Yes a brave call indeed. We all know the sports ills of doubling up and given the circumstances a Huge call on ditching holiday meetings. I 've always felt that Saturday's can generate a better atmosphere and its well worth remembering that afternoon tracks are a pig to prepare. Let's hope this works and even if it doesn't a big hats off to the promotion on a bold bold move.

In 2016, it might be handy if all our riders get used to our track. It may well help us reach the play offs instead of being shat two years in a row.

It would be easier if we just let everyone ride for anyone. Someone correct me if I am wrong, but i seem to remember doubling up started in about 2001. Back them it was British riders only under 21. I remember at the time thinking 'that'll be a disaster' and how right I was! A MESSAGE TO ALL PROMOTERS. Sort this crap out or continue to watch your sport die!

With Hawkins in charge now does this mean that the former TM could wake up with a horse's head on his pillow😅

Bizzare choice for TM. Could be a shrewd move though.

There hasn't been a Christmas meeting for a number of years. Presumably due to a lack of interest.

Yes but the weather can be on the up in March.whereas October it can head downhill. Mind you most clubs are now finished by the first week in September.

I know it's too early to say, but presumably the first meeting will be around Thursday 17th March.

Just a thought but is it possible that risagers season away might just have pepped him up a bit. I'm not defending him, just saying it might be possible. Castanga looked poor in the 16 lapper but he could have been on board a crap motor. Let's just suck it and see!

It'll be interesting to see how Belle Vue and Swindon fare crowd wise with new facilities.

Quite right, but it is another example of a very poor marketing tool for a sport in decline.