Poole 2026

[Pirates Of Poole]

I think Zach may well make a U-Turn as it would have been announced last Friday! 

[Marky_Mark]

26 minutes ago, TTT said:

Basically a Zach Cook U-Turn or Poole are stuffed for the first time in years as I named all of the riders on 7.00-7.99 GSA's after 2.5% Discount last night.

Need some experienced big hitters to level out the inexperience in the side.

Kerr and Batch are declining riders, One of them in the engine room is fine but both of them @ No.3 & No.5 respectively is a NO NO.

Of course they aren’t stuffed. There will be riders available on similar averages that didn’t ride championship last year, converted averages from doubling down or new foreign riders.

Also IF Anders has moved on then I’m sure another team would quickly snap him up and then one of the riders mentioned might become available instead?

Alternatively could go for a 6 point rider and have more points for elsewhere in the team?

[foreverblue]

44 minutes ago, TTT said:

Basically a Zach Cook U-Turn or Poole are stuffed for the first time in years as I named all of the riders on 7.00-7.99 GSA's after 2.5% Discount last night.

Need some experienced big hitters to level out the inexperience in the side.

Kerr and Batch are declining riders, One of them in the engine room is fine but both of them @ No.3 & No.5 respectively is a NO NO.

So in your opinion we are stuffed! Even without Zach we are definitely not stuffed. We will, as usual assemble a team capable of league success. 

[TTT]

1 hour ago, Marky_Mark said:

Of course they aren’t stuffed. There will be riders available on similar averages that didn’t ride championship last year, converted averages from doubling down or new foreign riders.

Also IF Anders has moved on then I’m sure another team would quickly snap him up and then one of the riders mentioned might become available instead?

Alternatively could go for a 6 point rider and have more points for elsewhere in the team?

One Rider Over 8.00 Rule don't forget so that doesn't help when it comes to PREM riders who didn't ride in the CHAMP this year.

No CHAMP Riders on GSA's between 6.00 - 6.99 seem to be available.

S. Worrall (Retired)

Vuolas (Workington)

N. Morris (Highly likely to D/UP for Stewart at Berwick and Leicester)

Barker (Plymouth)

Edwards, Allen and Jenkins (100% Redcar)

Mountain & Palm Toft (Scunthorpe)

[TTT]

1 hour ago, foreverblue said:

So in your opinion we are stuffed! Even without Zach we are definitely not stuffed. We will, as usual assemble a team capable of league success. 

Come up with some Riders who can fill the void like i've been doing and you'll see the picture.

I've listed every rider on a GSA between 6.00 - 7.99 after British Reduction.

One Rider Over 8.00 Rule as well don't forget, So if you're looking for a PREM rider who didn't ride in the CHAMP this year then his PREM GSA will have to be lower than 5.34.

The only Rider who didn't ride in the CHAMP this year on a PREM GSA Under 5.34 is Blodorn and he's riding in the Ekstraliga as well as Europe so no chance of him at Poole.

Only real get out of jail card is a Zach Cook U-Turn.

Edited 9 hours ago by TTT

[Pirates Of Poole]

7 minutes ago, TTT said:

One Rider Over 8.00 Rule don't forget so that doesn't help when it comes to PREM riders who didn't ride in the CHAMP this year.

No CHAMP Riders on GSA's between 6.00 - 6.99 seem to be available.

S. Worrall (Retired)

Vuolas (Workington)

N. Morris (Highly likely to D/UP for Stewart at Berwick and Leicester)

Barker (Plymouth)

Edwards, Allen and Jenkins (100% Redcar)

Mountain & Palm Toft (Scunthorpe)

Exactly what has happened no riders around in that window of averages, by bringing in the 1 over  8 it stops clubs from brining riders in who our new or ridden in the past for a Champ side but average sits between 8-9. 

[Marky_Mark]

So what exactly did Danny say to make everyone so convinced that Anders won’t be back?

I can’t believe Middlo who’s known Anders literally since he was in nappies and is good friends with his dad Del can’t get the best out of the lad?

[TTT]

2 minutes ago, Pirates Of Poole said:

Exactly what has happened no riders around in that window of averages, by bringing in the 1 over  8 it stops clubs from brining riders in who our new or ridden in the past for a Champ side but average sits between 8-9. 

Agree, Trying to be fair by sharing out No.1's in 2026 and to crack down on the CHAMP getting any stronger imo.

PREM GSA x 1.5 is the conversion so any PREM GSA over 5.33 = 8.00+

Blodorn is the only PREM Rider who fits within in the conversion rate who didn't ride in the CHAMP this year so basically it's going to be the same pool of CHAMP Riders again in 2026 only this time the big hitters will be shared around.

Will still get the odd newcomer on a assessed CHAMP GSA of 4.00 - 5.00 though but that doesn't help when Poole are looking for a No.5 if Anders is departing and Z. Cook gets offers from abroad.

[TTT]

If Rowe isn't returning, Then this is the list of replacements that fit within the criteria.

PREM GSA Under 5.34 -> Blodorn (Ekstraliga)

CHAMP Riders on GSA's between 6.00 - 7.99 after 2.5% Reduction who rode in the 2025 CHAMP Season.

Howarth, Kemp, Nagel, Palovaara, Sedgmen, Z. Cook, Flint, Riss, Batchelor, Catagna, S. Worrall, Vuolas, N. Morris, Edwards, Allen, Barker, Jenkins, Mountain and Palm Toft

Then you break down that list by removing all of the Riders who've gone elsewhere along with Riss's quotes in the Speedway Star as well as S. Worrall's Retirement and see what options you're left with.

 

I do think Z. Cook will do a U-Turn and help Poole out if they ask him to though.

[SteveLyric2]

Anders was away on holiday when the end-of-season do was held last Friday. He did send a video - as did Richard Lawson! Danny Ford was a little peeved that Anders hadn't told him til the last minute. As for how Anders is in the pits - thats for Middlo to handle.

Danny did intimate that 6 rider contracts were done with one almost finalised - but no more announcements until the AGM has rubber-stamped what promoters have previously agreed, just in case there is a last minute change!!! (as has happened before.)

Also I guess he and Matt also want to keep a check on how the Aussie season progresses..............!

Edited 7 hours ago by SteveLyric2

[Arthur54]

33 minutes ago, SteveLyric2 said:

Anders was away on holiday when the end-of-season do was held last Friday. He did send a video - as did Richard Lawson! Danny Ford was a little peeved that Anders hadn't told him til the last minute. As for how Anders is in the pits - thats for Middlo to handle.

Danny did intimate that 6 rider contracts were done with one almost finalised - but no more announcements until the AGM has rubber-stamped what promoters have previously agreed, just in case there is a last minute change!!! (as has happened before.)

Also I guess he and Matt also want to keep a check on how the Aussie season progresses..............!

So is the AGM going ahead tomorrow, have never known a situation like this before.

Do you think Zach has had second thoughts about next season, nothing official about that either 

[Paddy The Rebel]

26 minutes ago, Arthur54 said:

So is the AGM going ahead tomorrow, have never known a situation like this before.

Do you think Zach has had second thoughts about next season, nothing official about that either 

Seems like there waiting for the official confirmation of the 1 over 8 maybe and if not they can get Zach Cook to do them a favour for this upcoming season.

i think with the rumoured riders 

Lawson,Kerr,Bowes,cairns and Rushen that leaves Poole 12.20 left so if Bailey is signed and leaves Poole with 8.20 for last rider that’s where they must be waiting to see what happens with the one over 8 rule.

[LisaColette]

19 minutes ago, Paddy The Rebel said:

Seems like there waiting for the official confirmation of the 1 over 8 maybe and if not they can get Zach Cook to do them a favour for this upcoming season.

i think with the rumoured riders 

Lawson,Kerr,Bowes,cairns and Rushen that leaves Poole 12.20 left so if Bailey is signed and leaves Poole with 8.20 for last rider that’s where they must be waiting to see what happens with the one over 8 rule.

It must be 99.9% certain if Redcar have let King go. If there was any doubt of it going ahead then surely they would have waited. 

Not sure what to make of this Rowe stuff. Skidder and POP seem to have opposing opinions on what has been said. We have on one hand a big sized hole to fill for 7th rider after being let down by that rider and then 7th rider nearly finalised. Not sure how both can be accurate unless they had a very productive weekend!! 🤔 🤷‍♀️

Personally not sure about Rowe as a no5. But depends who everyone else has as a no5. Would rather Zach stayed. But will support whoever is signed. 

[stevehone]

maybe Zach/Danny are waiting to see on the 7th rider, if it doesn't work out then Zach may stay?

[STEVEHOLS54]

2 hours ago, SteveLyric2 said:

Anders was away on holiday when the end-of-season do was held last Friday. He did send a video - as did Richard Lawson! Danny Ford was a little peeved that Anders hadn't told him til the last minute. As for how Anders is in the pits - thats for Middlo to handle.

Danny did intimate that 6 rider contracts were done with one almost finalised - but no more announcements until the AGM has rubber-stamped what promoters have previously agreed, just in case there is a last minute change!!! (as has happened before.)

Also I guess he and Matt also want to keep a check on how the Aussie season progresses..............!

If Bailey is earmarked for the team, then I can fully understand why Danny& Matt want to keep a close eye on how the Aussie season goes. Especially with Bailey needing to secure a placing through one of these meetings to qualify for his UK Visa. Fingers crossed he gets that done & dusted in one of the earlier ones to take the pressure off.

Bowes start to the Aussie season last Saturday  was a strange one. Late withdrawl due to no motor. Maybe his equipment not arrived back from Europe yet. Bailey's did as he won all his 4 heats (beating Sedgeman twice) but lost to Sedgeman in the final after missing the start. Saw the race online and with a slightly better start I think we would have beaten him again the way he closed the gap. Looks a class rider.

[foreverblue]

5 hours ago, TTT said:

Come up with some Riders who can fill the void like i've been doing and you'll see the picture.

I've listed every rider on a GSA between 6.00 - 7.99 after British Reduction.

One Rider Over 8.00 Rule as well don't forget, So if you're looking for a PREM rider who didn't ride in the CHAMP this year then his PREM GSA will have to be lower than 5.34.

The only Rider who didn't ride in the CHAMP this year on a PREM GSA Under 5.34 is Blodorn and he's riding in the Ekstraliga as well as Europe so no chance of him at Poole.

Only real get out of jail card is a Zach Cook U-Turn.

I do not see why Anders would not be back and I have faith the team assembled will be good enough to challenge for honours. We could go down a route of strength in depth and not need a rider over 6 to fill the void.

[YeOldPitGate]

3 hours ago, STEVEHOLS54 said:

If Bailey is earmarked for the team, then I can fully understand why Danny& Matt want to keep a close eye on how the Aussie season goes. Especially with Bailey needing to secure a placing through one of these meetings to qualify for his UK Visa. Fingers crossed he gets that done & dusted in one of the earlier ones to take the pressure off.

Bowes start to the Aussie season last Saturday  was a strange one. Late withdrawl due to no motor. Maybe his equipment not arrived back from Europe yet. Bailey's did as he won all his 4 heats (beating Sedgeman twice) but lost to Sedgeman in the final after missing the start. Saw the race online and with a slightly better start I think we would have beaten him again the way he closed the gap. Looks a class rider.

So long as he's guided right and avoids injury Steve, Bailey will be one of the biggest names in Speedway in the next 5-10 years from what I have sen of the lad. Rushden looks really good also but personally I think Bailey is slightly ahead of him at the current stage.

[SteveLyric2]

I wonder who the 'returning Aussie' might be, staying with Middlo and the Cooks??

[TigerIain]

Batchelor would fit in well. Good gater, which is essential for Wimbore Road. Just had a season at number 1, and dropping to the slightly easier number 5 in a weakened league means he should increase his average

[foreverblue]

11 minutes ago, TigerIain said:

Batchelor would fit in well. Good gater, which is essential for Wimbore Road. Just had a season at number 1, and dropping to the slightly easier number 5 in a weakened league means he should increase his average

His average would decrease, he is on the way down, his attitude is awful,cant believe anyone would even suggest it.