coldace

I admire the sentiment, those riders have been loyal and it has been great watching their progress, however if it doesn't pay off we will be looking for reinforcements mid season where there will be few options for us to bring in. Hope I'm wrong but feel that this is a big gamble and just when on-track success means bigger crowds at BV.

Given that we have probably lost Dan, I would have thought that going for Ben Cook who is on a low average might be sensible. He may not be as consistent in Hts 13 and 15 but he would be a reliable heat leader in his other three rides.

What we need is consistency. As it is we may get three meetings on consecutive Mondays one month then one meeting the next month. I like the suggestion of one night a week for top-flight British speedway and one meeting every two weeks. We'd soon get into the habit. Eight teams would be perfect but I guess that six or seven would be possible too. Also, we could have some 'fillers' for the 'diehard' fans who would go whatever the meeting. Possibly three-team matches, local challenges, etc. Hope I am not getting too carried away but have the sense that some of the promoters are getting serious about presenting a more credible product! Just hope that there are enough of them to change what we have had to put up with for so long!

Klindt and B. Cook make a lot of sense and we would be so strong at home. Sounds like we may lose Norick, Zak and Tate. Really think keeping at least Norick and Tate would be preferable given the tiem invested in them.

Anybody know how many seats there are in the North Grandstand in total? Looks as if there are only a dozen or so left for sale. Must say I'm suprised but delighted. Can't help feeling Rob's point that we should have ridden the home leg against Ipswich first was spot on. Think more would have attended not knowing the likely outcome.

Any news on who is covereing PK on Friday? Or will he try rining?

You always say this but if it such an advantage how have they not won the league every year? Truth is that they have built the best all round team this year and for once the reserves are scoring consistently.

Why would Manchester be different to anywhere else? Check the number of 'rain offs' at the NSS far fewer than at most tracks.

For me, Lidsey is the better bet for next year. I'm sure that he will improve as his performances at the end of the season suggested. Also, he's two years younger than Ben and as a BV asset, no loan fee to Poole. Ideally, we'd keep them both but looking unlikely.

Sounds like the reason Jason Crump used to give as to why he stayed with us at the 'dog track' for so long. Not sure this is so relevant now with most GP tracks being fast, 'Polish-style and with the extra power lay-down engines give. Not many 'trick tracks, around. Hope he is not convinced as we would miss him. For me, the only replacement would be Max Fricke or Chris Holder.

Question. Is the RS reserves' ride in heat 8 protected? Could Vuolas have replaced Mulford? Great night's racing. Thankfully the track has returned to it's former state following a few less than spectacular meetings at the beginning of the season. Very well done to Andy and the track staff. Simply the best!

Are you sure?

I'm beginning to wonder whether we have lost our direction a bit with the Colts. I attended yesterday but became quite disillusioned and left before the end, something I've only done previously because of other commitments. I'd say that yesterday's meeting was the worst I have seen since the move to the NSS. So much went wrong and, whilst most wasn't deliberately intended, something doesn't feel right. I have always enjoyed the Colts and attended as much as I can. But we seem to be switching the focus away from giving the young guys a chance and relying on older riders who frankly are not going to progress. Nothing personal, but I'd say using Marson and Muff isn't what this league is about. My view is that we should be using younger riders looking for a chance to shine, we saw a few in the Leicester team. Maybe this is one of the reasons the attendance was so poor for a Bank Holiday meeting? I, like many others, will never forget the first match at the NSS and the home debut of Dan Bewley. I'm sure that experience has made watching him progress even more enjoyable. And, in subsequent years, there were more young riders to follow like Sam McGurk recently, not all made it but following them was interesting. Indeed, watching Freddy Hodder progress has been great. I may be wrong but I seem to remember two years ago he had his first race win when Harry McGurk shepherd him home. Yesterday Harry looked a very different rider and I wonder whether he can get back to the form he showed then. He doesn't look comfortable on the bike. I know not all will agree but this is not meant to be negative, it's just an observation you may well disagree. .

Was in Oxford recently and the story is that he will sign for them. They will ride on Thursday and he will be much nearer the London airports making travelling to the GPS much easier. This has happened before where northern-based riders move south for ease of travel. Just hope that if it happens we can use Fricke.

I would really hope so. think his size, style and speed is so suited to out track. I notice Tungate is looking for a spot, probably too high an average but I'd love to see him back. I'm sure we will be competitive next year although disappointed that Tom isn't included.

Maybe a couple of years ago but not now I'm afraid. Seems too many injuries have slowed him down.

Agree about Norick, can't be fit and has been a bit off the boil of late. I'd try to get Ben Cook in, good gater, fast and has a smooth style that suits the NSS. I'd be looking at him for next year. In my opinion he's in the Tungate, Bjerre and Lydsey mould so likely to score well.

What was Shovler saying about Tom?

Ellis is rank, couldn't take advantage of others mistakes. Brennan should replace him

Ellis should be dropped from the next match

Ellis is outclassed. Put Brennan in

Give Brennan ride

Not one of his best tracks? Look at his record in the Peter Craven Meetings. I think he will do better than you think.

Going to have to win the toss for once and take 1 and 3.

Not who I had expected however is in good form for Scunthorpe and can be quick around the NSS.