With the new 2007 speedway season rapidly approaching, the boss of Burnham-based Somerset Rebels, Mike Golding, (pictured right) tells Burnham-On-Sea.com how he sees the season ahead going…
Club promoter Mr Golding has been using his Christmas break to make final preparations for the new season, which will be his first in charge at the Oak Tree Arena on the outskirts of Burnham.
He said: “I really do have high hopes that Somerset can improve on the progress shown over the last three years and at least reach the Premier League Championship Play Offs.”
“Additionally, I believe the team that has been put together can give another good account of themselves in the Knock Out Cup, where they reach the Final last season, and the Premier Trophy. I would also expect the club to continue the excellent showing that they have produced in the past couple of years in both the Premier League Pairs and Fours Championships.”
“It is always difficult when trying to put together a team for a new season, as changes invariably have to be made from the team that rode the previous year, and it is has been no different for me this year.”
“Changes have been made from the team that did so well for the Rebels in 2006, and some of the fans’ favourites have not been included in the 2007 line up, which can sometimes upset some of the supporters, but hopefully the right decisions have been taken for the good of Somerset Speedway and the new riders brought in will quickly become firm favourites with the Somerset fans.”
“As far as those riders are concerned, Magnus Zetterstrom (pictured right) was a must for 2007, despite his high average. Magnus had a phenomenal year last season, but is ultra keen to push and lead Somerset to even greater success in 2007.”
“Emil Kramer is now a full Somerset asset and should give Magnus the backing he needs, not only at the Oak Tree Arena, but away from home as well. Emil showed what he is capable of last season, even though he didn’t come into the team until the summer, so being involved next season from the off can only be of benefit to both Emil and the team.”
“I am pleased to have Ritchie Hawkins in the line up after his year away riding for Workington. His enthusiasm is second to none, despite the accident that curtailed his season, and now he is back to full fitness I believe he has the ability to add 1.5 points on his average and push Emil for that second heat leader position.”
“Ritchie will have competition in that respect, though, as new signing Tomas Suchanek (pictured right) is my personal tip to have a very good season. He is an Oak Tree Arena specialist who just needs to adapt to the quicker away tracks to become a really top rider.”
“2007 is going to be a big season for Simon Walker (pictured in action at the top of this page) with him moving up into the main body of the team. However, he is not at all phased by this, and if, as Simon has promised me, he improves his away form he will not be dropping back to one of the reserve positions. Should we decide to ride Simon in the number two position, then he could ask for no better mentor than Magnus as his riding partner.”
“With the way team building has been determined for 2007, I believe the reserve positions will be more important an ever, and in Jordan Frampton and Danny Warwick (pictured second from top) I think we have two young riders who have the ability to become a top reserve pairing in the Premier League.”
“Jordan is a tenacious young man who does not respect reputations and should be nudging a 5 point average come the end of the season. Danny will definitely benefit from the fact he will be doing less travelling for home matches, and is a very approachable rider who should be on a 4+ average at the end of the year.”
“Whilst he not part of initial the line up, I also wanted to say a quick word about Jamie Smith. I love his attitude, and although I didn’t include him in the initial line up, he is prepared to fight for his place at Somerset, and I will not stand in his way if he proves his fitness and wants to go out on loan for a season. In saying that, however, Jamie is definitely part of my plans for the future.”
“Finally, we come to a person who I believe could become the signing of the year, our new team manager, Steve Bishop (pictured above). Whilst it was obviously going to be difficult to replace Mick Bell as team manager, Steve is very enthusiastic and should have a good rapport with the riders.”
