End of Season Interviews
(Posted 15/10/08)

As is the tradition, there were end of season interviews on centre green with the riders and promotion following Sunday's meeting but these were understandably subdued.

They were along the normal lines of thoughts about the season, thoughts for the future. My recollection of what was said by each rider is as follows but bear in mind it is merely my recollection and is subject to mishearing from the far side of the track. The order is merely the order Michael carried out the interviews

Anders Andersen:-

He has struggled with his bikes over here but when the bikes were running he felt he was going good. He feels he needs to work on the bikes, track set ups for different tracks and is looking forward to next season. He really wants to be in the team next season, everyone in Glasgow has been very good to him and the people he has been lodging with have been fantastic.

Mitchell Davey :-

It has been a big lifestyle change coming over from Australia and the racing has been very different. Especially at the start he found things very difficult but they are coming good now. His dad and Josh helped him through the rough times. He is now looking to go back home, train, take part in the titles back in Australia and its been suggested to him that he try and put some weight on!.

Trent Leverington :-

Its been a tough season team wise especially with the injuries we have had. Been caught out by the track every now and again but on a personal note he feels he has progressed to the stage he can realistically hold down the second heat leader spot. He's upped his average and enjoyed being captain in fact it helps him as it stops him dwelling on any bad races he has as he has to make sure he's there to help out the others. He wants to know if possible what he is doing before he goes back home, whether he'll be back or looking elsewhere, although he is based in the Glasgow area and loves it and would like to be back here.

Peter Juul :-

It has been a big help to him that Anders has been here for a few months and was able to advise him of things and how they were done. He has already learned that it is very different to Denmark and is really looking forward to next season. He has had his Dad over with him and that has also been a big help but now he has to try and do it himself.

Robert Ksiezak :-

The news on his broken collar bone isn't necessarily as he had hoped as one bone is sitting on top of the other and there is a chance he might have to undergo surgery - he was due to see a specialist on Tuesday about it. He is fairly pleased with his season although would have liked to have done more. The second half of the season the team started to get some results but the injuries made it hard. Having had a go in the Elite League he feels he probably needs one more season in the Premier before looking to step up although hopes to double up next season and he also has the option of Poland to look at. He will consider his options when the new rules come out.

Lee Dicken :-

On a personal note he feels that he has progressed steadily all year even though its not been a good year for the team. Today (Sunday) was 'gutting'. He hit rock bottom three years ago and came to Glasgow and has steadily improved ever since. Feels he has no problems now scoring well round Ashfield but needs to work on his away form. He has really enjoyed his three years at Glasgow, especially as his frame of mind before he joined was one of wondering if it was time to pack it in. He really appreciates the backing of the Glasgow support and would love to be back next season but will need to wait and see what the winter brings.

Alan Dick :-

Injuries play a big part in speedway. Edinburgh have managed to stay relatively injury free and got success same as we did a couple of years ago when an injury free season saw us finish 3rd. We had good guests who did admirably but that was no replacement for Shane. Now the promotion are planning and looking ahead. Obviously three youngsters will form part of it and the promotion will sign four others to bring success. Thanks were given to the fans along with a reminder that season tickets are now on sale for next season. Any form of sponsorship etc would be gratefully received and they are very grateful to all the fans and especially the volunteers as the club could not operate without them. Special thanks was given to Graham at Buildbase for his backing and the promotion hope to sit down with them soon to try and renew the sponsorship deal.

Shane Parker :-

This year saw his longest ever period out injured and can only be described as FRUSTRATING (Shane said 'in capital letters and underlined' in his interview!). Illness has meant he has had to change his lifestyle, he has had to cut back a bit and can't burn the candle at both ends in the way he could when younger. He is not race fit but is very lucky and grateful to be back riding at all this year. There is going to be another year, hopefully injury free. He has enjoyed being at Glasgow and finds the people up here friendlier than down south. As far as next season goes he will have to sit down with the promotion and have a chat and see how it goes. He is going home to Australia to train and build himself back up. He was pleased to have Trent carry on as captain when he returned and emphasised he thought Trent was a very good captain.

 

 

 

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Glasgow Tigers speedway - posted on glasgow speedway dot com, an unofficial glasgow tigers speedway website.