MIKE HUNTER ~ IN MY VIEW

1. What has the close season brought to the Premier League?

I think there are mixed views amongst the personnel at Edinburgh. My personal opinion is that recent changes haven't taken the Premier League in the right direction. The most dramatic change of last winter has been the new reserve rules which undeniably give some young UK riders a chance they may not have had. At the same time they have pushed out other riders who may be at least as valuable to their clubs. The "banding" which goes with the new rules have considerably restricted team building.

Of course the arrival of Redcar is a big plus - Middlesbrough were always a great side to have around in the north with so many memorable riders, and it will definitely strengthen the northern section of UK speedway.

The Premier League is still a great product, I just feel that next winter someone needs to take a more positive vision and we need to make decisions on the merits of the options and not always looking for a reduction of costs.

2. Edinburgh's aspirations for this year.

Last year Edinburgh were rated the team most likely to finish last, but we came 5th and might have done better with a bit of luck. As in 2005 we have not got an obvious out-and-out no. 1 though Rusty Harrison may fill that role if he continues last year's progress.

We usually aim for a team with decent scorers all the way down the side. Matthew Wethers and William Lawson should now have the experience to be good second strings - they are both definitely on the way up. Theo Pijper had his best season last year and with reasonable luck (which he didn't have in 2005) he should also increase his average.

We have Derek Sneddon as no. 6 after a combination of misfortunes kept him out of Premier League racing for 3 years, and we have high hopes of Derek, noted for good gating and a competitive attitude.

That leaves the unknown quantities - Henrik Moller and Sean Stoddart. They are both young, ambitious and believe they can do well. Moller's Danish record is good so we hope he can adapt to UK life and racing, and Sean has built up his experience since his previous run at this level in 2004.

So I would hope that we can emulate last year's team, and certainly make the Playoffs.

3. Your thoughts on the Redcar team.

Well Edinburgh were interested in signing Gary Havelock, so we must rate him! Obviously we do, an ex-World Champion coming back home, what a perfect way to start your team building.

Edinburgh also had talks with Chris Kerr who is clearly talented. I believe he will do well though he may need time to settle - plenty of excitement though.

Tomas Suchanek so far seems to be one of these riders with a good continental record who hasn't quite translated it consistently to the UK.

I think your trump card could well be Kevin Little, and I'm not just saying that because he's a fellow Scot and ex-Edinburgh captain. His experience and skill should see him put quite a bit on his average.

Matt Tresarrieu is a good prospect and if he keeps his machinery in order he should move upwards as well.

At reserve I think you lack the strong first reserve that some sides have, but both Dan Giffard and Jack Hargreaves will benefit from the experience. I am particularly a fan of Hargreaves and am delighted to see him get a place, having been graded too high to get in at Stoke.

I don't see the Bears as league winners but maybe mid-table, better if Kerr and Suchanek can really find heat leader form.

4. Premier League playoff thoughts and tips.

I think everyone has much the same idea about the strongest teams - King's Lynn are very good and extremely well suited to the Playoff method as we saw last season. Rye House have retained enough strength to be challengers again, and Newcastle's big investments have made them formidable.

Most other teams have a chance of getting to the top eight, which will keep interest going even for clubs in the lower reaches of the league.

5. Any young Premier League riders to keep an eye on this year.

Derek Sneddon and William Lawson (Edinburgh), Troy Batchelor and Chris Holder (King's Lynn), Daniel King (Mildenhall), Adam McKinna (Newcastle), Chris Kerr and Jack Hargreaves (Redcar), Tommy Allen (Rye House), James Wright (Workington)

6. Any thoughts from further afield ie Elite League/GPs

Delighted that Speedway has its TV deal in place again for another five years. Premier League is the right place for Edinburgh and Redcar but I will be watching avidly as always to see how the other half lives. I think Speedway benefits greatly from the variety, including Conference as well of course.

I hope that Speedway can gradually gain a higher profile and raise attendances, though I know what a battle it is in this day and age.

Visiting a new track is one of the great pleasures in speedway and I am greatly looking forward to coming to Redcar. I have high expectations with such a top speedway man as Glyn Taylor and the strong and experienced promotion which you have. Good luck!