Well that’s that then.
Our debut season in the Premier League is over and it was quite a learning curve eh?
Yes, it was tough at times, particularly early on, but it’s safe to say that by the end of the year we were all pleased with how the season had progressed. Our performances certainly merited more than the solitary two wins we achieved, but this year was only ever likely to be an educational one and it’s certainly been that.
Next year we can perhaps start to expect a little more from one another in terms of personal performance and where we are in the league, but this year wasn’t about that. The progression in our younger riders was evident and even for those boys that didn’t get a chance in the Premier first team, what an inspirational thing to aspire too?
For many years we have been a model club, attracting lots of youth riders and winning British Youth and Junior titles, as well as competing well locally in the South East leagues. But to become the complete club we needed Premier League status and we certainly deserved it. The fact that Ipswich Cycle Speedway Club can now be an example to others is testament to the work put in by Tony, Ivan, Jamie, Paul and all the others who devote such a large period of their free time to help progress our club.
All the riders have to do is turn up, get their bike out and ride and at times this year we’ve done it badly and at other times we’ve done it well, but on the whole I think we deserve a pat on the back. The second half of the season in the Premier League was full of commendable performances; Sandwell away was very tight, Sheffield at home equally and beating Poole was a fine reward for everyone’s hard work and a nice cherry on top of a long season.
Here’s hoping the club can build from this year’s successes, learn from its failings and become even better next year. With a couple of canny new signings, the continued progression of the likes of Ash, Lewis, Jamie and Jordy and a squad motivated by this year’s adventures, next year could be a very successful one for the club and I for one can’t wait.