Teromaafan

I've generally been quite supportive of Dickson because he is a winner (except this season!) and although his team changes have been ruthless, it is his job to deliver a winning team and managers have to make decisions. Much has been made of the Morris situation and blamed for the team's slide. The fact is he was unavailable from that point on and that could just as well have been due to an injury. So regardless of the reason, an immediate replacement was required. Although it didn't work out with Batchelor, I would not be critical of the one in one out swap made at the time. It was the next team change where I think Dickson has to hold his hand up. Double changes (usually dictated by team points limit) are risky and they must not weaken the overall 1 to 7 team strength. Worrall is no better than Harris and Cook was a massive gamble (he has never had a sniff of an opportunity elsewhere). As other posters have highlighted, other teams have brought in GP (or that standard) riders when making changes. Okay so that might mean having to accommodate a 3 pointer at reserve, but the team has clearly lacked top end support for Fricke. That said, for all we know, it is possible that Dickson tried to go down that route but the owners couldn't/wouldn't finance it.

Agreed. If Cookie's problems are non speedway related he should step back from the sport to sort himself out, his health is a priority. He only gets criticism on this forum because he continues to ride his bike (when it suits it would seem) and consistently disappoints. If the rider persists with the sport it is understandable that those paying to watch him will have their say.

Boy does this guy need help outside of speedway. He's now been suspended for withholding his services for Edinburgh. I think he needs to do himself (more importantly than the speedway world) a favour and call it a day. Its no good him relying on speedway for an income because he is unfortunately unemployable. When Leicester re-opened in 2011, I got back into speedway and Craig was the dog's B*ll*cks around BP and I dreamed of seeing him in Lion's colours. Times have changed and I prefer to remember those days before this sad demise.

The SCB have now released a statement confirming that Worrall and Boxall were the ones tested and provided ' non negative ' results. This coincides with the riders names that did not compete in the Plymouth v Berwick match. Thanks for the SCB clearing up all the doubts by stating the bleeding obvious on this matter.

I actually care about my beloved Leicester Lions and do not like the current mess we are actually in. That said, I do take the sport in this country for what it really is, amateurish at best. If those of us that follow the sport can't have a laugh, I can assure you that there are millions of non followers that would pee themselves if they were given an insight as to what actually goes on in British Speedway. Thank goodness it is a minority sport!

My post needs to be read wearing a humour hat (whether you don't find it funny or get it is another matter though I suppose).

Results back from Worrall's drug test apparently highlight that he failed due to his incorrect spelling of amphetamine which hopefully won't therefore result in a ban.

Didn’t go tonight (CBA) because I’m going on holiday very early in the morning and I was thinking that the Lions riders come to see me when I’m bad. But like the speedway idiot I am (and most posters on this forum) I still followed every heat on the updates site. I thought the Lynn fans were going over the top when predicting that the Stars would get battered whatever team The Lions put out. Turns out they were right. KL at home is just the tonic needed for a demoralising run of successive defeats. Big thumbs up for Bewley digging us out of the poo tonight. He doesn’t need the money or hassle of two meetings in one day, but still delivered double figures. Another solid return from the reserve pairing. All these rumours of team changes would be unfair if it impacted on the current reserves. As a pair, they still appear to be the strongest in the league. Heaven forbid if proposed team changes to fit the points limit meant Sedgy being shown the door. He really would have every right to kick off if that happens. I’m hearing that Lewis Kerr is in for Cook, which is fine by me. Lewis is a gritty racer and Cook…….isn’t what he used to be. On a lighter note, in what other sport would a player/rider, play/ride for and against the same team in the same league on the same day. After three…….. Only in speedway!

Your maths are spot on. What you were unable to factor in though is the likelihood that Bewley probably can't be a*sed!

Fairy Godmother Dickson has probably already granted your wish!

Cook is named in the team for both of tomorrow’s meetings. Looking at what happened at Redcar this afternoon though, it looks like the Lions will be operating R/R.

Update. The stinging nettles are no longer a risk to the departing public. Mr Dickson has advised that all nettles have been removed from the site. The nettles will then be extracted from the rectum of a certain Mr Cook after a visit to LRI Casualty and disposed of responsibly. There is doubt over who will be at BP on Monday. I’m waiting for the team line up. If Cook is riding, the management may be looking for a ‘Guest’ spectator in the seat my arse normally occupies.

I’ve been very supportive of Dickson this season and his ruthless team changes and his proactive winning mentality. The Morris situation was a real curve ball and required a quick response. Cannot criticise the Batchelor appointment at the time in view of alternative options. The recent double change ditching Bomber and bringing in Cook however is difficult to defend. There is a reason why Batch & Cook had yet to be offered a team place at this level before now and now Dickson knows why. Dickson is a winner and he is no doubt frantically looking at one final team change for the run in. It’s no good scraping into the play offs if you can’t even win at home.

What? Personal well being is more important than anything, but if his head isn’t right it is not fair on himself, other riders and the paying public. In sport you are either committed or get out. If he won’t make that decision, I dare say Dickson will/is about to make it for him.

Yes, the team finishing top used to get the choice of opponent, which I've always thought was a great idea. I guess therefore that's why they simply had to change it.

He might be available but I can't see any British team taking him. Regardless of what money he may command, I think he has p*ssed off British speedway folk and not just King's Lynn.

You're probably right, the outcome of a meeting is highly unlikely to be down to a team's riding order! Can't polish a turd as they say (although it can apparently be rolled in glitter)!

The Fricke/Worrall pairing would only have one heat where they didn't face either Emil or Doyle. There are three races where 5 & 6/7 are together. Perhaps looking to get something from Heat 8 from Worrall, but Sedgy at No.2 would be just as capable as Worrall in that race. Still don't get it!

You surely have to put your second or third best rider at No.5 since that position partners a reserve in three of the programmed rides? In the final ride No.5 is up against the opposition 1 & 5. If R/R is used, neither Lawson or Fricke can take an extra ride. Doesn't seem good away from home. Thanking anyone in advance who can offer a logical reason for the switch around.

Totally get what you are saying. But you are are either fit (mentally or physically) or not to participate in a very dangerous sport which is also demands an extensive travelling commitment. Personal health and well being are the priority, but excuses for under performing to the paying public should not be tolerated. Either commit fully to your employer or step back to sort yourself out.

Holder's last average in the UK was 7.16 (back in 2017). Assuming that still stands, by my maths, the following could be accommodated: Cook & Allen out Holder & Joe Thompson in. Overall improvement?

There are clearly no chips in Ben Barker's tyres then (only in his belly)!

'2 year suspension of his school registration'.......... Good to hear his Headmaster is having none of it either!

Just read Dale Allitt's statement regarding Lambert's replacement for Laguta. So it was because Artem struggled with the smaller tracks was it? B*ll*cks! He was a recent world champion and should be experienced/well rounded enough to adapt and handle all tracks (needs to have a word with one of his fellow countrymen). Its obvious to the speedway public there there were other issues with Laguta.

I thought Dickson was an astute team manager, but over looking the opportunity to use Fricke as T/S in heat 5 seemed a mistake. He was not eligible for a R/R ride so this would have been the only opportunity to bring him in as a replacement in this slot. At the end of the night however this matter became irrelevant as the Lions were consistently out gated and were frequently passed even after trapping. Lions have now lost the last two home meetings comfortably and whilst I’m not a fan of the rider revolving door, it will no doubt be in motion again before the transfer cut off.