Poole 2026

[Paddy The Rebel]

18 minutes ago, Bitza said:

Was it actually a case of Tobias out Gilkes in. I don't really care, because much as I think Toby did a a job for Poole over the last two seasons, Toby had reached his level but Dan has the potential to go far further. A shrewd signing. 

Assuming it is Zac and Cooper I'm a happy bunny. 

Agree there I feel Tobi done great for Poole but I feel Gilkes is a better rider and at no2 will be rock solid and could even change to no4 and Bowes go to number 2 I do feel Gilkes is a very shrewd signing just needs to stay out of trouble.

if Zach and Cooper finish the team off I really like the riders in the number 2,4,6&7  positions much more excitement than the start of last year that’s for sure. And also a lot of potential in those 4 riders.

Very happy Pirate fan 

[Mr Blobby]

22 minutes ago, Bitza said:

Was it actually a case of Tobias out Gilkes in. I don't really care, because much as I think Toby did a a job for Poole over the last two seasons, Toby had reached his level but Dan has the potential to go far further. A shrewd signing. 

Assuming it is Zac and Cooper I'm a happy bunny. 

Only problem with Gilkes is keeping him fit, which he doesn’t have a great track record at.

[Bitza]

18 minutes ago, Mr Blobby said:

Only problem with Gilkes is keeping him fit, which he doesn’t have a great track record at.

I seem to remember a very similar situation/argument with Kerr this time last year, whereas in practise it turned out to be more a matter of form and mechanical reliability. 

[szkocjasid]

1 hour ago, Marky_Mark said:

Ah thank you, in which case I stand corrected. Does mean Poole would have been a point below the limit 

This year they started 0.96 below the limit. Doesn't happen often for a team that wins the league.

[Gavan]

Poole desperately need Zach Cook to sign …. If it’s not him that’s a bang average side 

[Steve Shovlar]

12 hours ago, Bluekevin said:

If Lewi had not had engine problems early in year his average would have been higher. Great to see him back, his form later in season helped Poole win two out of three trophies. 

Maybe if he or his crew serviced/looked after his engines they wouldn’t have had so many EF’s which cost him and the team victories.

And his performance at Poole in the BSN final was diabolical and cost Poole a trophy.

[poole keith]

37 minutes ago, Gavan said:

Poole desperately need Zach Cook to sign …. If it’s not him that’s a bang average side 

I'm guessing Poole are keeping a place for him (don't know for how long?) but riding for Poole seems to be his fall back position,whilst looking for better options/deals,agree his signing would complete the team nicely

[therefused]

57 minutes ago, Gavan said:

Poole desperately need Zach Cook to sign …. If it’s not him that’s a bang average side 

especially when/if Rushen signs elsewhere. 

[LisaColette]

1 hour ago, Gavan said:

Poole desperately need Zach Cook to sign …. If it’s not him that’s a bang average side 

Maybe you should be more concerned about Ipswich!!

[Gazc]

Just now, LisaColette said:

Maybe you should be more concerned about Ipswich!!

I was under the impression that as a forum you can post on whatever thread you want.

Im pretty sure that’s how a public forum works.

[LisaColette]

4 minutes ago, Gazc said:

I was under the impression that as a forum you can post on whatever thread you want.

Im pretty sure that’s how a public forum works.

Never said they couldn't. 

[Gazc]

7 minutes ago, LisaColette said:

Never said they couldn't. 

Implying he should worry more about Ipswich points too that.

[Preston Comet]

55 minutes ago, Steve Shovlar said:

Maybe if he or his crew serviced/looked after his engines they wouldn’t have had so many EF’s which cost him and the team victories.

And his performance at Poole in the BSN final was diabolical and cost Poole a trophy.

Changing the subject slightly, my mother used to think EF meant Eventually Fell. 'He wobbled for a couple of laps, before he eventually fell'

[JC81]

 gilkes . Poor imo . They need to make some decent signings to finish  as apart from Lawson and cairns not good 

[STEVEHOLS54]

So they have gone for Dan Giles, A rider who seems to excite Danny Ford who has been looking at him for some time.

Bearing in mind that it is his home form which will be mainly scrutinised lets see how  Gilkes has performed at Poole in the last 4 seasons.

2025 - 1 match - 4 rides - av 5 points

2024 - 3matches - 12 rides - av 4.00 points

2023 3 matches - 12 rides - av 3.33 points

2021 - 1 match 4 rides - av 2.00 points

Last complete season in Champ was 2021 .

Maybe it was his Rising star av in Prem that showed more potential:

2025 - 2 matches - 4 point GSA

2024 - 27 matches - 2.93 GSA

2023 - 21 matches 3.57 GSA

Bonus points not incl.

I am pretty certain he won't score anywhere near what Bailey would have scored but unfortunately he is not coming.

Lets hope it is Rushen & Cook as we will need them.

 

[ASpeedwayfan]

38 minutes ago, STEVEHOLS54 said:

So they have gone for Dan Giles, A rider who seems to excite Danny Ford who has been looking at him for some time.

Bearing in mind that it is his home form which will be mainly scrutinised lets see how  Gilkes has performed at Poole in the last 4 seasons.

2025 - 1 match - 4 rides - av 5 points

2024 - 3matches - 12 rides - av 4.00 points

2023 3 matches - 12 rides - av 3.33 points

2021 - 1 match 4 rides - av 2.00 points

Last complete season in Champ was 2021 .

Maybe it was his Rising star av in Prem that showed more potential:

2025 - 2 matches - 4 point GSA

2024 - 27 matches - 2.93 GSA

2023 - 21 matches 3.57 GSA

Bonus points not incl.

I am pretty certain he won't score anywhere near what Bailey would have scored but unfortunately he is not coming.

Lets hope it is Rushen & Cook as we will need them.

 

I would only compare Gilkes to Thompson as that’s who he’s replacing, which I think he is capable of beating Thompons 4.81 of last season. I think if he stays fit he should hit the 5 mark. Although if he has a slow start to the season then he could get a spell at reserve. 
 

Either way it Poole want to compete with Oxford and Glasgow and maybe Bewick, Zach and Rushen is a must 

[foreverblue]

1 hour ago, poole keith said:

I'm guessing Poole are keeping a place for him (don't know for how long?) but riding for Poole seems to be his fall back position,whilst looking for better options/deals,agree his signing would complete the team nicely

I expect already signed ages ago just not announced. I think if he could fit us in to his schedule he was always coming back.

[Arthur54]

2 hours ago, LisaColette said:

Maybe you should be more concerned about Ipswich!!

Specially with Jason Doyle just announcing he's not doing UK next season 

[Arthur54]

1 hour ago, JC81 said:

 gilkes . Poor imo . They need to make some decent signings to finish  as apart from Lawson and cairns not good 

Remember those comments last season, all history now

[Arthur54]

3 hours ago, Gavan said:

Poole desperately need Zach Cook to sign …. If it’s not him that’s a bang average side 

Looks like Ipswich could be bang average next season with no Doyle