coldace

I think that this is right and possibly, over the past few seasons, there has been maybe too much security of place with us. If there is a more appropriate rider lined up for the league matches, as has been suggested, then it's better that pressure is on both Allen and Etheridge for the remaining place. Rather than Jake Allen knowing that he only has four weeks and then he will be replaced come what may. Maybe we are becoming more like Poole!

Well he was certainly very fast and impressive at the SoN last year. I think he could be a very good signing although I doubt he will get around Wolves so well. In fact we will struggle at Wolves next year as Kurtz and Fricke don't appear fans of the tight bends there either.

Rules out Bjerre and Tungate either I'd have welcomed. This new guy will have to be a bit special if he makes 3rd heat leader so soon if starting at number 4. Wonder whether familiar face is Etheridge? Good at reserve but risky at number 2. So, whoever and whatever I'm looking forward to the season and it's the quality of the racing that is the priority for me.

Well he is not a familiar face or, in my opinion, an exciting edition. So it's probably a no.

As much as I'm really disappointed that Dan won't be in the team, and want to blame someone, I have to say that this sounds like a credible interpretation of events. Just hope we can sign a decent 'replacement'.

Nice to see Conner back, he was good to watch when with the Colts. Must say I haven't kept up with the duties of a number 8 this year. Do they have to be present at all matches? Do they get any rides on the night? Are they able to replace anyone injured during a match? Would appreciate it if anyone knows. I've largely given up looking at the finer details that emerge from the annual get together.

I think that's true. However, in the past riders who rode at smaller tracks didn't have the power or set ups to compete on big, fast tracks. It seems to me that modern bikes are built for speed and fast tracks so much less advantage for us at the NSS.

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That sounds ominous. Especially reading Grahame Darlington's posts on the subject. He is a balanced and sensible poster who is mostly correct about things Wolverhampton, so not good. Assuming that we don't get Tai then we would need to get three riders who combined, would be better than the Worralls and Etheridge. Allen and/or BWD might fit but who else? It doesn't seem like Bjerre or Tungagte are possible so you might be right Phil, a year of struggle! I really hope not.

Do you have a link to the 5-1 one show. I'd like to listen to it. Thanks

Any whispers about Tungate Phil?

That's a steal. If the rumour has any substance, he would certainly fit.

Out of interest, with this speculation about Tai, what would his average be?

I agree it wasn't the 'big 5' that had anything to do with it really. It was how rider allocation ensured that all teams were about equal in strength. Previously in 62 they attempted to make it more competitive in the NL with handicapping. That really didn't work. Some experienced riders who dropped to reserve suddenly had a 10 yard start on the majority of other riders and a 20 yard start on the 'big 5'. Ludicrous!

He'd be good at 2 or 6 for me. Had some strong rides for Wolves at the NSS last year. Also young and should improve.

But it did work, at least for the first several years of the British League from 1965. The fifteen to twenty years after '64 were the most successful that I ever experienced, good crowds, an abundance of strong British riders coming through and top riders from other countries regularly riding. The last few years of the old National League in the 1960s is a bit similar to what's happening in the Premier League now. Ever decreasing teams competing, dwindling interest and fans picking and choosing when they attend. Pity we don't have someone to impose their presence, reorganise the league, allocate riders and create a credible structure that could be sold to sponsors. The product is still very accessible but the organisation around it lacks all credibility I'm afraid. .

Agree that Tom will push on. I believe that his scores at the NSS will improve in 2022, they were generally not as good as his away scores last year. If he can gate a little better at home he will be hard to catch. He is shaping up as someone who can go all the way but next year may be crucial for his development.

We are short of 3 riders I thought. Have I missed someone?

I guess it will be dependent on the deal being offered.

With Blodorn at reserve makes us weak at 6 and 7. Really hoping Tom can build on last season and get more dialed in around the NSS. I'd keep him who ever else we sign. If Grajczonek is returning to the UK I'd go for him but also think Bjerre would be a good move.

Totally agree about Tungate. With him and Batch in the top five I would consider that we were far stronger at home and that is what has let us down the past few years. If not Tungate then Bjerre for me.

That looks a good start for a solid team. I'd be happy with that. Do you know what points are left for the last two Phil? Any thoughts on who would fit?

Is this a statement or a question?

If we don't have both Bewley and Fricke, probably likely, then we need to pack the team with NSS specialists. Phil's point earlier about making sure we can win at home consistently is dead right. I'd go for Batchelor and gamble on him regaining form. Also, maybe trying to get a swap with Wolves, Steve Worrall for Douglas. I think the switch would benefit both riders and both teams. Anyone know whether Tungate would be a possibility? Also, another to consider would be Bjerre.

Have you forgotten the season he had with Swindon before the Covid crisis? I's have him at BV, track suits him