STEVEHOLS54

Does anyone have an idea on Oxfords last 2 riders ??. Not being mischevious, but don't suppose they are holding fire to see how the Poole situation pans out ?? Most others seem sorted. Edinb/Poole we know the not naming is due to keeping quiet until they know stadium situations are clarified, and Birmingham came late to the party so have had to a degree had to sweep up riders not commited elsewhere already. Anyone out there maybe with some possible inside info ??

Despite some of my earlier concerns (plus those of others who are not connected to the top table). It is heartening to know from comments made by yourself and another who are in closer contact, that the smoke signals coming out of Ford towers indicates that we will hopefully have a positive outcome to racing in 2022 . Of course all of us who support Poole want to see rider announcements. Part of the fun of the long dark, damp Winter days/nights is trying to work out the team for the following season. Unfortunately the ongoing rent discussions have delayed that. Meaning that by process of elimination if nothing else leads many of us to know the top 6. For me the question is, who will be our number 7 ???. Mulford appeals to me most of the 2 plus pointers available (I mean not announced elsewhere yet), but I notice a few have not named their bottom rider. Berwick/Birm/Edinb plus Oxf still to name 3 riders, and Oxford are also a Wed track. Just have a sneaky feeling we will get one and maybe Oxford the other out of Mulford/Ablitt. I could be wrong of course. Have not seen any comments from Forum contributors on who they think our No 7 maybe except those on mine on a few posts.

Hardly surprising considering the lack of any positive news coming out of the Poole Promotion regarding team announcements or the stadium. The only thing they have pushed was the Christmas opening of the Track Shop over Xmas , and this was heavily promoted on Twitter and Facebook. So in effect promoting the sale of merchandise despite not having one rider named or if we will even have a track to race on in 2022 if they cannot resolve the rent issue. I don't enjoy being negative and hope the Fords can sort something soon. You have to admit though that it is a bit concerning also with Edinburgh also being in a similar situation of not naming any riders or again if they have an agreement in place to continue racing at the stadium. Lets hope that Matt & Danny can give us something positive soon so we can get back to the subject of the team and 2022 in general.

Am I reading this situation correctly ?? The lease holders want to double the rent but also provide virtually nothing in the way of facilities such as manning the restaurant and food facilities. If that is the case it really does seem that they want the speedway out. Also if they have, as I saw mentioned on here, about 17 years left on the lease, could they benefit under a sublease arrangement for at least 5/10 years of very lucrative income IF (and I say IF) the land was redeveloped for both housing and retail/business. Or would that not be allowed. Assuming that was what the Council ultimately would prefer long term as I assume they would benefit plenty from the land being redeveloped. Looking in on the Edinburgh forum get the impression all not straightforward there either with redevelopment plans afoot for building on the land which has been given planning permission. Looks like that is already on the market. Interesting that they have also not announced one rider even though we probably know most of their intended team. Going to be interesting to see how both situations unfold. Fingers crossed positively we hope for both clubs.

Agree. Let's stay on subject guys & girls. This is the Poole Speedway Forum page. All are welcome but please let's keep it civil and decent. Thanks

Your last comment may well be nearer the truth. Problem is that a sport in decline with lower crowds and income than back in the SKY Sport days, with lower commercial/sponsor income doesn't help the club. Also with the disaster of the previous main sponsor in 2018/2019 (cant remember which year) going bust owing the Club plenty, has not exactly helped bolster finances. Lat's all just hope a resolution can be found that works for all parties.

The commercial/residential plans/pictures posted on the forum earlier this year did look impressive for sure and showed how the area could look more in line with the 21st century. There was no way you could have seen a speedway stadium looking in place in such a facility. Let's hope at least for the forseeable future they remain exactly that - Just plans/drawings

Think all decent speedway fans agree on that score. We will just have to be patient I suppose as Xmas close down for many will probably drag this into next year.

The Forum has supplied plenty of comment/rumour on this subject going back to earlier this year. We had that the leaseholder wanted to double the rent for 2022. Maybe true - Maybe not We had that they preferred to keep it as one massive parking lot as they made more from car parking than they did from speedway. We had the fact that the long term leaseholder (and also Greyhound Racing operator), stopped the Greyhound racing and wanted to see it stay closed and then redeveloped for Housing & Commercial development giving a much bigger return. Saw similar comments that the Council would prefer similar but there was all this talk that a local ruling said it had to be kept partly for Speedway/Sport and with all the plans put forward no way could you have both with the layout. That would in effect or kill speedway there. So there have been plenty of rumours on what the lease holder and or council actually want. Whatever it is maybe true or false, lets hope the Fords can et Poole Speedway some kind of future even if only short term.

I agree. Although it would have maybe helped us of a more inquisitive nature had they said they were still in negotiation on the stadium, although were confident of a resolution. The silence sowed more seeds of doubt in minds like mine as they normally drip feed us rider signings. Many of us already had an idea of who might be signing although Matt especially always had surprises up his sleeve on riders we had maybe not included. The more signings announced elsewhere coupled with early rumours on Lawson signing (first announced on Polish Speedway news site many weeks ago and then mysteriously removed a day or so later), supplied more fuel to Lawson/Steve Worrall and King being secured. Further rumours on Kemp and long ago rumours re Zach Cook coming over from Plymouth after his late season heroics and with Ben having a good first season (hampered by injury in later part of the season), plus both living together as brothers at Middlo's removed much doubt on the top 6. Also with Plymouth naming their team early without Zach. It kind of left us really only having the 2 plus pointer at number 7. I hope personally its Mulford (named as number 8 at K/Lynn after an excellent first real season for Kent in N/L and Champ. Ablitt as second choice who has commited to B.Vue in NDL for 2022. Both still 17 both born in March a few days apart. just a feeling that Mulford has something extra hence why KL jumped in to give him that 8th slot. Maybe someone on the Forum has a better insight on that one. In the meantime lets hope Matt & Danny resolve the stadium situation asap.

Think that may have been the case. Plus they were heavily promoting the Track Shop Xmas opening without any mention of riders which perhaps was an indicator that all was not sorted. Anyway at least we now know the reason which means guys like me can back off on posting comments, as its not rider related and we can just keep fingers crossed they can come to an agreement shortly.

At least they have finally come clean that this issue is NOT sorted which is what I have thought for ages despite some saying it wasn't. As for the riders if it didn't work out ??. I am sure Birmingham would love any or all 3 of our intended H/L. No doubt between them, Edinburgh & Oxford, they could swallow up most of our riders. Certainly hope that doesn't happen and its hopefully more a case of getting all the decision makers around the table to sort it.

if it's not stadium rent related then it must be rider related. Can't see what else could be the issue. The 3 H/L we already know about (near enough) are all Brits so no visa issues on that front. That only concerns the 2 Cook's. Kemp and the 2 pointer are also Brits. If it isn't the rent issue ongoing legal battle that's the issue then I can't understand why they cannot name a single rider. Even IF they had to do a slight reshuffle then in the very least the 3 H/L should be sorted. Unless its a rider asset issue or loan fee dispute. Thinking aloud such as Zach Cook loan fee or asset transfer or Lawson loan fee etc. Even so I still can't work out why not a single rider has been named. Even if there is a doubt or situation on 1/2 riders then that shouldn't mean none can be named so far.

Would be nice if the club announced the guys to the fans . Not panicking but it is dragging on. Even a couple of riders named would be something. With the first 6 near enough known. At this stage I am more intrigued by our number 7. Will it be Mulford or Ablitt or someone totally off the radar. Can't see it as need a 2 pointer who has at least shown some promise. I see Ablitt is named in the B.Vue NDL 7 on teams announced. Mulford is the one who really intrigues me as KL must have seen something in him to announce him as their number 8 and an 8.32 N/L GSA in his first real season was well above Ablitt (born same month & year). like all riders they didn't ride 2020 but in 2019 as a 15 year old Mulford achieved 8.33 incl bonus points in 2 matches for Kent in the NDL. I know I love to delve into the stats but difficult to ignore what he did in those 2 matches plus his first real season for Kent in 2021 in both NDL and Champ. Could he be another Anders Rowe type ?? Guessing of course as haven't seen him ride but could pick a lot worse for just over 2 points.

First comment made before seeing Skidders post.

Still no riders announced. Maybe the rent issue still not resolved. Can't see any other reason why with so many riders now announced elsewhere. Think most of us near enough worked out it will be Worrall/King/Lawson/Kemp/Both Cooks - Now its who is the 2 pointer left Ablitt or Mulford. Both are 17 born with 1 day of each other in March. Mulford scores looked better in N/L last season 8.32 GSA against Ablitt 6.77. Maybe some posters on here have an idea who may at this stage be the better rider. I see Mulford also signed as K.Lynn number 8 so they must have seen something in the lad.

I support Poole, but from a pure racing logistics perspective this move makes sense for Basso. Being a Dane he has to give DK priority, not only from a sponsors perspective but also to enable him to qualify for not only Individual DK honours but also for bigger international meetings like SEC/SGP. World U21 title etc. Secondly he will ride for Peterborough in Prem meaning that ties up lots of Mon/Thur not incl how attractive he may be as a guest for some teams with his low GSA as a first season in Prem rider. Wed will have obvious clashes with DK in lots of cases/ Riding for Glasgow gives him in effect Mon/Thur Prem, Glasgow Friday/odd Tue/Sunday Sat & Wed (Champ). Factor in Sun POL plus I heard rumour of maybe POL U24 meetings on Tue/Sat/Sun which would again make possible a Wed track in UK difficult. I think Basso will have a pretty full calendar in 2022 without a UK Wed racing track most weeks. Much as I hate to say it but riding a Fri track like Glasgow with owners with deep pockets helps him 2 fold (financially & logistically)even if it hurts for us to lose such a POTENTIAL talent. If the top 3 are as rumoured on this forum King/Worrall/Lawson then it kind of heads towards what some thought i.e both Ben & Zach Cook, Kemp and a 2 pointer (Ablitt or Mulford). Interesting as when Danny Ford was interviewed a while back in the Echo, I am sure he mentioned that we are now a feeder club for the top Prem and overseas young riders That could be the case with the 2 young Aussies at 24/22 - Kemp at 19 and the 2 x 2 pointers both 17 in March this year.

Hi Skidder Wasn't aimed in your direction . My comments were aimed more at could the promoters have already agreed on structure/points limits & if any changes to if 1 or 2 rising stars for season 2022. Also the fact that so far Zach has not been named in the 5 named Plymouth riders which a bit of a surprise (if he was staying) considering how low his GSA is, and the fact they have 2 rising stars named in the 5 so far. We all know Zach is a potential upward mover on that 4.40 GSA. His Poole guest scores alone prove that plus he improved in the later part of the season. Let's hope we can get him My only concern on the legal battle was if like many UK legal situations it dragged on well in to 2022 which not great for the Club/riders or us supporters. I am sure Danny/Matt have things well in hand. I am soooo glad I was wrong in how things were going at one stage earlier. So pleased I was wrong big time Knowing the points limit and rising star situation would make the close season name next seasons team game much more interesting and better . I mean for those of us not so close to any inside info .

If Plymouth have already named 5 riders for 2022 including both a 3* plus a 2* rising star as well as 3 H/L, then one would assume the structure and points limits may already be agreed for 2022 ?? I notice that SO FAR Zach Cook has not been named. Ok, still 2 places to be announced but maybe moves afoot to get Zach at Poole ?? Hope this legal battle going on to keep Poole racing at the stadium again in 2022 doesn't drag on too long as am sure riders will want plans sorted for 2022 asap. Interesting to see if Ryan Douglas is on the radar as he is only 0.26 of a point below Rory on the latest GSA. If we are on 41.60 points and the limit is set around 38 or even lower, than something has to give. Leicester are losing Hans A , Douglas and also Zaine Kennedy in 2022 (according to one of the main POL Speedway news sites) and have only signed 5 point Mountain (announced today on SGB) so far. Early days of course.

he could also be a target for this new POL U23 league. I am sure his exploits in UK would not have gone unnoticed by the POL scouts looking for new talent in this new league, similar to what we face with the young Brits.

How about young 19 year old Dan Gilkes who won't have Kent in 2022 and to my knowledge not signed elsewhere and was a 1 star Rising Star. Finished with a NL GSA of 10.24 up from a starting 8. Best GSA in the NL. If he was given the same rising star av that would we hope leave plenty of points further up. Also not 20 until next May plus only ridden 2 seasons as lost 2020 like the rest due to Covid lockdowns. Could be a potential Brennan/Flint/Palin maybe ?? riding on a 1 star (point av ??). Factor in he is a Dorset born lad. Would help if we knew the new points limit and situ on rising stars and if one or two will be required under any new rules.

Does anyone know if the AGM took place yet as saw a comment elsewhere on the forum that maybe it did last week but via Zoom. If not taken place anyone know when it is. Signings announced so far elsewhere would indicate maybe still Prem & Championship leagues but who knows. A 6 team Prem def not good for the sport as it is. Plus the POL new U23 league in 2022 may have a big bearing on young Brits, especially if they go for our top youngsters and race mainly on their usual Sundays thus damaging the Champ even more. That's without the money the Poles can throw at the new U23 league set up. The points limit and Brit rising star situation sure will have an impact on what direction the Pirates go. Personally would like to see if Matt/Danny can pull off both Ben & Zach Cook together at Poole especially the way Zach rode as guest on several occasions. Zach is 2 years younger than Ben and at 22 in his first season fully in UK. A 4.40 GSA is a mockery of what his true worth is based on his Poole performances. Could be a true rising star on a heavily false low average which could be a BIG bonus if they could pull it off. Could also help big time in building team points. Also think both lodging in one of the Middlo accommodations helped, as makes Poole a real home track plus gives stability on home front for both riders just as with other young Aussies over the years.

Was it 6 rides of 5 Skidder ? I only ask as the POL site I use, Speedway News gave his score from 5 rides which makes the 13 points look even better Results (from DMU.RS) Team Fjelsted: 39 9. Frederik Jakobsen (W, 0, -, -, -) 0 10. Benjamin Basso (2,3,2,3,3) 13 11. Peter Kildemand (3, 2,3,0,2,2) 12 12. Dimitri Berge (1,0,3,2 *, 2,1) 9 + 1 12. Patryk Wojdyło (D, 0,1,3,0,1,0) 5 Slangerup Speedway: 45 1. Mikkel Michelsen (3,3,2,3,3,3) 17 2. Jonas Seifert-Salk (1 , 2,3,1 *, 1,1) 9 + 1 3. Andreas Lyager (2,1,2,2,1,2 *) 10 + 1 4. Daniel Jeleniewski (0,1,0, D, 2 , 3) 6 5. Silas Neergaard Hoegh (1.1 *, 1, W) 3 + 1

Must admit I have concerns over this Poole team and the club in general. Can't help thinking 1) Poole won't make the top 4 and will miss out on play offs 2) This could be the last season we see Poole Speedway at the stadium. The dice don't seem rolled in their favour. We lost Ellis before season start only to have it rubbed in as he came back to UK in Champ. His replacement has been more on his backside then scoring near max points in what little he has rode. Ellis has impressed scoring high double figures near enough wherever he has ridden. Keleher proved the flop I feared but sods law he will do well with Plymouth. Our replacement may not even ride here so the Ford's left scratching their head as what little else available at 5. Team has an annoying habit of snatching defeat/draw from victory away and seems to have been that way a few times last few seasons. Let's not forget Plymouth are joint bottom and expect them to be in that area most of the season. Not as if they are are top 4/5 team and once again Poole blew it. Ok a draw but really ????. Those are matches where you would expect the good teams to get 4 points. I don't think current lease holders don't Poole Speedway there and don't want to invest in even staffing the stadium or restaurants etc. Would not surprise me if it all closes after season ends, especially if Poole don't get close to winning anything. Public interest will drop hence attendances plus I think there will be an unwillingness from an already unwilling lease holder to extend it. Think they prefer to have empty and rake in the car parking money and hope the owners and local authority try to buy them out of the lease for the obvious housing development that will come eventually.

Well I was way out on that one with my Kennedy prediction. Been looking up his results on Speedway News.PL and he seems to have been doing ok to start with in Czech but has picked up well since season start in both Czech & more recently in a 2 meeting weekend in France. Not as good as Kvech (maybe) but at 25/26 hew is still young and his results are encouraging incl plenty of double figure scores. Looks like he could do a job in lower part of the team IF he takes to our more technical & smaller UK tracks. As always that's the big question. Has had plenty of meetings since April so hopefully can hit the ground running.