diamond@heart

Bates has declared he is racing this season for Sheffield and Leicester.

What about Tungate after his Aussie Championship performances? Although he probably has Polish commitments? Has performed well at Brough in the past, paid 11 back in 2015 I believe. Not sure what average he would come in on. No to Wilkinson but yes to Rose. I hope we are not pinning our hopes on getting Nicholls to be told at the last minute that he can't ride in the Championship (remember the Matej Ferjan fiasco). Would be good to get him and think he will add a few to crowd numbers. I have a feeling that Tungate falls into the same category as Nicholls i.e. will need to be granted permission. If however we are on a budget, is Nicholls signature likely to happen as I would imagine he will not come cheap. Interesting if not quiet times at the moment and looking forward to a bit of positive team news, hopefully soon. Fingers crossed

Why is the information re: Nicholls and Ludvig which is in Speedway Star not on the Diamonds website. I appreciate that we have not signed these riders but not everyone buys or reads the Star and often fans sources of information (whether accurate or not) are these forums. I know promoters aren't keen on forums due to mis-information but it would be nice if the Diamonds website was updated in the off season more than once every two weeks. e.g. Happy New Year

Where's this coming from, you been to see Mystic Meg or reading the tea leaves?

I thought Brent won it, might be wrong. Gonna have to dig the VHS out now and watch it. I just remember the puddle on the entry to the third bend with a few riders avoiding it and some just going straight through it. Great meeting. Didn't know that about NP and the police car!!!!

How could I forget about him. Remember him and Nicki Pedersen in the Northern Riders championship that year at Sheffield, great meeting to watch if you're a Diamonds fan.

I believe he is an electrician. Eddie Ingels is the last one I can think of

It is about one of Poland's wealthiest men taking over as promoter of Rzeszow. Go to Speedway Star website and read Speedway Xtra which has a little bit about the article.

Ludvig !!!!

Phillips maybe the cheaper option but not necessarily the better one. I think the problem with Phillips is he is coming back from a big injury, personally, he has never really impressed me and was not that impressed with him around Brough before the injury. I think now that Alfie has seen all or most of the tracks, he should kick on and be a better and safer bet than Phillips. Just my opinion and with Morris as hopefully he partner, might bring the lad on more. We'll have to wait and see and if it is Phillips I'll still support him but my preference would be Alfie or ideally Aarnio but I think that would leave us very weak at 1-5..

Good first signing and glad to have the BCB back. Hope he starts the season at reserve as a lot of teams seem to going down the strength in depth route (probably due to lack of out and out NO. 1's). Be interesting to see who the next one is, hope won't have long to wait!!! Santa maybe stuffing him into his sack as we speak getting ready to deliver him on Chrimbo day!!!

With the lack of out and out number 1's left unless we can tempt Edward Kennett (no thanks) or Scott Nicholls (), it made me think are we going to try a few unknowns from abroad, if not, could the team look a bit like this? 1. ? 2. Aarnio (5.02) 3. Rose (appreciate that he has signed a contract in Poland but no sure if it is a Sunday or a Saturday track and the likelihood of him being used!!!) (6.49) 4. Kus (7.64) - see comment re: Rose 5. Lindgren (Ludvig not Freddie) (7.29) 6. Morris (4.88) 7. Bowtell (2.19) Total (33.51) leaving 8.99 for a number 1 - does not factor in any reductions so points available for No. 1 may be higher I think we would struggle in the big heats but hopefully should have enough to cope with most teams at home. I mainly based this team on cost cutting and trying to use our own assets where possible and riders who have performed well in the past around Brough. I don't envy George in trying to make a team out of what is left and he may have to pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat. I think we have to get Morris back and get him back at reserve and I would favour Bowtell over Phillips!!! Only time will tell and we may know a bit more after the Christmas party.

Or the Wear!!!!

You could be right. I think our options are limited with a number of riders who I thought would be back (Rose, Bach) having signed Polish contracts. Time will tell.

Ok my next punt is Amanda Staveley!!! The NUFC take over was just a smoke screen so she could get hold of her real target Newcastle Diamonds. She was recently photographed by Steve Brock coming out of a curry house in Jesmond with George English. She can't be announced until she has satisfied the BSPA that she has the necessary funds to become a shareholder. During that process, Alan Hedley will fund the December purchase of riders until her application goes through!!!

Could not agree more, can't wait to freeze my ass off come March at the press and practice day in the howling wind. Think Ashley and Alfie at reserve are a must, not sure about Robbo, Get Ludvig and Kus as a partnership and as you same some fresh blood.

Great news we are running. I'll venture the name John Courtney as the new promoter alongside George?????

Alfie tweeted to say he is looking for a team spot in 2018, could mean not in Diamonds plans or not one of riders contacted.

Sounds promising, fingers crossed.

Maybe its solar powered or runs on methanol!!!

I've never touched her, honest!!! :o

I agree, I have always thought the rate at which news appears on the Diamonds website is poor. Every other team has had the AGM update and whilst I appreciate that website updates are probably not at the top of George's list, I still think the website should have been updated with the AGM release and the tweet which stated that he is working behind the scenes and news will be announced shortly. I've have my fingers crossed that he was in attendance when Ashley and Amanda Staveley went for a curry and he has managed to convince her to invest in the Diamonds!!! :P You need to get out more me thinks!!! I think I would rather hug a hoodie as suggested by Mr Cameron!!!

Shame Newman has gone to Lakeside, would have liked to have had him in the 2018 team. ☹

No news is good news!!! :D