Green Sheet Averages have now been issued for all Premier League teams. As soon as a team has an average based on three home and three away matches (Premier National Trophy Group and Premier League) they can strengthen up to the revised point limit of 45. Teams with riders on assessed averages who have not completed enough matches to get a 1999 Average cannot strengthen to the higher limit unless the rider on the assessed average is replaced in the exercise.
A number of teams have aggregate Green Sheet Averages on or above the new higher limit. Newport, Sheffield, Newcastle, Edinburgh all come into this category.
Some team changes have already been made but many more will follow now that Averages have been issued for all teams.
Glasgow have a lot of scope for changes with a combined average of around 48 points. This would presumably allow them to bring in a nine-point plus rider for one of their reserves. There have been persistant rumours that Les Collins might be a target. The latest reports indicate that Glasgow have failed in attempts to sign Les Collins and Armando Castagna.
Berwick also have some points to play with although they are currently being blocked because their new signing Claus Kristensen is still on an 8.00 point asssessed average. They have targeted a couple of potential new heat leaders, and are likely to sign one of them as soon as Kristensen completes his three home and three away matches.
Newcastle have little or no scope for team changes at this time.
Workington have already made a couple of changes with Wayne Broadhurst and Barry Campbell joining their injury ravaged squad. The have Geoff Powell and James Birkinshaw as long-term injury victims. Workington do have points in hand but they will probably want leave enough to ensure that they can bring Geoff Powell back when fit.
Sheffield look awesome at home and are improving away from home. They have ceratinly no scope to strengthen up.
Stoke have made two changes to date. Jon Armstrong has come in for Wayne Broadhurst while more recently Nick Simmons has come in as cover for the broken leg victim Rob Clarence. Stoke do have scope to strengthen their middle order. René Aas, Paul Fry and Tony Atkin are considered to be most at risk if Stoke do make further changes.
Swindon have already made changes with first Steve Bishop coming in for injured Gary Phelps and then Seemond Stephens has replaced David Mason. Swindon will not be able to strengthen up further until Stephens has completed three home matches and obtained an average.
Newport have made one change with Emil Lindqvist coming in as a temporary replacement for the injured Anders Henriksson. Scott Pegler also has a long term injury problem. Newport have no scope for strengthening.
Exeter have Pete Jeffery as a long term injury victim. The are continuing to use guests. They have very limited scope to strengthen.
The Isle of Wight have made one change replacing Nick Simmons with Jeremy Barraud. Since Barraud is on an assessed three-point average, any further changes will have to wait until he has completed six matches.
Reading were expected to be the first to strengthen their side but have limited scope for changes given the improvement of their middle order riders, Phil Morris and Justin Elkins, and the emergence of Marc Norris.
Arena Essex have Troy Pratt as a long-term injury casualty and have a couple of points available for strengthening if necessary.
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The second set of Green Sheet Averages will become effective from next month. The cut-off date was April 15th.
| Northern Teams | Edinburgh, Glasgow, Berwick, and Newcastle. |
| Central Teams | Sheffield, Swindon, Stoke, and Workington. |
| Southern Teams | Exeter, Newport, Reading, Isle of Wight, and Arena Essex. |