I was a bit taken aback by the news that Oxford Cheetahs had axed young Polish star Adrian Miedzinski for veteran English stalwart Andy Smith.

After all, the youngster had only had seven rides, hardly a period on which to judge his ability.

Having said that, Smith - and how nice it is to have a Britain in the team - won't let anybody down.

He may be 43 this year, but still has a great appetite for the sport. He has 25 years experience, and with Oxford looking to consolidate at the start of the season, he could be the answer in the short term.

You cannot say, however, that we didn't warn everyone in our two-page speedway special previewing the season that the new management would not take any prisoners.

'Nothing but the best will do for Colin' went the headline, before we quoted Oxford supremo Colin Horton as saying: "The most important thing to me is Oxford speedway and I have no qualms about sacking anybody."

We are now just two weeks into the season and one rider and the track curator have gone.

Colin Meredith, who is also track inspector for the Speedway Control Board, quit his post last week.

I understand it was to do with riders practicing on the track.

Mick Colman takes over the track duties.