enotian

Well if the rumours of Newcastle signing Ben Barker are true it would suggest that you're very much correct.

I think the promoters have to assume that the restrictions put in place by the Polish League and the potential travel restrictions mean that they need to plan for a season with teams containing riders who will base themselves in Britain. On that basis and assuming some Australians (Allen, Douglas, Crump etc) and Europeans (Palm Toft, Vissing, Aarnio etc) would choose a full season of Premiership and Championship (doubling up), combined with the British riders who would do likewise (i.e. not Woffinden or Lambert) you can just about conjure up 35+ riders of Championship heat leader standard riders (i.e. average c7.00+ in the Championship). That should give you a fairly decent standard and competitive top five for the seven Premiership teams. There are easily 14 'young' (maybe U-25? excluding Bewley) British riders who could complete each of the teams at reserve (i.e. from the more experienced Clegg, Nielsen & Greaves to the less experienced Kemp, Edwards & Flint). Given the scarcity of riders the points limit would probably need to be replaced by gradings to ensure even team strengths and if restrictions are relaxed during the season and more riders become available they would be given an appropriate grading. An example of the team standard being King, Lawson, Nicholls, Summers, Starke, Greaves & Kemp. Clearly nowhere near the standard of the Polish League or even the intended 2020 Premiership but I think competitive to the extent that it would fulfil the obligations of the Eurosport deal, which must be a priority. In addition I do hope that the promoters (both Premiership and Championship) look at streaming 'shared events' in 2021. With some less likely/able to travel getting those pairs, 4TT etc streamed could be a money spinner.

very strange. my understanding of antibodies is that the body does develop them, sometimes requiring a vaccine to identify the contagion, but I wasn't aware that the (healthy) body could then forget how to generate those antibodies. If that were the case wouldn't we constantly need top up vaccinations for all kinds on diseases that we've been inoculated against?? Unless this virus is mutating? Lots of strange messages out there.

Archie Freeman makes it a Happy Christmas for Newcastle Diamonds Newcastle-born teenage speedway star in the making, Archie Freeman turned 16 at the back end of November, and had now made the day for his home club and supporters by putting pen to paper on a Newcastle Speedway full contract with club owner, Rob Grant. Club co-promoter, Dave Tattum said: "This is a key moment for the Diamonds, signing a superbly talented, locally-sourced prospect as Archie Freeman is a vital move for us and our aim to cultivate a vibrant squad of young up-and-coming British riders in our squad and as Archie is a Geordie it makes it all the sweeter. "He's won lower cc class British Youth Titles a couple of seasons ago, and he's been involved in that important series of events all through 2020, on his 500cc machine, when other events weren't allowed to take place, and he has made more excellent progress, maturing into a fine speedway rider with bags of potential and we cannot wait for the winter to pass to get him on track next season." Team manager Darren Hartley added: "It's brilliant for Newcastle to get this strong young local lad into our squad, and while initially he will be in our National League side, once he gets more and more racing under his belt, we'll be looking at introducing him into the Championship Diamonds' side to continue his impressive progress. "However, we'll be bringing Archie along to all our Championship level matches in 2021 anyway as part of the team and he will be looked after an integrated into the Diamonds pit activity to get him accustomed to the whole match atmosphere at its heart and that in itself will bring him on in leaps and bounds with experience of real matches in progress. "We have massive belief in Archie's ability, and his future progress, which we at his home track were always desperate to make sure took place with us, and Brough Park is a track he's learned a lot about since he started training there on small bikes, many, many years ago, and the crowd who watch the second half racing will know what we're on about having seen his young racing, and this signing will be good for him, and good for us." Archie Freeman himself also commented, saying: "I’m over the moon to be riding for Newcastle, this has been my ambition ever since I sat on a bike at Newcastle Speedway, and from then it’s been a lifelong ambition of mine, and for it to become reality right now is amazing. "Next year I aim to move up into the main body of the team and to consistently score, and hopefully to attract more sponsors. Overall, I really can’t wait till next year and hope to bring in some more faces to Newcastle. I’d just like to thank everyone who had helped me over the years to get me here. Especially Colin Poole, David Rowland, Mark Hubbard, Lawrence Heppell, Trevor and Lynn Strawbridge and obviously my Mam and Dad, not to forget about Rob Grant for giving me this brilliant opportunity." From Newcastle Speedway Facebook page. Great News. Sounds like the right way to develop. Got #8 just need to find #7... once the points limited is decided.....

Cheers. Firstly for the informed response but also for letting me know it might be okay to watch the news again if they're reporting facts again instead of predictions (that stop me going for a pint) Another good fb post from the promoter. Why the bloke hasnt just walked I'll never know. Might not end up with a competitive team but it's an interesting one for sure. Look forward to seeing it in action, fingers crossed.

Isn't the point that we can't have a 'Johnny Foreigner'?? I doubt Mr Godfrey's super 16 includes any 8 point non work permit riders. Then if Newcastle can't employ Vissing that would be us looking for two riders at a combined average of c17 points, who don't require a work permit........ realistically the Diamonds need the points limit reduced to be competitive. Does anyone know what the situation is regards permits for doubling up riders? Do both clubs need a license or if Vissing got a Premiership slot (as he was being touted for recently) could he ride for Newcastle using the visa from the other club? That might solve the problem and might mean we can sign another 'Johnny Foreigner'.

According to the facebook post Smetana had to be replaced as the promoters dont have the licence to employ EU riders They've done well to act soon but I do wonder what this means for Vissing?

Apparently on par with Danny King on the training track??

more than the tax man was told he was on?

I'm guessing that you set a criteria which is based on a number league appearances on the continent rather than position in national/state championships like non EU riders. Even so I imagine it changes the contract discussion dynamics when the pool or riders is restricted. No more bringing in an EU youngster who'll ride for less to benefit their career. Add the new IR35 rules from April 2021 which could impact on how all riders are paid and there could be some tough negotiations ahead

I see that the FA, EPL and EFL have agreed a points criteria for EU footballers signing for English clubs post 1 January 2021. I'd imagine the BSPA will need to come up with something similar. I guess if you get to set your own criteria you could set the bar fairly low??

Or the scientists identify why some people are more at risk of a life threatening reaction whilst others are not, so those genuinely at risk can be protected and the rest can re-intergrate back into society. Including enjoying the odd speedway meeting. You make sensible suggestions. Have you ever thought of becoming an MP....... Regardless we're waiting for the Boffins to deliver........ they're currently James Sarjeant (had plenty of chances but still we all believe they can do it) but we need them to be Tai Woffinden. Here's hoping.

Wayne Carter....

it is but my point was it's not possible to do it without signing riders to long term contracts. and in all honesty do the British clubs actually develop any talent? I don't think any clubs spend a great deal in developing talent. I don't think they can afford to. I'm not aware of any having a salaried dedicated youth coach, isn't it generally volunteers and parents who put the most effort in? The clubs just provide the opportunity of track time, which is important but hardly an extensive training programme. If there was an official training programme then I think you could demand that any young rider who signs up to be part of it has to ride in British speedway for a certain number of years or has to reimburse for the cost of training. Not sure who funds the Poultec training but as I understand it youngsters have to pay to enter the British Youth Championship so I don't think many British riders will feel so indebted to British speedway that they would turn down the opportunity to ride in other leagues. I think the BSPA are doing as much as they can nowadays and if that means more riders are getting opportunities overseas that's a good thing as long as they keep to conveyor belt going

I would imagine that the FIM prefer their SGP riders to be riding in less leagues. Don't suppose they'd ever endorse what the Poles are doing but I suspect they'll turn a blind eye. They'd only intervene if the Polish authorities actions were impacting on the SGP series. I suspect you're correct and British speedway will have to learn to live without International stars..... ....which, with a few notable exceptions, I thought it already was.

I enjoy my job but I wouldn't do more of it for less money but you have a point. I suppose we'll find out if riders start giving Poland a miss. Interesting to see what Jason Doyle does for example. The trouble is that if you don't do Poland then you can do Britain, Sweden and bits and pieces elsewhere. I think there's only really three substantial league programmes, Britain, Poland and Sweden. Then factor in that the top riders want to ride in the toughest competition to ensure that they're competitive and it would seem unlikely that, even though they'd prefer to ride/earn more regularly, any of the top riders will give Poland a miss.

true, but the point being made was that what the Polish League are doing is not restraint of trade. The riders can choose to earn less by only riding in Poland (plus one other league) or (possibly) even less by not riding in Poland but riding in 4 other leagues.

and how long would that contract last??? currently they mostly last for 8 months of a season. speedway riders are self employed. I'd say the vast majority of people would work for the person who pays the most. add in that riding against the toughest competition helps you progress/stay at the top. It's just something else we have to learn to live with......

we hope but Glasgow said they couldn't accommodate social distancing. then there's the greyhound stadiums which might not jeopardise their core business. just impossible at the minute. I do hope they've thought about what can be done if there's no improvement in the situation throughout next Summer. Some viable alternative funded by fulfilling the Eurosport deal or streaming. GP''s are asking people to take part in vaccine trials so there must be something close to being ready but who knows.....

they'd get less meetings though. if a home season has say 24 fixtures and you have two teams you have 48 home fixtures and the same away. only one home team and you only get to ride in half that. it's not quite that simple because currently teams face each other more than once home and away and that wouldn't be possible with one combined league of say 20 teams. i mostly agree, although would say they deserve to earn as much as possible for the risks they take (at their choice of course). but again the problem might be if riders walk away then how do you fill the teams. we're already talking about some not riding in the UK so if there was a 20 team league that's 140 riders needed. where do they all come from especially if some established riders decide they can't make it pay? without seriously diluting the standard? so whilst i don't like doubling up and like the sound of one big league it just might not be feasible. Doubling up for anyone was always a Pandora's box that should never have been opened.

totally agree one problem though. Doubling Up. Will/can the domestic riders settle for riding in one league only?

7 years 6 months! He'll serve half and be out in time for the start of the next UK speedway season.... Apologies, it's not a joking matter. Anyone who prey's on the vulnerable has no place in society regardless of how tough their start in life might have been or the addictions which might have consumed them. I suspect his victims will suffer the after effects of his actions for much longer than he will atone for them.

Agree with this entirely but just to be fair to FIM I think the idea of SON was that more countries could participate rather than there'd be more varied winners as such. The SWC only had 8 or 9 nations, one or two of which were also rans. The problem this year was we didn't get to see the likes of France, Finland, Italy, Slovakia and Slovenia so it lost that element. On that basis I think SON has a place but agree that SWC was superior

What if the question is "what do cockney's call their arses?" I imagine Bewley takes all the rides anyway so the third team member might as well be someone who benefits from the experience, as will Bewley. Might even get to have a pop at some of the U21 riders as we look prime candidates to be on the end of that tactic. Such a shame Woffinden is injured as I genuinely thought we had a good chance. Hopefully in the not too distant future we'll be able to adequately replace him. As someone mentioned earlier Adam Ellis might have been worth a punt but not fair on the lad when he's been injured.

it would also give all 16 riders the chance to plug their sponsors while they 'ponder' over gate pick for their final. It's ideal for for this scoring system. Probably much better for TV highlights as well. I quite like the idea of 5 finals. D Final:13th to 16th, winner progresses to the C Final: with 10th to 12th, winner to B Final with 7th to 9th, winner to A Final with 4th to 6th, winner to the Grand Final with 1st to 3rd. All gate picks after heat 20, no track grading in between finals. Effectively you could finish on zero points after 20 heats and still win the GP (however impossible that might be). Offset against the fact that you qualify direct to the Grand Final if you finish in the top three. No safety net of finishing 2nd in a semi final. After heat 20 you have to win it to still be in it. I suppose it's the conundrum all sports wrestle with. Balancing a fair test which rewards the best competitor with the need for entertainment.