Paul Hurry

[schumi]

This may be controversial because reading through various threads elsewhere there's a lot of support for Paul Hurry, but I personally think it's time for Stuart Douglas to look elsewhere. Paul's had a bad run of injuries and has spent a lot of time on the sidelines which isn't helping the team perform as well as they should be, with Henning and JK looking like they could have done with a bit longer to recover.

I know Paul's a track specialist but I don't think he's going to come back after injury and knock in any big scores, and his away form isn't the best at any rate. Time for Paul to retire, and bring in some young talent? Jurica Pavlic one for the future maybe?

[donsking]

I don't think it's that controversial a view; yes, he's well liked by the supporters, but I voiced my negative opinion of him during the close season, and I haven't seen anything to make me change my view.

From what I've seen, he seems to be riding more from a sense of pride and out of obligation to the team, rather than a real belief that he can still turn it on; I honestly think his head's not in the right place and if he continues he's going to end up hurting himself badly, largely because he's forcing himself, not letting it come naturally.

He seems to be doing OK at grasstrack still, if he feels a burning desire to race maybe he should concentrate on that; the other alternative would be to do a deal with Uncle Len and do a swap with Chris Neath, who has been comfortably outscoring what could be reasonably be expected of Paul, during his spells as the Lakeside super sub.

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donsking said:

From what I've seen, he seems to be riding more ... out of obligation to the team.

And dare I suggest that works vice versa? I've seen Paul grow up really, from his days down in the pits at Hackney through his career with Arena, but I do think there's a time to call it a day, or as you say, concentrate on grasstrack.

You tend to be more tolerant of my opinion Dk, but I've seen some people get extremely upset if it's mentioned that Paul should retire, or be replaced, but now you mention it, if it were to be Neath instead I think some of those people might just change their minds.

[donsking]

I suppose I have a less precious view because I came to Lakeside after a long time away from the sport, which perhaps allows me a degree of objectivity that long term fans might not have, insofar as I know what I'm watching but I'm not hampered by the blinkers of blind faith.

In the close season, there was much speculation about what would happen in 2007, but the only 'must haves' for me were Kylmakorpi and Bager (a rider who I think could have a very bright future if he can stay free of injury); as it turned out, Johnno cleared off and Max retired from the UK for the time being, so new blood was a given.

KK and Shieldsy were unknown quantities to me, so I didn't really have an opinion, but Leigh Lanham looked like he was making up the numbers to me, and Paul just seemed like a liability; my heart sank when they were both named in this year's side.

Leigh started badly (why would a rider with 10 years experience at a track suddenly start trying new lines?!) and I was very scathing of him; good for him, he's proved me wrong and seems to have got his second wind, so fair play to the bloke.

By contrast, Paul seemed to start well (although was there more to him being let off the Ippo challenge match than we were told?), and then went rapidly downhill; you could tell there was an air of doubt amongst the supporters when he had a nasty looking off during an early season meeting and you could almost see their hearts beating in their mouths as they all asked themselves the question "Has he done himself in again?".

He also admitted during mid match interview that his arm was still troubling him, and after his comments about reconsidering his future in the SS following Mark Loram's prang (whether that was said in the heat of the moment or not, it's not the kind of thing you say if it hasn't been in your mind), it all leads me to think he's now riding with the wrong motivation.

He's had a couple of unassisted falls that have lead to further injuries and, much as I don't like to see people give up, I have a sinking feeling that the next fall could be his last; he just looks like he's riding beyond himself, and speedway isn't a forgiving enough sport to allow you to get away with it for long.

[Deleted]

When I heard about his recent injury, I honestly thought that it was basically his speedway career over. At least with the Hammers anyway, but more likely full stop.

I think I'm right in saying that I was a bit skeptical of signing Hurry at the start of the season, although I was all for re-signing Leigh Lanham as I think he is a real asset to the team. And although Hurry's scores haven't exactly been bad especially compared to many other riders, there was always a feeling for me that due to his history of injuries it would come back to haunt him. And unfortunately it has. I have absolutely nothing against Paul, he's a top bloke, but I agree with you DK; I think it's time for him to move on. And I say that with a heavy heart.

As for Leigh Lanham though, he did start the season badly, but I'd heard he was on a different bike (GM I think, he's usually a Jawa man) and that he was back to his old self when he returned to Jawa. He always gets slated for his away performances but as far as I'm concerned that isn't the reason he's in the team. Besides, his away scoring isn't even that bad at most places (although he really seems to struggle at Swindon).

But anyway, get well soon Paul and prove me wrong. I think if he gets injured again this season, that'll be it.