jbell1995

I knew when I started this thread it would be quiet... I've got to be honest, I'm beginning to wonder why I bother with this forum with all the mud slinging going back and forth and it's the same for both sides of that argument! I also get the sense regardless of the weather, the Gladiators promotion are in a no win situation here. The forecast suggests rain is likely for the next three-four days, as i type this it's pretty torrential outside my front door and I'm in the middle of the city. If it's called off, people will moan and complain. If we race, and have 3/4 guests... people will complain

Worrall can’t because Leicester are in the playoffs. It’s essentially Berwick, Oxford or Scunny riders. I’m not sure they’d use any of the Birmingham riders, Nielsen maybe but he’d be the only one. I’d say Ricky Wells would be a fair shout. Knows Plymouth well at least? Ruml another likely guest I’d say but for once I’m actually stumped as to who we are going to use. Just a crying shame with the side that was constructed at the start of the season and who started so strongly, that the season is ending the way it is needing a minimum of three guests for a two legged playoff against one of the strongest teams in the league

I’m sure this will be a quiet thread! Fixture now confirmed. Weather forecast looks abysmal for the South and South West next week which won’t help. No idea on the team or any guess for us Gladiators. Poole going to look for a guest for Worrall or operate R/R? Unfortunately I feel this has come at the worst time with Hans now also out. Leaves just Morley, Complin and Coles currently fit and available. I’m sure other people will find this as a great cause of humour but as a Gladiator fan, I’ve found this season deeply frustrating with our injury issues. Personally speaking, I’d rather have our own riders to support than constantly changing guests every meeting but that was the hand we were dealt. It’s still been a great season for the club despite all the trials and tribulations. We shall kick on in 2023 I’m sure. Poole should be too strong, probably over both legs. Hopefully we can get two big crowds for these meetings.

I must say, I’m surprised that it’s being done this way around. In any other sport, the team in third will also host second? From a personal point of view, I’m unavailable due to other commitments on the 13th and would’ve rather it been next week the home leg

Personally, I think it’s a win-win for both clubs that it’s Poole v Plymouth in the playoffs. Both legs are guaranteed big crowds. Easy marketing opportunity

That ladies and gents is how to race at the Colosseum! Fair play to Redcar who had their gating boots on last night and taught the patched up Gladiators a lesson on their own track. Unfortunately, things are unravelling a bit for Garry’s merry men which is a real shame given earlier in the season, I’m not sure too many people would’ve wanted us over two legs when we had six fit riders! Poole will be a tough ask. Lawson is dynamite around our track and the guest situation is going to be far from ideal looking at the current averages. Must say, last night due to working commitments, it was the first time I’d watched a meeting on BSN and I thoroughly enjoyed the coverage. It was also a very good meeting which I hope everyone enjoyed. Some very tough, hard racing at times and there was some great skill shown on the bikes. There was also some passing which is great to see. I get the sense the more people ride at Plymouth, the easier it becomes for them once they overcome the mental block of how small the place is. Best of luck to Redcar in the playoffs

So this was obviously before Palm-Toft was injured but atm it looks like: Richie Worrall (Guest) Ben Morley Kyle Howarth (Guest) ? Hans Andersen Lee Complin Connor Coles In theory we could go with Rider Replacement for MPT which would allow the four rides to be taken by Morley, Complin, Coles and Andersen

My guess would, because we are still on the old averages: R.Worrall (G) , Morley, R/R for Barker, Flint (G), Andersen, Complin and Coles

Against all the odds this season with injuries and bad luck, the Gladiators are playoff bound and it’s now just down to the final two fixtures to determine if it’s 4th/5th or 6th place that they’ll finish in. Team wise, guests will be needed for Kennett, Barker and I’d imagine Palm-Toft. Something tells me the guests booked for this meeting and the Glasgow one will have a view to the playoffs attached.

Michael Palm Toft withdraws from the Championship Riders Championship tonight after just two rides... doesn't bode well for the playoffs

Is he moving on in 2023?

Right, you’ve clearly missed the point of my reply. At no point did I suggest that there is no punishment for the Gladiators but I was suggesting that the idea of banning them or fining them, when last night was already a big enough issue financially for Mark and the club. Don’t be fooled into thinking that last night didn’t hurt the club financially anyway. The queue for people collecting refunds was extensive on top of paying riders, officials, track staff, medical costs. As for you criticising my attitude. I’m really sorry you feel that way. Speaking as someone who fell out of love with the sport but in the last two years I’ve got my excitement and buzz back, I’m really disappointed that someone would criticise my belief that speedway needs to pull together and support itself rather than cause division and alienate people. Wouldn’t banning Plymouth, fining them further financially etc help drive speedway into the ground rather than what I suggest about speedway sticking together?

Having been at the track last night, I can confirm that every effort was made to get this meeting on. Several tractors working hard on the track to try and get it in a fight state. The biggest disappointment of them all is for the riders, staff and the excellent crowd that was building for this huge meeting. Mark and his track staff did everything they could but it wasn’t to be. Whilst I understand everyone’s frustrations, British Speedway doesn’t need infighting, it needs supporting and offering views such as banning Plymouth or fining them does nothing to help that. It is unfortunate how the evening played out. I accept it is not a good look to those turning up for perhaps their first meeting etc but sadly this was the hand that was dealt to us Gladiators last night 

Having been at the track tonight, I can confirm that every effort was made to get this meeting on. Several tractors working hard on the track to try and get it in a fight state. The biggest disappointment of them all is for the riders, staff and the excellent crowd that was building for this huge meeting tonight. Mark and his track staff did everything they could but it wasn’t to be. Whilst I understand everyone’s frustrations, including everyone who was at the track tonight, we should think first before offering too broad a comment. British Speedway doesn’t need infighting, it needs supporting and offering views such as banning Plymouth or fining them does nothing to help that. Unfortunate how the evening has played out but we must move on. I accept it is not a good look to those turning up for perhaps their first meeting etc but sadly this was the hand that was dealt to us Gladiators tonight

I have to say, I’d be amazed if the Gladiators were able to sign anyone else. It’s been a struggle all year trying to replace Kennett let alone now also trying to replace Barker. With Berwick and Oxford out of the playoff race, they are some capable riders available for guest bookings namely Nicholls (only at home though if I’m correct?). Maybe if Hans and MPT are fit again, one guest and a R/R facility might be the way to go in the playoffs

In place of who?

Possibly. Might be a case of Redcar not wanting to run the risk on an injury as well? Kerr has had enough experience in recent weeks haha! We’ve all just got to keep our fingers crossed the weather doesn’t intervene with this crucial meeting now

The Westcolour Gladiators will line up: Richie Worrall (Guest) Ben Morley Leon Flint (Guest) Michael Palm Toft Hans Andersen Lee Complin Connor Coles The Allied Tigers lineup: Criag Cook (subject the fitness assessment) RR for Ulrich Ostergaard Justin Sedgeman (Guest) Danyon Hume Tom Brennan (Captain) Broc Nichol Connor Bailey Home win for me to seal a playoff spot. Flint a good booking. Kerr riding next week for Redcar has screwed that guess up but with Berwick not heading for the playoffs, Flint could become a good guest option?

Exactly right. I think both Mark and Garry have looked at the bigger picture with these two signings and it might work out well for them. Such a shame for Alfie.

So the updated predicted team, awaiting confirmation of new signings: Guest - My guess is Worrall Complin Guest - My guess is Kerr (if not perhaps Kye Thomson or Danny King perhaps?) Palm-Toft Andersen Morley Coles

Gutted that it looks like Alfie’s season is over. Good guy and a very good rider. He’ll be back in 2023 I’m sure. Shame for McGurk but it just wasn’t working out for him and can’t have been enjoyable. The signing of Complin is genius. Rides for Armadale in the NDL, obviously Edinburgh will be the playoff opponents and he scored well down here for Birmingham earlier in the month

Get this in early for what should be a pivotal meeting in the playoff race. With just two meetings to go and both at home, it's a simple policy of avoiding defeat for the Gladiators I think. Looking at the options, both Hans and MPT are back available. Guests required for Barker and Kennett. Lewis Kerr i'd suggest is a certainty and I reckon it's probably Richie Worrall who's close to getting his own parking space at the Colosseum! My guess: Worrall (G) R/R for Bowtell Kerr (G) Palm Toft Andersen Morley McGurk Looking at the Tigers side that has gone to Redcar today, Guest booking for Ostergaard? Ricky Wells?

There's a lot of bashing going on here towards the Gladiators and it's a real shame the season is ending the way it's heading right now. Mark Phillips and Garry May deserve a huge amount of credit for the excellent side they built this season and having been to several meetings myself throughout the season, the racing has been fantastic with crowd numbers sustained from the bumper crowds we saw last season post covid. I've loved getting the itch back to support the Gladiators and it's been brilliant to see the progress on and off the track over the last two years and the club is something I think the city can be very proud of right now. Thanks to Mark, Mattie, Garry and all those connected with the club for getting the team moving forward the way we are right now. Of course, the Ben Barker situation is unfortunate to say the least and hasn't helped the side moving into the crunch end of the season. Injuries are part and parcel of a sport like speedway. The injuries for Palm Toft, Andersen, Bowtell and Gilkes have been really tough to take but it's no one's fault. The Eddie Kennett situation is something everyone seems to be an expert on with very little concrete talk coming from the club? It's been far from ideal having a different number one every meeting and I'm pretty sure no one at the club wants or wanted it to be this way as the look to kick on and rebuild the reputation of the club and grows its standing in the sport and more importantly within the city. Presumably, with Barker absent for the rest of the season, Scott Nicholls will be the obvious choice to lead the side at Number One with maybe Ricky Wells or Leon Flint being required to fill any relevant middle order positions such as MPT or Hans if needed? Regarding Bowtell's replacement either Ruml or Heeps perhaps? Heeps impressed for Oxford in the CJL last month?

Any news on the team for Tuesday's clash Oxford in the Jubilee league?

Thank you. Shame that because I think this could be a very good meeting. King is an interesting choice by the promotion given his links with Poole and the battle in the playoffs but he's a good rider and you'll struggle to find anyone better for the position needed. Fancy the Glads to get at least a point here. Heat 13 could be worth the admission fee alone: Nicholls, Batchelor, Barker and Andersen. Reserves will be crucial as well, Heeps and Killeen are likely to be strong at home but Morley is in good touch at the moment. The idea of Morley and Gilkes at reserve at some point this season is hopefully something for us Gladiator fans to watch out for.