Eagle1971
|
The 2009 Team - part 3It's January now and we have had time to reflect on the team. I have to say that I am disappointed with the team announced.
We won the cup last year. We can't expect to win trophies every season when we are competing with the likes of Poole and Coventry, I know that.
For me the main reason we won some silverware was because we had three heatleaders for the first time in ages. Nicholls, Richardson and Kennett meant we could win races in any of the fifteen heats.
Now they've gone and by loaning Kennett to Coventry it means that they will have Harris, Schein and Kennett at their top end. So we are just going back to where Poole and Coventry dominate the Elite League.
Yes we will keep the Eastbourne Eagles going for another season but are we buying a ticket in the raffle to win something..well no we aren't to be honest. Mid-table here we come.
Good luck Eagles!
|
ray
|
agree about coventry , but poole don't really have three heatleaders . but swindon [if batchelor makes it ] and spanners [ if joonas is fit ] could have . so much for us depends how david manages . but cam and lewis should come of age , and we probably have the best reserve pairing .pavlic will be the key for swindon , but aces look the weakest .
what is exciting is that all of our 7 could win races home and away . coventry would seem favourites . as ever so much will depend on injuries though .
|
Aussie2
|
I agree that we do not have three established heat leaders. Much will depend how Floppy does, and if he is fit enough. I would love to see him back at his best, but it could take a little time. I hope the fans do no expect too much from Floppy at first. Much will depend on how Lewis performs, we know he can be extremely good when he puts his mind to it. We do not want any wheelies, especially before a race, but at the end of a meeting after we have won. He must know he owes BD for keeping faith with him and he must show the supporters this. I am looking forward to the coming season, to good racing. If we do not win any trophies I will not be on the backs , metaphorically speaking. As long as we have good racing, do not lose at home, and the riders give of their all, that is what we can hope for. Fans must realise that not all the teams can finish first, though it is nice to do so, or win the knock-out cup. Fans must allow time for the team to gel, and for Davey Watt to exert his authority as captain, and to pass his enthusiam on. 
|
Kevin54
|
Must admit I am not too disappointed in the team, in theory we should be competitive from 1 - 7, (assuming the russian does not dump on us like before and not turn up).
At the moment nothing is officially confirmed regarding Kennett, it's probably on the cards though, but IF it did not come off and he was faced with no other club would the options be there to fit him in, albeit at the expense of someone else?
Must be cheaper than weekly return tickets from Stalingrad 
No, I remain confident that we could be in for an interesting season, Lewis has a lot to repay the club for, and I feel this will be the season when he shows people the potential others outside of the club have said he has.
For me, like others, David is the unknown quantity. I just hope that people around him really have his interest and health uppermost over this decision, and it is not a cynical "marketing" ploy to get additional "bums on seats".
No, roll on March 15th; the "Eagle" back proudly in place on the front of the race jacket, and the bikes roaring once again 
|
ray
|
with you on every aspect kevin .
|
mmmmethanol
|
Todays Argus - Ed to stay?.....
|
Kevin54
|
| mmmmethanol wrote: | | Todays Argus - Ed to stay?..... |
Don't think Bob could have made it clearer.
There is a team place for him here, otherwise it is still uncertain that he will get fixed up elsewhere.
All depends on how he reacts, if I were him I'd swallow my pride and pick the phone up to BD........................but then I'm not him.
|
sussex bulldog
|
Full story is on the front page. Who would go ? Might mean two out and two in ?
|
sussex bulldog
|
If Eddy is brought back I think Ricky and Denis would go
1.Watt 8.15
2.Norris 5.91
3.Bridger 5.11
4.Woodward 5.41
5.Gustafsson 4.28
6.Kennett 7.11
7.Reserve 3.93
Total 39.90
|
7oakseagle
|
| sussexbulldog wrote: | If Eddy is brought back I think Ricky and Denis would go
1.Watt 8.15
2.Norris 5.91
3.Bridger 5.11
4.Woodward 5.41
5.Gustafsson 4.28
6.Kennett 7.11
7.Reserve 3.93
Total 39.90
|
I agree that is the most likely scenario, and as harsh as it might be on Denis and Ricky, I would like that line-up much more than the present one, dependent of course on who we get for the last reserve sopt.
|
Kevin54
|
| sussexbulldog wrote: | If Eddy is brought back I think Ricky and Denis would go
1.Watt 8.15
2.Norris 5.91
3.Bridger 5.11
4.Woodward 5.41
5.Gustafsson 4.28
6.Kennett 7.11
7.Reserve 3.93
Total 39.90
|
7. James Brundle  
His average would fit ideally 
|
emjay
|
Personally, I'm really bored with the Kennett saga. The guy made his choice pretty clear. And the team sans Kennett looks OK to me. Not world beaters, but they will give a good account of themselves. Only problem may be the Russian. Will they let him out?!
|
Travelator
|
Well said Emjay .. I agree with you and also am pleased with team. If things don't go too well it wil be a shame because I believe the team we have got now will gel together well and CANNOT wait until March
|
Bazra
|
What was to be the average of Appe? Would he not fit?
|
parker
|
| emjay wrote: | | Personally, I'm really bored with the Kennett saga. The guy made his choice pretty clear. And the team sans Kennett looks OK to me. Not world beaters, but they will give a good account of themselves. Only problem may be the Russian. Will they let him out?! |
I agree with the above posts. Eddie wanted away on loan, does'nt want to be here this season. Loan him out, particularly as we've signed our seven. What sort of confidence boost to the new team is this alledged statement that the press have released that Bob has offered him a life line. If its true ,which ones are wondering if its them that will have to make way for him. Should he come into the team will it mean we will be weak at reserve again? This whole saga if true seems to me to be a sign of poor judgement in the first instance. We were the first team to announce our seven for the new season ahead far earlier than anyone else now half way through the close season we look like the first to make changes. I've nothing against Eddie and would have rather he rode here next season because he wanted to, but not because no one else could fit him in In all the sport I competed in during my youthful years if a team member didnt want to be playing for you in the first instance he was'nt worth his team place.
|
mmmmethanol
|
Parker has summed it up perfectly.
If the team were to change again it would be the 3rd incarnation.
Doesn't do much for team spirit does it?
As much as I'd like to see Ed in the team, not unless he or anyone else is 100%.
Dugard's latest comments suggest there's more going on behind the scenes which we obviously aren't privy to. It's his club, so I guess he'll do as he pleases.
|
parker
|
| mmmmethanol wrote: | | Dugard's latest comments suggest there's more going on behind the scenes which we obviously aren't privy to. It's his club, so I guess he'll do as he pleases. |
Quite right it is his team, he covers the losses etc and has every right to make what ever changes he wants. Personally I would have tried hard to keep Eddie once he made it appartent he wanted away and wouldnt change his mind that would have been it for this forthcoming season Then once the full team was formally announced that would be it. As mmmmethanol posts maybe theres more going on behind the scenes than we are privy to.  "The truth is out there " Fox Mulder 1996.
|
nug
|
was saying norris is makeing a comeback just a smokescreen to push on season ticket sales...............!
|
sussex bulldog
|
| nug wrote: | | was saying norris is makeing a comeback just a smokescreen to push on season ticket sales...............! |
Knowing Dave I very much doubt that.
|
emjay
|
The truth may be out there, but will we ever learn it. And how much truth is there in the Argus article, or is it just a mischevious space filler.
|
7oakseagle
|
I see Denis' average is now showing as a 4 on the BSPA website.
Leaves room for manouvre if anyone isn't cutting the mustard.
|
wotsits
|
| 7oakseagle wrote: | I see Denis' average is now showing as a 4 on the BSPA website.
Leaves room for manouvre if anyone isn't cutting the mustard. |
Also leaves us with what potentially could be the strongest reserve pairing in the league ,add that to the prospective average increases from Cam ,Lewis,Floppy and Ricky and things suddenly look promising for 2009.
|
emjay
|
Yes, I think this team - which seems to have been criticised by some posters on other sites - will surprise a few in the coming season.
|
parker
|
| emjay wrote: | | Yes, I think this team - which seems to have been criticised by some posters on other sites - will surprise a few in the coming season. |
I think we may be pleasently surprised This time last season we were struggling for a reserve after building an alledgedly exciting team, whether exciting or not we did at the end of the season have a memorable KOC final win
winning one of the three Cups available This season we seem to have a more balanced side admittedly it has some unanswered questions like will Denis ever speak English well enough to get a work permit. Floppy will he get anywhere near his past form .He look good in practise but then he wasnt up against any competing riders. If at the end of the forth coming season we again win a cup would that be classed as a good or bad season. We are'nt the biggest of clubs and with limited finances. Theres no rider now with the pulling power of Nicki P, but Watty and Floppy have given us some good and exciting rides over the years. Lewis could this be his season. How will Ray Stocks take sitting on a draughty bend in a deck Chair with his downloaded score sheet blowing in the wind, instead of being behind the glass fronted Grandstand having for the first time in seventeen years not purchased a season ticket. So many questions so much to look forward to
|
emjay
|
Yes, and now we have a Drymyl. He seems to have been written off as useless by many people on other sites. However, he seemed to do a pretty good job round Arlington on that u tube video. So he may surprise us too. As for Ray's programme - can I recommend a couple of bulldog clips
|
Kevin54
|
| emjay wrote: | | As for Ray's programme - can I recommend a couple of bulldog clips |
Emjay, you've just come up with a lighthearted pre-season quiz game.
Where to put Rays' bulldog clips...............answers on a post card please
|
ray
|
nice to know parker is concerned over my welfare . well he is the one in the cold and dark carpark taking orders from that seemingly backstabbing untrustworthy person who might just get him the sack . sooner be in my comfy chair beholding to the likes of him . i will be with the other chairborne warriors which i will leap out of as the eagles bring back the excitement and pehaps some glory from the past .feel more for the team than i did last year . who knows , perhaps our suprises might turn out to be good ones . just to see floppy in flight again , and hear his " conversations " with deano again in the pits . the atmosphere should be special .
shall i warm the bulldog clips up just incase ? you'll have to point that bloke out to us kevin 
|
MrB
|
| emjay wrote: | | Yes, and now we have a Drymyl. He seems to have been written off as useless by many people on other sites. However, he seemed to do a pretty good job round Arlington on that u tube video. So he may surprise us too. As for Ray's programme - can I recommend a couple of bulldog clips |
1 race win against a back drop of years of under-achievement. I remain to be convinced he'll last the season!
|
parker
|
| MrB wrote: | | emjay wrote: | | Yes, and now we have a Drymyl. He seems to have been written off as useless by many people on other sites. However, he seemed to do a pretty good job round Arlington on that u tube video. So he may surprise us too. As for Ray's programme - can I recommend a couple of bulldog clips |
1 race win against a back drop of years of under-achievement. I remain to be convinced he'll last the season! |
I think we all wonder that, and will Denis ever appear
|
ray
|
we do indeed parker .dryml looked ok today , but that was solo practice .gotta be better than james , whatever .won't know until our 8 is officially given and accepted by bspa . usual smoke and mirrors .
|
parker
|
I think as we are now only a week away from the prelims' to the season we should be quietly optimistic with our team. True 2 or 3 seasons ago we would have been disappointed with our line up but unfortunately times have changed drastically only Adams of the top flight remains and for how much long no one knows. Looking at the teams now with the exceptions of Coventry who IMO look the strongest, with a bit of luck we have every good a chance as anyone else left.The cost of season tickets, the increase in charges to sit in the Grandstand whether to buy a programme all of these have all been aired quite thoroughly time now to put all of that on the back burner and look forward to the new season
Nice to see you last sunday ray even if your new cap was a bit tacky
|
ray
|
agree , i'll draw a line too , pencil blunt [ no comments about the lead in it please  ] ruler a bit bent [ but i am not ] but i've done it too . as for cap parker , fortunately it is american , not dutch  , expected more comments . well you know me , cannot bear being ignored , but it was the first time i have seen you not wearing yours , but then there is a first time for everything --- my dad once told me  . agree about coventry too .
unfortunately i will miss the next two sundays , car in garage first , then son and grandson taking wife and i out for mothers day lunch . really looking forward to the season .
|
samthepalaceman
|
I think Coventry and Swindon will be the frontrunners with Wooverhampton closely following them. After that it is anyone's game for the final play off place, smart money is on Poole as their top two will be getting 25-29 points a meeting. They only need 17 points from their final 5 to win the meeting
|
ray
|
see you point , but poole are much weaker this year .coventry are strongest even though they have to replace roynon . think we might do what swindon did last year 
|
samthepalaceman
|
Wishful thinking, only we don't have an out and out heat leader, no disrespect to Davey.
|
emjay
|
Not much good trying to predict who will finish where. In speedway all sorts of things can happen. For me anyway this year's team is much more interesting than last year's. I was never a fan of the likes of Richardson, Nicholls and Kennett. Riders, not racers. This year we have a really interesting mix. Floppy and Davey Watt back. Two guys for whom I have the utmost respect. If Floppy can handle the Andersen bikes, then hopefully a really good season is in prospect for him. The rest all have something to prove.
Lewis must make his mark this year, or risk being overshadowed by some of the up and coming youngsters like Woffinden and Haines. Mr BD has shown his faith in Lewis (Must be about the only thing Mr BD and I have in common!) and it is now time to deliver. For my money, Lewis' potential is greater than Arlington's favourite son Kennett. Just prove me right this year Lewis.
I know nothing about Kling, so it will be interesting to see how he shapes up.
Then there is Cam, Drymyl and Gustaffson. Like Lewis, it is time for Cam to show us what he can do. Like Lewis, he has a lot of potential. Is this his year?. Drymyl? Written off by many, but I seem to recall he was in the GPs when I was younger. You don't get there by accident. Gustaffson? Son of a good rider, so hopefully will be out to prove he is better than Dad.
Yes, it looks like an interesting season. I think the team will give us good racing, win or lose. And along with fine weather on Saturday evenings, that is all I ask.
|
ray
|
but riders that will all score in every race possibly sam. what other team has that ?
emjay , totally agree , floppy , davey et al i really believe with them and have an empathy which i didnot have with the 3 you mentioned . as for kling last season he won races at arlington regularly. yes this year we have racers
|
ashfordeagle
|
Every rider in the team has the potential to improve their average, so let's hope it becomes a great season.
COME ON YOU EAGLES!!!
|
samthepalaceman
|
Belle Vue Ray
1...Krysztof Kasprzak (8.6
2...Charlie Gjedde (7.86)
3...Ulrich Ostergaard (5.17)
4...James Wright (4.90)
5...Billy Forsberg (4.81)
6...Patrick Hougaard (4.00)
7...Steve Boxall/Thomas H Jonasson (3.63)
I think this must be the first season that we have some real strength at reserve for some years now.
|
ray
|
absolutely . even james beat gjedde last year
|
ray
|
according to the speedway star we are favourites for the wooden spoon , swindon were last year !!. if injuries do not hit us there is no way will will finish bottom . what do you all think of the rankings ?the only ones i agree with are probably witches and aces , except aces likely to take the spoon from us . as for us , well as usual , so much depends on having the full team in meetings .but we have some real racers , should be exciting
|
GazzaH
|
I honestly think we are seriously underated as a team. It will bring no end of joy on my face to prove all the so called experts wrong.....I hope Bob and Trev put that article up in the Eastbourne changing rooms to remind the lads to wop it up the opposing team each race of every meeting!!!
|
nug
|
Ricky Kling scored 2 at swindon tonight hope this is pre season jitters from him
|
Kevin54
|
Speedway Star are taking the ----
I agree with GazzaH, frame their prediction and hang it above the changing room door so it is the last thing the team see before they go out to ride.
What a load of rubbish 
|
speedy dan boy
|
im with gazza and kevin.Think we should keep this copy and present it to the star around oct time!!!
WATT -ive no worries at all.
Dryml must admit i was suprised to say the least,but he really seem up for it and hes got my full backing.
Norris -No worries
Bridger-No worries and having people like watt,norris,deano in the pits can only be good for him.if he does get a bit done after a race which he sometimes did last season,Trevor or someone has to step in and give encouragement straight away and pick him up again.
Cam-- Again ill think he will be happy that davey is here.started last season on fire-just needs guidance and help when the going gets a little tough.
Simon Superb gater unlike his father but can struggle unlike his father from the back!!
Kling - The only one that slightly worries me after 2 massive crashes he had last season,one at high speed at peterbro when zabik wiped him out.not been the same rider since,but im sure it will come with winning a few races.
|
Aussie2
|
To be honest I do not care what the critics say about the team. As long as they give of their best, and come out fighting, I am sure there could be some surprises on the cards. As BD has said, "if any of the tesm do not perform he will have no hesitation in replacing them".
|
|
|
