Ok, so that's the new line-up announced, and it looks rather tidy all told. Peter Juul will have a tough time of it for a few months, but I have a feeling he'll come good, even if it means a wee drop to reserve.
Mitchell and Anders have it all to prove next season, and I think they'll rise to the challenge. I think we might see a different rider in Mitchell Davey next season, and Anders just needs to get his kit in gear and he'll do just fine.
Ross Brady returns, and I'm looking forward to those lightning gates again. Just hope he stays in one piece for the full season. If he does, he'll be worth his weight in whatever it is that's really valuable in these recession hit times.
Josh Grajczonek has got himself off to a fine start in his Australian season and looks to be shaping up as the rider to watch next season. Last year exceeded all expectations, and had it not been for injury, I reckon he'd have broken the six point average barrier. A great wee rider that I can't wait to see again in action.
Shane returns for what could be one last hurrah. If there was any doubt about Shane when he returned from illness and injury at the tail of last season, it was firmly kyboshed when he only went and upped his average. Like he'd never been away. A winter fitness regime should see him back to his best next season.
Mitchell and Anders have it all to prove next season, and I think they'll rise to the challenge. I think we might see a different rider in Mitchell Davey next season, and Anders just needs to get his kit in gear and he'll do just fine.
Ross Brady returns, and I'm looking forward to those lightning gates again. Just hope he stays in one piece for the full season. If he does, he'll be worth his weight in whatever it is that's really valuable in these recession hit times.
Josh Grajczonek has got himself off to a fine start in his Australian season and looks to be shaping up as the rider to watch next season. Last year exceeded all expectations, and had it not been for injury, I reckon he'd have broken the six point average barrier. A great wee rider that I can't wait to see again in action.
Shane returns for what could be one last hurrah. If there was any doubt about Shane when he returned from illness and injury at the tail of last season, it was firmly kyboshed when he only went and upped his average. Like he'd never been away. A winter fitness regime should see him back to his best next season.
James Grieves returns after a few years away from the stripes. In my time, I'd only known him as a Redcar rider and occassional guest, but in that time he'd become a favourite visitor, along with Stoney and Kauko. I've no doubt he'll have a prosperous time at Ashfield and could be the answer to the captaincy when Shane goes.
And so, to the departees................
Robert Ksiezak finally made the progress many had expected this season, even though there is a wee bit to go before he can make a move to Elite or a regular spot in Poland. The quiet Aussie had his fair share of duff meetings, but more often than not, at home at least, he was capable of hauling in double figure scores. A change of track, to the larger Perry Bar track at Birmingham should do him a world of good.
Trent Leverington did himself and the club proud with his tenure as club captain, in the absence of Shane Parker this season (and at the back end of last season). Many Tigers fans will testify to his dedication in the role, it was something he didn't take lightly. That he's found himself out of the equation for 2009 is a shame, as his home form, on the whole, was pretty good. Maybe not as consistent on the road as some would have liked, and with the odd shaky meeting at home, he found himself increasing his average, but not by enough to grant himself genuine heat leader status. He's been part of the furniture at Ashfield in the few years I've been going, and I look forward to seeing him back with his new club Newcastle Diamonds.
What can you say about Lee Dicken? I reckon the guy is worth a book in his own right. The last of the great tryers, a showman, and on his day, a fearless and damned fast rider. Not a white line rider, not 'stylish' or 'tidy' (whatever those terms mean, in a world of meaningless bollocks dressed up as expert opinion), but a guy who knew he was there to entertain, a guy who let it all hang out, a rider who would jet off after the pack when he dropped it, rather than toddling around in the hope that he would pick up a point due to an engine failure. An enemy of kick boards all across the country........ =D. Last season, in the absence of Shane, it was Lee who most often came up with the fireworks, and towards the end of the season looked pretty much like he owned Ashfield. His final meeting against Edinburgh was one of his finest.
Lee's off to pastures new now. Family commitment meant that ideally, he was looking for a track that didn't run on a Sunday. Had the promotion asked him to return, I get the impression Lee would still have been in the stripes, but they had Ross Brady to call on, so 'The Lee' is now free to terrorise whatever strip of shale chooses to employ him. He's not fixed up yet, but I fully expect to see him back to menace us at Ashfield next season. You'd be mad to pass up on the lad if you can fit him in.
Cheers for the memories Big Man!
Right, that's it from me. Take care, have a good new year and I'll see y'all back on the terracing at Ashfield in the Spring.
Ewen
And so, to the departees................
Robert Ksiezak finally made the progress many had expected this season, even though there is a wee bit to go before he can make a move to Elite or a regular spot in Poland. The quiet Aussie had his fair share of duff meetings, but more often than not, at home at least, he was capable of hauling in double figure scores. A change of track, to the larger Perry Bar track at Birmingham should do him a world of good.
Trent Leverington did himself and the club proud with his tenure as club captain, in the absence of Shane Parker this season (and at the back end of last season). Many Tigers fans will testify to his dedication in the role, it was something he didn't take lightly. That he's found himself out of the equation for 2009 is a shame, as his home form, on the whole, was pretty good. Maybe not as consistent on the road as some would have liked, and with the odd shaky meeting at home, he found himself increasing his average, but not by enough to grant himself genuine heat leader status. He's been part of the furniture at Ashfield in the few years I've been going, and I look forward to seeing him back with his new club Newcastle Diamonds.
What can you say about Lee Dicken? I reckon the guy is worth a book in his own right. The last of the great tryers, a showman, and on his day, a fearless and damned fast rider. Not a white line rider, not 'stylish' or 'tidy' (whatever those terms mean, in a world of meaningless bollocks dressed up as expert opinion), but a guy who knew he was there to entertain, a guy who let it all hang out, a rider who would jet off after the pack when he dropped it, rather than toddling around in the hope that he would pick up a point due to an engine failure. An enemy of kick boards all across the country........ =D. Last season, in the absence of Shane, it was Lee who most often came up with the fireworks, and towards the end of the season looked pretty much like he owned Ashfield. His final meeting against Edinburgh was one of his finest.
Lee's off to pastures new now. Family commitment meant that ideally, he was looking for a track that didn't run on a Sunday. Had the promotion asked him to return, I get the impression Lee would still have been in the stripes, but they had Ross Brady to call on, so 'The Lee' is now free to terrorise whatever strip of shale chooses to employ him. He's not fixed up yet, but I fully expect to see him back to menace us at Ashfield next season. You'd be mad to pass up on the lad if you can fit him in.
Cheers for the memories Big Man!
Right, that's it from me. Take care, have a good new year and I'll see y'all back on the terracing at Ashfield in the Spring.
Ewen
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