STEVEHOLS54

What would concern me is what financial state are Poole in. Was no secret Ford had no money and built his team based on assets and what cheap options he could afford. Along came the carpet cleaners but despite this they endured poor crowds at times and were losing money still. Also questionable if No1 CC paid their full sponsor agreement or did they come to a compromise with Ford just to tie over until season end after what seemed like a fall out in last 3rd of the season that even led to their logo coming off the Poole website. Factor is a relatively poor SF playoff crowd and what now must be a MASSIVE revenue loss from a PO Final against possibly Swindon which arguably must run into a tens of thousands hole from say a 3/4000 Final crowd. when they probably assumed they would walk into. Considering Ford wanted out but of course nobody will pay his over inflated price for the club, where does this place Poole for 2020 (depending that is on what the BSPA come up with for 2020). No real TV money worth talking about - maybe no decent money generating main sponsor ?? - possibly lower crowds ongoing plus importantly perhaps no money to invest in a team with a proven heat leader ?? Of course for 2020 there is also the Chris Holder problem. Will he be allowed to ride in UK or still months of will they won't they let him ride in UK. Then the question of HolderJr/Kurtz. Will Chris be happy if Jack was dumped out of the team and do what he was playing at before i.e trying to join little Bro at Somerset. Last night was a situation just waiting to happen. We had seen inconsistences all season with Holder/Kurtz and also with Wells and TJH in the latter part. Well last night all 4 bombed together. Plenty of Poole fans were concerned about Wells and TJH joining and those were well and truly hammered home last night. I agree with Poole Bolton re Klindt and Josh G and maybe Covati but more as a reserve for 2020. Must admit I normally get quite into guess the team for the following season, but where in seasons past Ford had a combo of both the Sky and the big Readypower deal, he no longer has that financial clout behind him. Also factor in he no longer has his focus in UK with his overseas venture, does concern me a little on what 2020 holds for Poole as a club and will it be a case of can't afford decent riders so very much of same again for next year (i.e assets only) except at reserve ??

Do guest appearances count in the calculation of GSA. ??. If it doesn't then it could be anyone's guess which Chris will turn up Thursday. Ironic if it is the first type of score rather than the latter one's ;-) Of course if they did then Chris will be very well aware his current GSA sits at a VERY attractive 6.16 on the last sheets and that makes his an attractive draw for any team building for 2020. Remember his starting 2019 was 7.59 which was the only reason Ford could not accommodate him for 2019. Had it been 6.19 I think he would have snapped him up. A number of Poole supporters and Ford himself I believe always said he planned well in advance for his team for the following season. Could it be that discussions may even have taken place with Harris re a possible team slot on that attractive 6.16 GSA ?? Based on also the fact that play offs do not count in GSA calculation. Much as Chris is a VERY up and down rider, he rides Poole well and I think his GSA would go up if he rejoined them in 2020. His better home form would drag up his GSA imo.

Interesting looking at Kurtz and Holder's scores last night. Correct me if I am wrong but is it the scores only achieved in the regular season that count for the GSA's for the following season ?? (i.e points scored in play offs do not count ??) - Believe bonus points do not count for the GSA calculation. Knowing that a home team scores 3 points irrespective of if they win by 1 point or 30 makes me think hmmm - I wonder if our 2 young Aussies are looking at the averages (or are being guided) for team building in 2020. Brady is on 7.39 wef 1/9 so a 4 point from 4 rides last night sure helps for next season. Jack is on 7.28 so again 8 from 5 rides = 6.4 from 4 on count back so again helps on lowering his GSA. I am probably way off the mark but when you think about it the lower your av is at this late stage when you are a rider of their calibre, the more attractive you become in team building plans for the following season ;-)

Skidder - I support Poole and Brady is a Poole rider so no problem in my book posting on Poole 2019. i have been shouting about how highly I rated Brady since he arrived here at 16. Early in that first season I even emailed Matt/the Club try and sign him up as looked a future World Star. I am not a Brady knocker. However whichever way you put it, other young stars seem to be developing quicker around Europe (incl in my book young Jack Holder) and he is if anything going a bit backwards which is what concerns me. Yes the POL EXL is brutal and maybe not so easy riding with Emil. However not every race he is paired with Emil plus other younger riders seem to be overtaking him progress wise. I 100% hope he does push on and maybe he is more of a slower developer having originally impressed so highly that the topPOL EXL team signed him on a long term contract and put him in their first team. However the fact is that after the baptism of fire of his initial season and getting used to all the commuting UK/POL/SWE he has not pushed on in my book. He is now coming to the end of his 6th Season riding in UK and is about to turn 23. Maybe a move away from being amongst so many top riders in one team may do his confidence some good but at the same time not so good for confidence if he does get dropped. Its a simple decision for Leszno of him or Hampel have to go so not as if that's an easy one. As for Poole his GSA is still decent enough to keep him as it has the potential to still improve in a grossly inferior league. The problem Poole will have is that IF Chris Holder is allowed back who would make way ???. Klindt has arguably been their best rider this season and swapping for Holder in my book won't strengthen them even if Holder has a POSSIBLY attractive 7.16 GSA. But that's a discussion for later ;-)

Well it looks to me that Brady Kurtz has probably and finally ridden himself out of the Leszno team for 2020. His form for them in 2019 has actually gone backwards compared to 2018. He sits 42nd in the POL EXL Av which when you consider there are only 7 teams that's some under achievement. I just saw the exciting first leg final on Youtube and he was dropped after 2 pointless rides where to be honest he looked outclassed and well off the pace. He is lucky that he has been carried by the best EXL team in years in Leszno (last year and this) so it has probably masked him being dropped earlier. For me, young as he still is there is something missing and i am starting to think that maybe he is ultimately a slightly just above average Aussie. Hope he proves me wrong long term. He is fortunate that Leszno signed him up on a multi year contract, but I think its nailed on he will be farmed out to another EXL team on loan or seeing his av, he maybe even dropped into the Lower League Nice 1 as his confidence looks gone. Even when gating he was easily overtaken. With Smektala moving into the main team in 2020 as no loner a junior I can't see him being given a spot in the main team for 2020. Some on this forum said over 2 seasons ago they thought Holder Jr maybe looked to have more potential and be the better rider despite having less experience in UK. On the World stage it looks like they may have been right.

Maybe Lambert did have a genuine reason for missing the flight such as a security delay (Maybe). It could be that he then decided the better of the 2 evils was to go home to Germany where he would be better positioned to get to the U21 Final rather then come into UK on another flight today (if possible even) and then fly out again for the U21 meeting in Germany. It's just the way it reads this late doesn't look to clever considering his geographical location to home in Germany from DK (where many can normally drive the distance) and where he is then better based to reach the U21 meeting. That's on top of seeing his girlfriend which another no doubt big bonus ;-)

Certainly not. It's indefensible as far as I am concerned. My comments were aimed at maybe where his loyalties lie these days and no way defends his actions. Just commenting as to another reason maybe why he's not come back. Stop off at their's in Germany and less travel for the U21 meeting. If true it is taking the pee out of UK Speedway.

Doesn't he also live in Germany with his girlfriend who is based there when he is not jetting around POL/SWE/DK/UK and as many individual Championships and meetings around Europe. I thought that was his base now. Maybe some quality time with her and with an upcoming U21 meeting in Germany more important to him than what for him and KL is now a pointless meeting at a track he has not exactly got a great love for after plenty of criticism from him on it over the last 2 seasons. Maybe it is only a matter of time before he does a Tai and maybe dumps UK with such a schedule in future years ??

Let's be clear. Both Jakobsen & Woryna were prepared to come back this year. It was he fact that Ford said he no longer had the money to sign overseas based riders and all costs involved for mechanics/airfairs/accomodation etc so kept to mainly Poole assets plus cheaper alternatives such as Worrall. As said he could probably have also signed Allen & Rasmus Jensen but once again went for the cheaper option of NBJ. Covatti was interesting as a reserve but again was a cheaper option being UK based and with him doubling up at Somerset thus reducing Ford's cost. However he shouldn't have then gone public after signing up with the carpet cleaners to openly state in the Echo that the deal now allowed him to make decent mid season signings should there be injuries or riders dropped due to poor performance. It's obvious that with what looks like some issues with the sponsors (one would assume from various comments made) and poor gates due to some poor team perfomances earlier, that said money was no longer available to invest in the team. These are more difficult times for Poole - No longer the big money sponsors like Readypower - No Sky money - falling gates - lower quality riders than in the past. Add to that Matt Ford openly wanting out of the club but of course nobody wants a club in a sport in demise in UK at a highly over inflated price. Maybe the fortune they had last year has flipped against them this year. No team has a given right to win the league every season. Holder & Kurtz inconsistences continue to plague the team as you never know if or when both will click. As for the future - who knows as much will depend on league set up - points limits - will Holder Sr return and who makes way and most importantly will the Ford's continue, plus with the issues of Team Sponsers this year what will happen going forward as major companies certainly have no major interest despite this being the affluent South Coast where millionaires in their many reside.

What do you expect from a Swindon supporter LOL The way things currently looking, Swindon won't need any big slices of luck to win the title/playoffs. Fair play to them for sensible and shrewd signings plus finally getting the best out of Perks. Only Wolves imo stand in your way.

Thanks. Doesn't cost anything to have sensible debate on Speedway. Plus you are only 40 miles up the road from me in Ipswich when I am in Chelmsford ;-) See nothing wrong in you as a Ips supporter contributing sensible debate to a Poole Forum. Too many people don't want to hear bad/negative comment when it is in fact debating the various aspects of the risers/sport. Personally have always found your comments informative and more often than not close to the real situation when giving opinions even if it is not what some Poole supporters want to hear. Unfortunately there are some you will never win over ;-)

Still convinced that Ford building on a tight budget and lack of real investment will come to bite them on the backside. Was never really convinced on Worrall and to be honest I doubt that they would have been strengthened by him not being injured. They could have signed Rasmus Jensen who many in the so called know were certain he was the Dane we were getting. No we got NBJ instead who didn't work out. (both Jensen and Jake Allen were rumoured so assume it was down to not wanting to pay out).The strength in depth again was up and down with too many co called potential H/L not performing all on the same day. Plus with tight budget in mind. Fortunately Kurtz/Holder/Klindt are all assets as god know where would have been otherwise if Ford didn't want to pay out. In years gone by the reserves were always a master stroke as young guys or young foreign riders with GSA well below there true ability. This year its gone badly wrong and for me its probably due to finance again. Wells ???. Most except the promoters of Poole knew that was a disaster waiting to happen. If BV knew it as did many supporters then for sure more lows than highs was nailed on. As for TJH ????. Anyone who truly follows speedway around Europe would know that nobody wanted him in SWE Prem because he was not good enough and wanted too much money as he overrated his failing ability. POL EXL and Nice Lge 1 didn't want him which in itself should tell you the story. He bombed when last in UK and not surprised one bit what we are getting. Love to be proved wrong if he does p/up but nuh not convinced. Covatti moving up was always going to be difficult as he is a good reserve in Prem and that's it. No spring chicken any more and whilst exciting to watch he has reached his full ability. I am wondering who we will get in play offs. Suppose depends if we finish top as for sure Poole Management won't want either Swindon or Wolves, but wouldn't even be confident of beating Ipswich with the current 3 weak links. Not expecting anything now and going to be interesting if Chris Holder does get ok for UK next year as who gives way. Arguably Klindt has been their best rider so does orJosh go to try and fit Holder in ??. Can't see him dropping Holder Jr or Kurtz. Problem is that Chris Holder not the rider he was and replacing say Klidnt would probably be no real better than this year. All depending of course on what league set up/points is for 2020 and if Poole do continue with no buyer in sight and unlikely ever to be so.

Can't quite understand it. Matt Ford clearly said in his Evening Echo interview in January just after he secured what he called was a HIGH FIVE FIGURE sponsorship deal, that this now gave him the opportunity to sign good quality replacement riders in the event of injuries or out of form riders mid season. I got the impression he meant decent overseas riders bearing in mind all that the UK would have to offer mid season is dropped riders or those of inferior quality not already signed up elsewhere long before mid season arrived. Some overseas riders become more willing once we hit mid/late July time. Especially those who may be missing out at the very top level in POL EXL. Looks like more empty words to me and a sign he is trying to slip through at least to the play offs on the same tight budget as before he secured the major sponsor, with some of the questionable quality in the team at both HL level and definitely further down with riders such as Worrall and NBJ despite their injuries/illness. For sure a severely depleted team through injuries/illness is not helping but personally with KL riding high again with Cook signed and now Riss back and Ipswich at home having already beaten Poole I question if even a full strength Poole would have won at either venue anyway. I would have been happy with 2 defeats by six or less personally.

From reading the various posts/interviews, I get the impression that both teams were happy with the result. Poole got their 3 points, and with BV top of the League anyway they were more than happy with their 1 point for being less than 6 points behind. Having had a miserable time recently away from home but still being on top, I think Lemon was happy to bag the 1 point once that point had been reached in the meeting. Especially following their last meeting at Poole. (When I say happy - I mean the result not the meeting as for sure Poole not happy to lose 2 riders to nasty injuries).

Am sure I read in an Echo article when Matt Ford signed the new Team Sponsorship deal. In fact just found the article from 17th Jan. The headline stated and I qte BOSS Matt Ford admitted Pirates had the financial clout to be major players in the transfer market after securing a new main team sponsor for 2019. He went on to comment about the possible need to replace injured or out of form riders mid season and this new SUBSTANTIAL 5 figure investment now meant he could do that. So based on his usual playing of words in the media I assume we can look forward to a marquee signing from around Europe on a false low average as he has mastered up over the years. Await with eager anticipation as Richie looks long term with a multiple break that has not had final op yet as the current one was more to position it back into place in advance of the plates etc. (sounds bloody painful that's for sure). As for Nico ?????.

Have always been a BIG fan of Brady Kurtz from when he first arrived at Somerset in 2014. Have to admit I expected some big things from him as I monitored his progress but I am concerned that he may well turn out to be another one of those Aussie riders who promised a lot but never pushed on to the level we anticipated. Has been riding now in UK for 5 years and got his real big break in POL & SWE last season. For me he is going backwards not forwards and while yes he has had the odd injury, his form was questionable even before then. He certainly has not pressed on in POL and if anything has got worse as evidenced again last weekend and was dropped after 2 rides. Not riding for Vetlanda tonight having scored zero last week. ( Dropped maybe ??) He has been fortunate that riding for the all conquering Leszno he didnt need high scores last season as their strong reserves helped them big time. Similar to this season where despite his poor 4 point av he is being carried by the rest of the team/reserves. In 31 rides he has scored only 1 win and 8 seconds and languishes at 47 in the POL EXL averages. If he carries on like this I can see both Vetlanda and Leszno dropping him come season end (if not before). Going to have a problem in Leszno anyway come season end as Smektala has to move up and only places as I see it he can replace are Brady or Hampel. On current form cant see Kurtz being favoured. As for Uk I see no realistic signs of consistent form to show me when allied to his Continent form that he is moving forward after 5 years riding in Europe. I like the guy and want to see his progress but how much longer will we be saying he will come good. Certainly not pushed on like Fricke and even Holder looks like he is overtaking him when you look at his form in SWE & POL. Let's hope he can rediscover the form of 2 seasons ago where we were all raving about him being the next big Aussie on the scene.

Ford Jr says he is looking forward to having Brady Kurtz back who has been scoring well abroad recently. Suppose depends on how you look at it. Scored 14 from 5 rides in POL 2ND DIV against a load of grossly inferior riders incl Bjarne Pedersen in his aging years who can't get into POL Nice 1 or POL EXL. Then topped that up midweek last week with an impressive zero from 4 rides against decent opposition for Vetlanda in SWE. Suppose will depend on which of the inconsistent Brady turns up. Let's hope its the one who has shown on occasions that he can be a good rider. Similar with Holder Jr. Would be nice if both turned up for a change on the same day and both scored decent double figure points. Rarely happens with these 2 together so let's hope they both do well.

I think Brady needs to start looking over his shoulder anyway. His scores so far this season for Leszno had not been so great even before injury. At the end of this season Smektala has to move into the main team. If you look at all the other riders it will be interesting who has to make way. Can only see it being Brady or Hampel and surely that will be decided by who has the better scores over the season. Hopefully it is Brady who gets it together. Only had the 2 rides today so still not fit, but when you have riders of the quality of Smektala and Kubera, some would argue that on their day they are better than Brady anyway. I hope for him he starts scoring some decent points this season, as although this is the best league in the World you still have to perform. He is fortunate that despite plenty of lowish scores he is in the best team in the World with the best 2 reserves so it gets glossed over a bit when they win more often than not. Now he will also have to contend with Lidsey and Bekker coming through notwithstanding any other top riders in the World as there is not points limit in POL. Having said all that I am sure the future looks good anyway as he would for sure secure a spot elsewhere and would also walk into most Nice 1 teams. Such is the performance level at the top.

Worrall's cause not helped being in a team of riders with so much inconsistency. If BOTH H/L were performing week in and out TOGETHER (or most of the time) then you can carry a rider who is struggling for form. Having decided to build a side of owned asset riders and so called strength in depth with NO recognised H/L means you need consistency from the whole team to see you through. Yes Richie has improved a little but 6 points from 5 rides last night ???. Not convinced still, but Poole will have to decide soon as his GSA is dropping so they have to move soon. Problem as I see it is that whether it be a straight replacement or him plus sacrificing one of the reserves to free up a better combined GSA still brings the question of WHO???. Can't think of anyone suitable who would be available within what the Ford's may be willing to pay out. The Uk based half decent ones already signed up elsewhere. I heard the Freddie was happy now doing Swe (Tue)- DK (We) - POL (Sun) and factor in his WU21 matches and other fixtures got impression maybe not so interested in UK. On top of which I got impression the Ford's don't want the expense of flying in overseas rider/mechanics/entourages in their quest to sell the club asap without negative costs going on the books. Also Freddie for all his potential is NOT a recognised/proven performer in UK and as his scores showed last season you can expect plenty of up's/downs. Does he really need to trudge up and down the UK on our sub standard tracks (in the main excl such as BV). It's not like riders such as Klindt who is based in UK (Midlands) and he is happy to be another journeyman like Hans Andersen (but not as good as HA). Riding SWE/DK/UK/POL. For me replacing say Richie with Freddie won't change a lot. Would having Klindt and NBJ last night really have made so much difference for example. Last night both their scores in the DK Champ were dire so why do we assume they would have been that much better. Some of the participants in the Comp were not that great. The decent riders as expected got decent scores. Klindt scored 4 and NBJ 3. That's 7 points from a combined 10 rides.

I see that Klidnt and NBJ bombing out big time in the DK championships after 4 & 3 rides. respectively. Both Rasmus Jensen and F.Jakobsen seem to be doing ok. We could probably have had both if Ford/s were not trying to do it all now on a tight budget. But you get what you pay for I suppose. Maybe us Poole supporters should just accept that Ford Snr desperately wants to sell the club, Is trying to invest as little as possible utilising UK based assets only plus Worrall whose GSA dropped latter part of last season plus so far this - Covatti where it was also convenient for Nico having Somerset in Champ on Wed then stay over for Poole Thur so no clashes. As for NBJ ?? - All the rumours were it was near enough nailed on as Rasmus Jensen which even I applauded as his scores last third of 2018 were VERY good in Champ. But no, when we all thought it was sorted it suddenly became NBJ which I think was down to not enough money on offer which I assume also applied to Jake Allen who many thought would tie up with his other 3 Aussie mates at Poole.

Think Ford Jr will have a huge sigh of relief as he can probably keep money in his pocket a bit longer not being forced into replacing Worrall (for now...). Probably bought a bit more time with yesterdays performances. I can see Poole making the play-offs without winning a single away match this season. Seeing how teams such as KL and Swin have now in effect strengthened I cannot see any way that Poole will get a win on the road. Their team in depth has too many inconsistent performers INCL Jack and Brady who can blow hot & cold on any given race day. If only the whole team could get it together on the same day away to drag the team over the line. Last night was a big missed opportunity with Swind not having Doyle in all 5 rides plus injury to Mus and very weak reserves. Yes Jensen was a revelation but this was a rider near enough done and dusted for many to sign for Poole before most were then surprised to find it was not Jensen but NBJ. Good signing for Swindon and wish we had got him as reserve to be honest. His scores were mightly impressive last few months of last season in Champ. Providing Poole keep winning at home the odd away points from 6 point or less defeats will get them into the top 4 imo. Let's just hope the Ford's do invest to sort the track as it's a poor advert for the sport and how long before one of their own riders get's an injury let alone the opposition.

I would hope this was a tactical thing by Leszno as even if fully fit it would have been a struggle to do a POL match finishing late today and then getting to Poole for a 12 mid day start the following morning. Perhaps he is just on standby in case today's match was going wrong as the 2 Leszno reserves probably covering all his rides would walk into every team on the planet let alone the top club in POL. Let's hope for all of us Leszno do win the match and he indeed rests up as was reported by Poole.

Can somebody help me out on this regarding Brady Kurtz. On Friday it was awaiting outcome of X.Rays. Suddenly he is jetting off to POL. Today on the Poole website Ford Jr states and I quote Pirates co-promoter Danny Ford said: “Obviously it’s far from ideal being without Brady as he’s been in such incredible form this season so far. “But the important thing is he rests up and gets back to full fitness. Incredible that in POL the main main Sports Fakty sppedway site quoted the flwg at 14.48 Uk time yesterday one day earlier than Fords release with and again I quote An arm injury was suspected by an Antipodian rider. However, the latest information is positive and it is very likely that his crash ended only on bruises, so Kurtz will be able to appear in the Sunday game Fogo Unia Leszno So today and in last 2 hours he is photographed chilling out at the track with the other Foga Unio riders, also looks like he did the track walk with his team PLUS is declared to ride in the seven named riders and no comments from the live comments board contributors to say he isn't riding. Teams doing the presentation and for good measure approx 15,500 is the attendance. One can see where loyalties lie I thing. Also Jack Holder rode a little earlier and is riding tomorrow in UK. A decent 12 plus 2 BP frpom 6 rides today where older Holder failed yet again away (like the team did) with 5 plus 1 from 4 rides. If you can't beat Lublin a promoted team who also had Jonsson missing then they are looking like relegation certainties already so early in the season having lost every match. Chances are Brady would not have got back in time for a early morning meeting with the POL EXL match he is riding in only starting at 6 p.m UK time where Jack rode some hours earlier. But my point is why do we get fed such B.S from the Promotion and the Club about him being banged up - not fit to ride , needing to rest up, when those who keep close tabs on the real racing in POL can see it is in effect b.s. P.S: Brady is out with Emil S in heat one.

Excellent post a bit earlier Gav in reply to Steve Shovlar re points of reserves and H/L. Indeed good reserves important but can't fully cover failing H/L if both score poorly (as evidenced with Poole). Swindon have shown how important H/L strength is already. Win at home with odd wins and 1/2 pointer away and you are in the play offs. I think Ipswich have surprised a few already and with neither Harris or King fully firing last night they did well to win even if only by 6. When the League is in full swing a win is 3 points be it by 1/2 or 20/25. Away may still be an issue but if they could pinch odd points away then who knows come final play off positions. Can't see many if any winning at Ipswich based on what has happened so far but still very early doors. Wins at home will also hopefully keep the crowds coming in as very few from any club travel away in the sport these days.

Could be a case of needs/must come mind/end May. Woryna is not the answer for sure as he has started the new POL season less than impressive. Even in the odd meeting Jakobsen has ridden in he was poor. I think those 4 League meetings H/A against BV and Swindon will have a bearing on what happens next. Why fly in Woryna and his Mechanic/s/team when he isn't performing (certainly not as a HL in UK anyway). Rather spend on a proven rider in the Prem even if not popular with some. The next month will be interesting that's for sure as this won't be allowed to continue. Of course that's assuming the Ford's don't want to hold on to the money bearing in mind this season's team was built around Club assets and riders they could sign within a certain budget.