Track Talk: Wolverhampton Wolves will be desperate for revenge

Yes, I understand totally it was painful for Wolves fans and management to watch, but the way Swindon picked their pocket for the league title last October was simply amazing, writes Nigel Pearson.

It was pure sporting theatre at Monmore. Working for TV, with a neutral hat on, I loved it – and I know BT Sport bosses did.

That said, I honestly believe if Parrys International Wolves had Freddie Lindgren and Jacob Thorssell in the team rather than in hospital, it would have been a different story.

Even Jason Doyle, who went on to win the world title later that month, admitted to me Swindon felt they were lucky to catch Wolves at the right time.

One thing you can be sure about on Monday is that Wolverhampton will be up for revenge. It’s a late start to the season, possibly Chris Van Straaten’s latest ever as a promoter, because of the dreadful weather.

Riders and fans alike are raring to go. League points are up for grabs on Monday and I expect a Wolverhampton win but with some resistance from the reigning champions. It should be a good meeting – and as the kids are still on their school holidays it’s a great chance to make it a family night out!

Many people have been asking me who I fancy for the league title this year. Poole will be there or thereabouts again, but I also like the look of the revamped Leicester side. My only concern for the Lions is the newcomers to British racing, Martin Vaculik and Krystian Pieszczek. We don’t know if they are going to like it, will they settle in here?

If they don’t they’ll have a problem. But if they like it and start scoring the points then the likes of Hans Andersen and Danny King will have no pressure on their shoulder.

So if I was to put money down as a decent outside shot I’d go for them.

Cradley are back on track for a ninth successive season – but only just.

I’m still involved as a director, but I have to take my hat off to Gary Patchett and Will Pottinger for doing the bulk of the work in the winter, along with Chris Van Straaten for accommodating us again at Monmore.

We’re only in the National Trophy which means we are only racing a third of our normal schedule for one simple reason: speedway can only be staged one night a week at Monmore and Wolves, naturally, are priority.

We were offered the use of Perry Barr again, but the fans didn’t support our meetings there last season and therefore this is no longer viable.

Last season tested my enthusiasm for all sorts of reasons – lack of light at the end of a new stadium tunnel, no interest from councils, constant abuse us on social media, riders with bad attitudes – and losing money.

I’m sure this season will be all the more enjoyable. If not, it’s time to draw a line under it.