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Post by Merlin on Nov 19, 2008 18:16:52 GMT
Wednesday 19 November
Premier League 2009 [/size]- Round Up [/color][/b]
Berwick : The news that the Bandits had been saved came as a welcome surprise and relief to all the their fans. There’s no news at the moment of the make up of the 2009 team though.
Birmingham : The Brummies have re-signed two of last year’s team - Jason Lyons and Ben Taylor and will announce a new signing next Monday.
Edinburgh : The Monarchs have re-signed two of last year’s Championship winning side. Andrew Tully and Ryan Fisher will be back next season but last season’s team will need to shed two of the other five riders to get under the 42.5 average limit set for next season.
Glasgow : The Tigers had already signed three riders before the promoters’ conference - Peter Juul (who actually signed during last season) and the two young Australians - Josh Grajczonek and Mitchell Davey. They expect to announce a new signing on Saturday. An unconfirmed rumour appearing on the fans’ forum suggests this will be James Grieves.
King’s Lynn : The Stars are usually quick off the mark to announce their team for the new season but so far only Darcy Ward has been confirmed. Since he is Australian and new to the Premier League he will come in on a 5.00 starting average. The rest of the side will be announced nest Wednesday with Jan Graversen rumoured to be likely to figure as a newcomer.
Newcastle : No news yet about any Diamonds’ signings but expect Kenni Larsen to be back from last season’s finishing line up. With George Stancl having retired they’ll be looking for at least one new heat leader.
Newport : What a pleasant surprise to find the Wasps back in the Premier League. Not surprisingly there’s no news of any team signings yet.
Redcar : The Bears are another team under new management as Glyn Taylor bows out. Nothing to report yet on the team make-up for next year but it’s looking increasingly unlikely that James Grieves will be back. Surely Gary Havelock and Ty Proctor will be return though.
Rye House : The Rockets have announced no fewer that six of next season’s line up - Chris Neath (Captain), Linus Sundstrom, Tommy Allen, Robert Mear, Joe Haines and Luke Bowen. The 7th place has yet to be decided. This means that at least four of last year’s team return with the Rockets losing Tai Woffinden and Stefan Ekberg. Former Rocket Stuart Robson will not be returning to the Premier League but will join an Elite League side instead.
Linus Sundstrom is the latest Swedish sensation to hit these shores and is expected to be good enough to replace Tai Woffinden having been targeted by at least four Elite League promoters. With Joe Haines joining the Rockets from Workington another surprise could come from the possible return to racing of Andrew Silver, Len Silver’s son, a top star of the 80s, who has been practising regularly since the season ended.
Scunthorpe : The Scorpions have re-signed two of last year’s team - Viktor Bergstrom and Byron Bekker. With Richard Hall rumoured to be leaving the team they have been linked with Wolverhampton rider David Howe who has decided to drop to the Premier League next season.
Sheffield : There’s nothing to report from Sheffield at present but they will be musing over who to sign as their number one for next season after Andre Compton’s retiral.
Somerset : The Rebels seem to be having a few problems unconnected with the team and at present have made no announcements about next year’s team. Expect Jason Doyle (unless he moves back up to the Elite League) and Jordan Frampton to be back but like some other of this year’s top sides they will need to lose some riders from last season’s team to get within the points limit.
Stoke : The Potters will be without Ben Barker next year with his move to the Elite League but otherwise there’s no news from Loomer Road.
Workington : There’s been a lot of speculation about the make up of the Comets’ side for next year. They have signed Richard Lawson to fill one of the reserve berths and have lost Joe Haines to Rye House. Keith Denham, the promoter, has said that four of last year’s side will not be returning but who the other three to depart along with Haines are not yet known. Speculation suggests that Carl Stonehewer will be one seeking pastures new and if Kauko Nieminen decides to pursue an Elite League career it would be no surprise to see him join Lakeside.
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Post by headmistress on Nov 19, 2008 20:47:47 GMT
Welcome back oh-wise-one. It surely must be the countdown to next season now. ;D Thanks for the round-up. My tip for top progress is Rich Lawson ex mx pro (son of Steve). Put him in your team Mrs. Claas! (Not that you need my advice lol).  Having visited other premier tracks last year, can I be allowed to say I am actually more than a little excited for the start of the new season.....and not offend anyone......?  |
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Post by Merlin on Nov 20, 2008 16:08:36 GMT
Thursday, 20th November
Premier League 2009 [/size]- Round Up [/color][/b]
Newport: Although confirmation was given to the conference that the Wasps will be returning next year it seems that it’s not all cut and dried yet. Although the rent issue has been resolved there are still one or two loose ends to be tied up before everything is tickety boo for 2009.
Scunthorpe: According to the Scunthorpe Sports Telegraph Carl Wilkinson and Magnus Karlsson have once again committed themselves to the Scorpions next season. It’s also looking more likely that David Howe (Wolverhampton) will be their number 1 provided that the financial package can be afforded.
Sheffield: The first signing for the Tigers for next season sees the return of Joel Parsons to Owlerton. Apparently a deal with Ricky Ashworth for his return has almost been completed and talks are in progress with Paul Cooper. The result could be that at least three of this year’s team will return for the new campaign.
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Post by Merlin on Nov 21, 2008 14:33:58 GMT
Friday, 21 November
Premier League 2009 [/size]- Round Up [/color][/b]
Glasgow: James Grieves has left Redcar and signed for the Tigers for 2009 returning to his old stomping ground. This brings Glasgow’s signings to four as Grieves joins Juul, Grajczonek and Davey in next season’s line up. Does James have any connection to the apple tree of the same name?
King’s Lynn: With the new doubling up rules limiting Premier League riders with an average of 8.00 or under doubling up with an Elite League club ruling out some of the top names in PL racing there was speculation that Kevin Doolan would move back to the Elite League after finishing second in the PL averages. Not so, he has declared on his website that he will be racing in the PL next season. Will it be with King’s Lynn though?
Newport: Assuming all goes well and the Wasps do run next season will any of the P45 victims from Reading and the Isle of Wight head towards the Principality of Wales? Perhaps Craig Watson will fancy a return if he’s not in Birmingham’s plans next year.
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Post by Merlin on Nov 22, 2008 12:21:20 GMT
Saturday, 22 November
Premier League 2009 [/size]- Round Up [/color][/b]
Knockout Cup Draw: The draw has finally been published on the BSPA website and is as follows:
1st Round:
Sheffield v Edinburgh
Birmingham v Rye House
Glasgow v Somerset
Scunthorpe v Newcastle
Newport v Redcar
Berwick v Stoke
Byes to the Quarter Finals: Workington and King’s Lynn
Berwick: The Bandits have appointed Dave Peet as their team manager next year. Dave is a vastly experienced former SCB referee and former promoter and team manager at Hull. He was also clerk of the course at Redcar. Apart from his managerial duties Dave is keen to expand the second halves at Berwick to develop more local junior talent in structured events every Saturday with heats and finals with points accumulating throughout the season with the top points scorer being presented with a Bandits’ second half championship trophy.
Birmingham: After some impressive performances at Perry Barr last season for Berwick it would be no surprise if Paul Clews was shortly announced as having signed for the Brummies.
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Post by Merlin on Nov 23, 2008 15:41:54 GMT
Sunday, 23 November
Premier League 2009 [/size]- Round Up [/color][/b]
Redcar: Having lost James Grieves to Glasgow and with Josh Auty seemingly on his way to Sheffield, Team manager, Brian Havelock, reckons he has three or four good riders lined up for the Bears next year. Havelock said that there had been a number of riders on the phone looking for a berth in the Bears’ team next year.
Rye House: Who will fill the final place in the Rockets’ team for next season? Opinion seems to favour a straight contest between last season’s reserve, Daniel Halsey, and 41 year old Andrew Silver, son of promoter, Len Silver, attempting a comeback to the sport after a long absence.
Scunthorpe: Still trying to clinch a deal with David Howe, the local press says that Howe is also being chased by Birmingham and Newcastle. It’s hard to believe that having signed Jason Lyons, Birmingham could also fit a 10 point average man into the team as well. The Scorpions are also chasing a mystery fourth rider which the promoter, Rob Godfrey, believes will send shockwaves through the speedway world.
Sheffield: According to Brian Havelock, Redcar Bears team manager, Josh Auty is on his way to Sheffield for next season. With a 4.71 average it seems certain that Josh will start at reserve. Sheffield have indicated that they will not be looking for a ‘big name’ to replace the retired Andre Compton in their 2009 line up.
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Post by Merlin on Nov 24, 2008 16:40:31 GMT
Monday, 24 November
Premier League 2009 [/size]- Round Up [/color][/b]
Glasgow: Former Tigers’ rider David McAllan whose career was brought to a premature end after a terrible crash at Ashfield just over a year ago has not turned his back on speedway. He has recently started up a spares business providing a service to other riders.
Newcastle: On the Official Newcastle site Sean Stoddart is reported as saying that he would love to return to the Diamonds next year. Towards that end he is building up his equipment for 2009.
Workington: Carl Stonehewer has been told by Keith Denham, the Workington promoter, that there will be no place for him in the Comets’ line up for the new season. Carl, who is now 36 years old and has had ten seasons with the Comets, becoming their highest points scorer, has had his name circulated to other clubs letting them know that he is available. While Stonehewer and Haines have both left the club, there is a strengthening feeling that John Branney will be one of the riders returning for next season.
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Post by Merlin on Nov 25, 2008 14:52:02 GMT
Tuesday 25 November
Premier League 2009 [/size]- Round Up [/color][/b]
Birmingham: Birmingham have won the race to sign promising young Australian rider, Richard Sweetman. The 18 year old goes to the Brummies on a loan deal from Elite League parent club, Swindon. This season he scored an impressive 10+2 with the Isle of Wight on his first ever visit to Birmingham and became available when the Islanders opted for a move into the new National League. According to Birmingham promoter, Graham Drury, he had a host of other clubs showing an interest in him, but Leigh Adams was so impressed with the professionalism of Birmingham Speedway when we hosted the Elite League Riders’ Championship that he suggested it would be a good club for Richard to join. Sweetman comes in on a 5.00 point average.
It seems that the Brummies have also signed Ben Taylor as one of their reserves for 2009.
Stoke: The Potters have made their first signing for the new season by agreeing terms with Jason Bunyan who comes on loan from Poole. Jason, who is 29, rode for the Isle of Wight last year but was left without a team after the Islanders pulled out of next season’s Premier League. He arrives on an average of 7.08.
Workington: After the shock of losing Joe Haines and Carl Stonehewer, Workington fans have been left reeling with the news that neither Daniel Nermark nor Kauko Nieminen will be in the 2009 squad either. It also appears that Tomi Reima won’t be back either!
Daniel Nermark is not going to be fit for the start of the season in March, while this year’s skipper Kauko Nieminen has opted to go Elite League. Keith Denham, the Comets’ promoter is reported as saying that this has really come out of the blue. He added “We had an indication that Kauko might consider the Elite League in 2009 but when there was no doubling up for a rider above an eight point average he had to make a straight choice. He has decided to sign for Lakeside next season to concentrate on the Elite League.
“The real shock was Daniel. I had no idea there was going to be a problem until he told me he wouldn’t be fit for the start of the season. It will be some time in April at the earliest before he would be ready. However we’ve since found out that he is to ride in Sweden and Poland next year and it just looks as if he is going to give Britain a miss. He suffered a bad injury, which needed an operation but when he was at our presentation night there was no hint that he wasn’t coming back. It’s left us in a spot because we have to fill three key positions now and as a result are scouring the world,” said Denham.
Team Manager Ian Thomas said “In all my time in speedway I have never faced a situation when, at the end of November, I have the five top riders in the team to find. “Daniel, Kauko, Stoney, Joe (Haines) and Tomi (Reima) were the leading five and none of them, through different reasons, will be back next year. We are working at it constantly and already we have had to eliminate possible targets because they are already fixed-up for next year. Daniel was a shock, because it came out of the blue but I can see where Kauko is coming from.”
Craig Branney is one rider who will not be with the Comets next season. He broke his leg in the Telford ice spectacular in February and missed the entire season this year. He is now looking for a team next year after getting back into action in the last few weeks of the 2008 season.
“I’ve been told by the Comets that I’m too much of a risk after missing an entire season so I’m hoping to get fixed up somewhere else. I’m a Workington lad who loved riding for the Comets so I’m very disappointed at the decision. I wanted to ride again at Derwent Park. I don’t expect the leg to be a problem and I’m working very hard on my general fitness. During the winter I hope to get in a lot of track practice at Northside and Scunthorpe so that I’m really firing for the start of the season in March. From my own point of view it’s a matter of letting as many promoters as possible know that I’m fit and raring to go for 2009,” Craig said.
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Post by Merlin on Nov 26, 2008 15:26:02 GMT
Wednesday, 26 November
Premier League 2009 [/size]- Round Up [/color][/b]
Birmingham: At a frank and forthright question and answers night Graham Drury is reported as having said that he hoped to have Kyle Legault, Phil Morris and Craig Watson back in the Brummies side next season but Kyle Legault in his website has said that he is in talks with an Elite League team believed to be Poole. But don’t Birmingham and Poole both ride on Wednesdays?
Redcar: There are worrying times ahead for the Bears with uncertainty surrounding whether or not they’ll be able to compete in the Premier League next season. One of the main problems is that the lease for speedway to run at the STMP was issued to the outgoing promotion headed by Chris Van Straten. Although Brian Havelock heads the consortium proposing to take over the club they would need to apply for a new lease and that could take until well into the new year to finalise - too late to get up and running for a March start. There are other problems concerning the financial position but the club have only a fortnight to declare they’ll be running. Here’s hoping that all these issues can be resolved.
Scunthorpe: The Scorpions are hoping to declare their complete line up for the new season tomorrow. They had hoped to sign James Holder from last year’s Isle of Wight side but Holder has decided to go elsewhere. However they have agreed terms with another rider who will be revealed tomorrow which, according to promoter Rob Godfrey, gives them an out and out number one (David Howe?), an extremely strong middle order (including Carl Wilkinson, Magnus Karlsson, Viktor Bergstrom) plus two strong reserves (including Byron Bekker).
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Post by Merlin on Nov 27, 2008 16:25:37 GMT
Thursday, 27 November
Premier League 2009 [/size]- Round Up [/color][/b]
King’s Lynn: At a supporters’ meeting last night the Stars named their squad for the new season. There are four new members of the team compared to last year. The big surprises were perhaps the signing of Christian Henry from Newcastle on a full transfer deal and the departure of Kevin Doolan. Chris Schramm (from Ipswich), Jan Graversen (from Mildenhall) and Darcy Ward are the other newcomers. The team line up is as follows: Tomas Topinka, Kozza Smith, Chris Schramm, Christian Henry, John Oliver, Jan Graversen and, as previously announced, Darcy Ward.
Newcastle: The Diamonds’ first signing for 2009 is not a rider but a new team manager. The job has gone to former Diamonds’ rider Richard Juul while George English remains as promoter.
Scunthorpe: The Scorpions have named their complete seven man squad for the new season. There are three new faces in the team - David Howe, signed on a one-year contract from Wolverhampton, Simon Lambert, on loan from King’s Lynn and Jerran Hart on loan from Lakeside after spending last season with Newport and Newcastle. The team lines up as follows: David Howe (10.00), Magnus Karlsson (7.75), Carl Wilkinson (6.05), Simon Lambert (5.89), Viktor Bergstrom (5.63), Byron Bekker (3.86) and Jerran Hart (3.00) - team total 42.18.
Sheffield: The Tigers have confirmed that Ricky Ashworth will captain the side next year.
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