Wendy

I thought a rider could only get a TR on his programmed rides so that wouldn't work. But, is there any restriction on reserves getting a TR? I don't remember seeing it last year but that means nothing!!!

He couldn't as he's not British.

A little late, I know, but I'm making my Christmas cake tomorrow - I'll save you s piece. Better than humble pie 😄

Sorry - duplicated!

OK then - you want someone to say it, so I will: I think your bang out of order with your comments. You were being worse than cynical - you were actively trolling. The stadium is being built by the Manchester authorities - a mixture between Manchester City Council and the East Manchester Regeneration group. It will be approximately 350m in size with 10m straights and 12-15m bends. It has come about because those involved have ignore trolls and cynics and is a credit to everyone involved - council, speedway promoters, speedway authorities and fans. Even SCB has conceded that, despite his initial (huge) scepticism, it looks like happening. So that leaves you. What purpose, other than to completely undermine the hard work and commitment shown by those involved, do you think your cynicism serves? Are you simply a sad person who takes pleasure in undermining others? My goodness, the sport is on its knees in this country and those involved need encouragement not condemnation. Is it too difficult to say this looks amazing and I really hope that it's as good as it looks? Because that's how I feel about it.

That is the signing of the winter. No matter who else is announced where. Under 16 Aussie champion when he was 11 or 12 and beat Darcy Ward to the title. I'm not sure how he qualifies for a work permit though as is there not a rule about being in the top four in a State championship? Maybe he's planning on winning the Aussie title in January 😄

Started the season at 7.70, ended 7.06. Not exactly "well"

The blue rinses are right - the majority of posts you make have to have a pop at Poole. Fixated or what?Congratulations to Edinburgh - the best PL team all year.

The problem is that, by their success, Matt Ford and Poole Speedway manage to screw you, SCB, which is possibly why you are so bitter. And not just about Poole but speedway generally. What happened? You used to be a supporter. Now you just moan

My goodness boys, you caught a big 'un there!

What has happened to the TV coverage? My Sky planner isn't showing it on Eurosport now

I have just Googled it and there is something called the Tier 5 youth mobility scheme for people aged between 18 & 31 (which means I only left my youth last year - I wish!!) See http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/tier5/youthmobilityscheme/

Is there not a rule that young Aussies can come in on a two year working visa but then, if they haven't attained a certain standard, the state championship rules kick in? There was something like that with Cameron Woodward some years ago I think

Is Alex Harkess a "Matt Ford puppet" then? Was Pete Toogood? Chris Van Straaten? I think if there is a change then the most likely candidate would be vice chairman, Jon Cook. Is he also a "Matt Ford puppet"? How many puppet does one man get to play with?

2nd yes, but 3rd?

I don't think two under 21 meetings in Argentina is really going global. And I don't understand the 1949 comment - this first three world champions in 1936, 1937 and 1938 were two Aussies and an American. The heart of speedway is in Europe and in my mind, the bulk of the big meetings should be there. And to have the deciding meetings of a major championship outside Europe has diminished the event. Finishing off the under 21 championship in Argentina has far more to do with the politics within FIM than trying to encourage an emerging speedway nation. Or am I the only one that thinks that it is more than a coincidence that many Argentines coming to race in Europe do so on Italian licences while at the same time, it has been Armando Castagno who has pushed for Argentina to be included? Why not have the opening round in Argentina, if the FIM want a round there (in the same way as NZ opens the SGP series) but have the climax to the series where the majority of the riders ride, namely Europe?

I understand having a wild card, but FOUR? All credit to the 12 riders travelling from Europe, even though only a very few have a chance of success but you have to wonder at the logic - and cost - of staging two out of seven rounds so far away. And also wonder how many riders will enter next year

I thought I read somewhere that any rider missing other than through injury would be fined by FIM. If that's the case, there were always going to be Argentinian riders in the last two meetings, otherwise, why hold it there, so should they be fined for not taking part in the first five rounds?

I am not "outraged" by what happened and I am not taking sides on whether or not the referee was right but, I think the defences put forward about adrenalin and cameras in the face are rather weak. Pedersen was back in his pit box, knew the camera was there and, in my view, was playing up to the camera. I seem to recall that Wayne Rooney was fined and banned for deliberately swearing into a tv camera so why should speedway's standards be lower?

I've not read the other thread - just saw this one and assumed it was a wind up, especially given your signature. So, erm, congratulations, Denmark on, erm, pinching Matt Ford's rule book and cheating yourselves to a victory when doing it honestly would still have made you top scorers. On the other hand, Craig Ackroyd again showed he lacks the cojones to referee a big meeting - he should have disqualified Denmark for cheating. Cos. guys, that is what they did. WHY they felt the need, is anyone's guess, when they were clearly the best team on the night.

Are you guys for real? They cheated. Bare faced and then laughed about. Where's the great team spirit in that? Buster had a rant a couple of weeks ago about "Cheats don't prosper" but now everyone wants to congratulate cheats? Denmark were the best team on show, were going to win anyway and yet they felt the need to cheat. So why congratulate them?

OK - here's your answers.... Firstly, what happened in the Team GB vs Australia tests last year, one at Poole and the other at Lakeside? I'll save you looking - Team GB won both. So why should they be beaten this time? Secondly, these are seven man teams. So Team GB go with Harris, Nicholls and Woffinden as their top three as against Holder, Ward and Watt - potentially Australia are better, But what of 4 to 7? Pick from King, Bridger, Roynon, Auty, Kennett, Mear, Barker, Stead, Morris (maybe) for Team GB versus Schlein, Woodward, Batchelor, Kurtz, Master, Proctor, erm, that's about it for Australia Thirdly, with the SWC now being four man teams with no reserves, how are the "lesser" riders going to get international team experience without these sorts of meetings? Fourth, what's wrong with Poole having a big crowd and making money? Is that not what promoting the sport is all about? And finally, would you have the same moan if this was being staged at Coventry or Peterborough or Kings Lynn or Swindon or, indeed, anywhere else other than Poole. I suspect the answer is no. So it comes down to some people just like enjoy having a bash at anything that Poole do. In my view, your post and JCookie's first one were exactly what you said yours wasn't - anti-Poole. I like to think of myself as pro-speedway

And another one

Didn't take long, did it?

Sorry, I should have added "......and isn't grumpy all the time"