Around the Premier League Tracks 2007 - the close season 2007/8
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23 December 2007
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Premier League News
Premier League News
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Well here we are on the eve of Christmas Eve and yet only five Premier League teams have declared their 1 – 7 for next season while two have, as yet, announced no-one.
Well here we are on the eve of Christmas Eve and yet only five Premier League teams have declared their 1 – 7 for next season while two have, as yet, announced no-one.
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First off the blocks was Rye House who came up with: Chris Neath, Luke Bowen, Tai Woffinden, Tommy Allen, Stefan Ekberg, Robert Mear and Danny Betson. Gone are Steve Boxall and Adam Roynon both of whom I would have kept. Boxall looked a much better bet than Chris Neath, particularly away from home, while Roynon is a real prospect with ability to pass, a skill many more experienced riders have still to learn! While the Rockets will once again be formidable opponents round Hoddesdon they look as though they will struggle to win many away from home.
First off the blocks was Rye House who came up with: Chris Neath, Luke Bowen, Tai Woffinden, Tommy Allen, Stefan Ekberg, Robert Mear and Danny Betson. Gone are Steve Boxall and Adam Roynon both of whom I would have kept. Boxall looked a much better bet than Chris Neath, particularly away from home, while Roynon is a real prospect with ability to pass, a skill many more experienced riders have still to learn! While the Rockets will once again be formidable opponents round Hoddesdon they look as though they will struggle to win many away from home.
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Another team with an early declaration was King’s Lynn who have announced: Tomas Topinka, Kozza Smith, Kevin Doolan, Shaun Tacey, Trevor Harding, John Oliver and Simon Lambert. Gone are Daniel Nermark, Chris Mills and Paul Lee. Getting Kevin Doolan back on an 8.40 average is a real gift and fully compensates for the loss of Nermark. A lot will depend on Kozza Smith and the infuriatingly inconsistent Shaun Tacey. If John Oliver has fully recovered from his horrendous injuries of last season, the Stars look a good side again with the ability to win away from home as well as at the Norfolk Arena.
Another team with an early declaration was King’s Lynn who have announced: Tomas Topinka, Kozza Smith, Kevin Doolan, Shaun Tacey, Trevor Harding, John Oliver and Simon Lambert. Gone are Daniel Nermark, Chris Mills and Paul Lee. Getting Kevin Doolan back on an 8.40 average is a real gift and fully compensates for the loss of Nermark. A lot will depend on Kozza Smith and the infuriatingly inconsistent Shaun Tacey. If John Oliver has fully recovered from his horrendous injuries of last season, the Stars look a good side again with the ability to win away from home as well as at the Norfolk Arena.
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After the change to the promotion team Workington have come up with a team that looks the one to beat. They have announced: Carl Stonehewer, Charles Wright, Daniel Nermark, Craig Branney, Kauko Nieminen, Joe Haines and John Branney. Gone are Ulrich Ostergaard, James Wright and Mattia Carpanese. This looks about as strong a side as could be assembled within the 41.5 points limit with scarcely a weakness. Indeed if Joe Haines can realise the potential he has already shown then it would be a brave man who would bet against the Comets. The only minor concern might be whether Carl Stonehewer will be the force to be reckoned with he has been in previous seasons after his injuries. They will surely start the league campaign as favourites.
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Newcomers Reading haven’t been hanging about either in nominating their side: Ulrich Ostergaard, Chris Mills, Mark Lemon, Tomas Suchanek, Tom P Madsen, Danny Warwick and Jamie Smith. Again this looks a more than useful side although how they fare will almost certainly be decided by the boilerhouse of the team – Mills, Suchanek and Madsen. Madsen, whose best days are surely behind him now, has looked less than impressive on a number of occasions while Suchanek relies so much on fast starts. Mills looks a good middle order rider and it wouldn’t surprise me if he was given the third heat leader role in place of Madsen. They Racers should have a good season at home if they can quickly get dialled in to their home track. Away from home they don’t look to have enough cutting edge to win may matches.
Newcomers Reading haven’t been hanging about either in nominating their side: Ulrich Ostergaard, Chris Mills, Mark Lemon, Tomas Suchanek, Tom P Madsen, Danny Warwick and Jamie Smith. Again this looks a more than useful side although how they fare will almost certainly be decided by the boilerhouse of the team – Mills, Suchanek and Madsen. Madsen, whose best days are surely behind him now, has looked less than impressive on a number of occasions while Suchanek relies so much on fast starts. Mills looks a good middle order rider and it wouldn’t surprise me if he was given the third heat leader role in place of Madsen. They Racers should have a good season at home if they can quickly get dialled in to their home track. Away from home they don’t look to have enough cutting edge to win may matches.
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The one other team to declare before Christmas is Newcastle. They are going with: George Stancl, Ben Powell, Christian Henry, Jason King, Josef Franc, Sean Stoddart and Jamie Robertson. Gone are Carl Wilkinson, Jonas Raun, Paul Clews and Sam Dore. This looks to me to be a solid enough side which might do well at a number of away tracks without setting the heather on fire. The big change from last year should be the second reserve spot which produced so little for them last season. However it depends whether Jamie Robertson can recover his best Brough Park form after his time away from the Diamonds. The three heat leaders will do well enough at home but have looked fragile away on many occasions but this looks a top half of the league team.
The one other team to declare before Christmas is Newcastle. They are going with: George Stancl, Ben Powell, Christian Henry, Jason King, Josef Franc, Sean Stoddart and Jamie Robertson. Gone are Carl Wilkinson, Jonas Raun, Paul Clews and Sam Dore. This looks to me to be a solid enough side which might do well at a number of away tracks without setting the heather on fire. The big change from last year should be the second reserve spot which produced so little for them last season. However it depends whether Jamie Robertson can recover his best Brough Park form after his time away from the Diamonds. The three heat leaders will do well enough at home but have looked fragile away on many occasions but this looks a top half of the league team.
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So who’s next? Well Sheffield have signed six riders with just their second reserve spot to fill: Ricky Ashworth, Ben Wilson, Andre Compton, Paul Cooper, Joel Parsons and Lee Smethills. It’s just about the same side as last year with only the reserves being changed. They did very well last season but their massive bonus point advantage will be wiped out next season with the abolition of the bonus point. It should be another season of huge home wins with away wins few and far between. To improve on last season they need further progress from Paul Cooper and a return to something like previous best form from Lee Smethills. They look to me as though they’ll struggle to finish as high up the league as they did this year.
So who’s next? Well Sheffield have signed six riders with just their second reserve spot to fill: Ricky Ashworth, Ben Wilson, Andre Compton, Paul Cooper, Joel Parsons and Lee Smethills. It’s just about the same side as last year with only the reserves being changed. They did very well last season but their massive bonus point advantage will be wiped out next season with the abolition of the bonus point. It should be another season of huge home wins with away wins few and far between. To improve on last season they need further progress from Paul Cooper and a return to something like previous best form from Lee Smethills. They look to me as though they’ll struggle to finish as high up the league as they did this year.
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So who have five riders in the bag? Birmingham for starters who have: Jason Lyons, Phil Morris, Kyle Legault, Adam Roynon and Jack Hargreaves. Gone are Ulrich Ostergaard, Henrik Moller, Emiliano Sanchez and Ben Powell. After the ravages of last season the Brummies will be looking for fewer injuries next season so that they can track a recognisable side more often. They have just about the best top two in the league in Jason Lyons and Kyle Legault. Throw in Phil Morris and the impressive Adam Roynon and they’ve made a good start to putting together a formidable side. Jack Hargreaves looks an excellent signing on a 3.00 average leaving just under 9 points for the last two riders.
So who have five riders in the bag? Birmingham for starters who have: Jason Lyons, Phil Morris, Kyle Legault, Adam Roynon and Jack Hargreaves. Gone are Ulrich Ostergaard, Henrik Moller, Emiliano Sanchez and Ben Powell. After the ravages of last season the Brummies will be looking for fewer injuries next season so that they can track a recognisable side more often. They have just about the best top two in the league in Jason Lyons and Kyle Legault. Throw in Phil Morris and the impressive Adam Roynon and they’ve made a good start to putting together a formidable side. Jack Hargreaves looks an excellent signing on a 3.00 average leaving just under 9 points for the last two riders.
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The Isle of Wight having lost Chris Holder have signed: Jason Bunyan, Cory Gathercole, James Holder, Glenn Phillips and Krzysztof Stojanowski. The loss of Chris Holder is massive; the signing of James Holder, his brother, on a 7.00 average a gamble. With the two reserves still to be announced it looks like the Islanders will not be the force they were last season although they’ll take some beating at home. Away from home they will struggle but, who knows, maybe James Holder will ‘take off’ like his brother and become another inspired signing.
The Isle of Wight having lost Chris Holder have signed: Jason Bunyan, Cory Gathercole, James Holder, Glenn Phillips and Krzysztof Stojanowski. The loss of Chris Holder is massive; the signing of James Holder, his brother, on a 7.00 average a gamble. With the two reserves still to be announced it looks like the Islanders will not be the force they were last season although they’ll take some beating at home. Away from home they will struggle but, who knows, maybe James Holder will ‘take off’ like his brother and become another inspired signing.
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The big question down Somerset way is – will Magnus Zetterstrom be back or will he be replaced by Jason Doyle or someone else. They’ve lined up: Simon Walker, Emil Kramer, Jordan Frampton, Ritchie Hawkins and Stephan Katt so it’s business as usual thoughout the rest of the side with only the departing Danny Walker to replace at reserve. If Zetterstrom returns then the Rebels will be as strong as last year and be a team to be reckoned with home and away but if not……. All down at Burnham-on-Sea wait with baited breath for the news they’re all hoping for.
The big question down Somerset way is – will Magnus Zetterstrom be back or will he be replaced by Jason Doyle or someone else. They’ve lined up: Simon Walker, Emil Kramer, Jordan Frampton, Ritchie Hawkins and Stephan Katt so it’s business as usual thoughout the rest of the side with only the departing Danny Walker to replace at reserve. If Zetterstrom returns then the Rebels will be as strong as last year and be a team to be reckoned with home and away but if not……. All down at Burnham-on-Sea wait with baited breath for the news they’re all hoping for.
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It’s very much a new-look Stoke side. They have: Klaus Jacobsen, Ben Barker, Jesper Kristiansen, Emiliano Sanchez and Lee Complin. Gone are Glenn Cunningham, Rusty Harrison, Claus Vissing and Jack Hargreaves. The huge plus for the Potters is the re-signing of Lee Complin when he was being chased, allegedly, by so many other tracks. They also managed to keep the much-improved Ben Barker. But to start with not one but two 7.00 point assessed Danish riders new to the Premier League is a huge gamble. It’s a lot to ask for them to get up to speed quickly to that average and they probably have no experience of most of the Premier League tracks. If they struggle to make their mark the Potters could well struggle at home and away but the still have just under 9 points for their last two signings so may look a better balanced side once they have been announced.
It’s very much a new-look Stoke side. They have: Klaus Jacobsen, Ben Barker, Jesper Kristiansen, Emiliano Sanchez and Lee Complin. Gone are Glenn Cunningham, Rusty Harrison, Claus Vissing and Jack Hargreaves. The huge plus for the Potters is the re-signing of Lee Complin when he was being chased, allegedly, by so many other tracks. They also managed to keep the much-improved Ben Barker. But to start with not one but two 7.00 point assessed Danish riders new to the Premier League is a huge gamble. It’s a lot to ask for them to get up to speed quickly to that average and they probably have no experience of most of the Premier League tracks. If they struggle to make their mark the Potters could well struggle at home and away but the still have just under 9 points for their last two signings so may look a better balanced side once they have been announced.
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With four signings made to date Glasgow will have a much changed side. They have at present: Robert Ksiezak, Shane Parker, Ross Brady and Trent Leverington. Gone are Craig Watson, David McAllan (unfortunately having retired through injury) and Michael Coles with possibly Lee Dicken to be added to that list. The only surprise in the four riders signed is Ross Brady, another rider who is a gamble even on a low 5.4 average. If he can better that the Tigers will be relieved but their prospects for the season depend very much on the last three signings. With 14.54 points left their options may be limited. Parker, Leverington and Ksiezak should ensure strength at home but, unless the last three signings suggest otherwise, away success may be hard to come by.
With four signings made to date Glasgow will have a much changed side. They have at present: Robert Ksiezak, Shane Parker, Ross Brady and Trent Leverington. Gone are Craig Watson, David McAllan (unfortunately having retired through injury) and Michael Coles with possibly Lee Dicken to be added to that list. The only surprise in the four riders signed is Ross Brady, another rider who is a gamble even on a low 5.4 average. If he can better that the Tigers will be relieved but their prospects for the season depend very much on the last three signings. With 14.54 points left their options may be limited. Parker, Leverington and Ksiezak should ensure strength at home but, unless the last three signings suggest otherwise, away success may be hard to come by.
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Newcomers to the Premier League, Scunthorpe, have made an impressive start to building their side: Viktor Bergstrom, Magnus Karlsson, Richard Hall and Byron Bekker leave the Scorpions nearly 17 points to play with for their remaining three signings. Karlsson and Hall are stepping down from the Elite League and should give them a good spearhead but it’s important to get the right riders for the remaining three spots. As with all assessed riders Bergstrom is a mystery on his 7.00 point average but at least he is not being asked to lead the side at number one or three.
Newcomers to the Premier League, Scunthorpe, have made an impressive start to building their side: Viktor Bergstrom, Magnus Karlsson, Richard Hall and Byron Bekker leave the Scorpions nearly 17 points to play with for their remaining three signings. Karlsson and Hall are stepping down from the Elite League and should give them a good spearhead but it’s important to get the right riders for the remaining three spots. As with all assessed riders Bergstrom is a mystery on his 7.00 point average but at least he is not being asked to lead the side at number one or three.
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With only three riders in the bag so far Mildenhall will need to pull some big names out of the bag to turn out a respectable side. They have: Jan Graversen, Mark Baseby and James Cockle but have lost Tom P Madsen, Shaun Tacey, Kyle Legault, Jason King and Paul Fry (unless he is re-signed). One 7.00 point assessed newcomer and two reserves need a lot of reinforcement from the rest of the new squad and the Fen Tigers’ fans will be hoping that the departing riders can be replaced at least adequately.
With only three riders in the bag so far Mildenhall will need to pull some big names out of the bag to turn out a respectable side. They have: Jan Graversen, Mark Baseby and James Cockle but have lost Tom P Madsen, Shaun Tacey, Kyle Legault, Jason King and Paul Fry (unless he is re-signed). One 7.00 point assessed newcomer and two reserves need a lot of reinforcement from the rest of the new squad and the Fen Tigers’ fans will be hoping that the departing riders can be replaced at least adequately.
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Heading north of the border again we find that Edinburgh have only two signed riders: Andrew Tully and Aaron Summers. Since they may form the reserve pairing the jury is out until more signings are made. The only riders who appear to be ruled out from last year’s side are George Stancl and Kalle Katajisto (probably).
Heading north of the border again we find that Edinburgh have only two signed riders: Andrew Tully and Aaron Summers. Since they may form the reserve pairing the jury is out until more signings are made. The only riders who appear to be ruled out from last year’s side are George Stancl and Kalle Katajisto (probably).
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That leaves three sides without a signing to their name – Redcar, Newport and Berwick. Redcar look to be on the verge of announcing their full teamwhile Newport always seem to leave it late to assemble a side. The noises coming from Berwick are worrying with doubts now appearing as to whether the Bandits will, in fact, come to the tapes next season. Here’s hoping they do.
That leaves three sides without a signing to their name – Redcar, Newport and Berwick. Redcar look to be on the verge of announcing their full teamwhile Newport always seem to leave it late to assemble a side. The noises coming from Berwick are worrying with doubts now appearing as to whether the Bandits will, in fact, come to the tapes next season. Here’s hoping they do.
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Anyway, that’s how I see it. Any comments?
Anyway, that’s how I see it. Any comments?
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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