Glasgow Tigers - Team of the Nineties

What follows is a personal choice of a team that represents the very best of Glasgow Tigers in the 1990's.

The 1990's were a mixed bag for Glasgow. Who could forget the back-to-back doubles in 1993-94, the sad closure in 1996 or the move to Ashfield in 1999?

Throughout this eventful time many riders have worn the famous stripes, to pick seven is not an easy task.

My selection is not solely based on points, appearances or popularity. All of these were considered as were other factors such as guts, team spirit and the ability to pull out those vital heat wins under pressure.

Read on and meet my Glasgow Tigers - Team of the 90's

Robert Nagy
Robert's first appearances in Britain were as a member of the touring Hungarian side in 1991. His performances attracted the interest of several British clubs and he joined Glasgow, along with compatriot Robert Csillik, in 1992.

Robert's early form was far from impressive and at one stage his team place was under threat. Thankfully Robert soon adapted to the tighter British circuits and became a firm favourite with the fans.

By the end of the season he had claimed the Division 2 Riders Championship, in a controversial run off with Mick Poole, and established himself as one of the top riders in the league. His pairing with Shane Bowes ran up countless 5-1's and he was already assured of legendary status in Glasgow.

Robert returned in 1993 and led Glasgow to a league and cup double. His consistent high scoring, home and away, was vital to the championship win.

A weakened Glasgow side repeated the double the following year. Robert rode in the number one racejacket and despite missing many matches, through injury, played a crucial part in the team's success.

Mick Powell
The popular Aussie joined Glasgow after a disappointing season with Edinburgh. His scoring touch returned and he proved a valuable reserve in a successful season for the club.

The 1992 season was a disappointing one for Mick. His scoring away from home was awful and his British career looked doomed. The highlight of his season was undoubtedly a brilliant performance in a shock win over Division 1 Cradley Heath.

Mick was given a last chance in 1993, in truth mainly because his average fitted in, and he took it. He was a vital cog in the league success in 1993 and 1994. The reshaped Shawfield bends suited him and inside passes on the third bend became his trademark.

When the leagues combined in 1995 Mick was retained as a reserve. He plugged away manfully in a tough league and never let the side down.

The Tigers were not in the league in 1996 but Mick remained at Shawfield riding for the Scottish Monarchs.

Mick rejoined Tigers in 1997 and took up the captaincy. He proved an able heat-leader until his acrimonious axing midway through 1999.

David Walsh
David had ridden briefly for Glasgow early in his career. When he returned in 1993 he was an established heat-leader. His early form in 1993 was rather disappointing and his season was interrupted by a nasty crash with Martin Goodwin. On his return he quickly found top form and ended the season with a string of high scores.

David was retained for 1994 and his electric gating skills and top class machinery carried him to his highest ever average. His much improved scoring was a vital factor in the defence of the league and cup.

David was appointed captain for the new all inclusive premier league. Despite the increase in standard he maintained a strong average and provided much needed top end strength to a side without any real stars.

David moved on to Middlesbrough when the Tigers closed in 1996.

Nigel Crabtree
The veteran Englishman was snapped up from defunct Stoke for the 1993 season. His service from Stoke was carried over and he enjoyed a testimonial at Shawfield later in the season.

An early season leg injury threatened to keep him out for weeks but Nigel was racing again within days. He played a solid scoring role in the league win and captained the side after regular skipper Shane Bowes was ruled out through injury.

He was appointed captain full time in 1994. Like David Walsh he was mounted on excellent equipment and his scoring hit new heights.

He requested a transfer after the last meeting of the season and moved on to Hull.

Shane Bowes
The popular Australian had joined Glasgow from Newcastle in 1988. In his first two years with the club he slowly developed into a capable rider. In the nineties he became a heat-leader.

Shane enjoyed an excellent 1990, all the promise he had shown turned into points and he pushed his average over the eight point mark.

He returned in 1991 and played a leading role in a successful season for the club. He was at his best in a series of last heat deciders where he often formed a strong partnership with Jason Lyons.

Shane wanted to move up to Division 1 the following year but received no offers. He expressed a desire to join good friend Peter Carr at Sheffield, but Glasgow refused to sanction the loan. He sat out the early weeks of the season but rejoined Glasgow in May.

He was appointed captain for the 1993 season and led the team to a league and cup double. He missed the closing weeks of the season due to a recurring shoulder injury.

1994 was spent on loan to Reading and he moved back to Shawfield in 1995. He bravely volunteered to take the number one racejacket and proved a competent third heat leader.

Shane joined Coventry in 1996.

Steve Lawson
The best days of Steve's career were in the 1980's, but he was still a force to be reckoned with in the 1990's.

The 90's started badly for Steve as his form slumped and he was dropped from the side. A late reprieve allowed him the chance to prove a point and he took it. From then on he was back on form and he finished the season on top of the averages.

Steve turned in another good year in 1991 in what was probably the strongest side he ever raced in. He continued to race in the number 1 jacket and remained a fine captain.

Steve's last year was 1992. His away form had slipped slightly but he could still be a major power. At the end of the season he announced his retirement.

Neil Collins
When Neil first signed for Glasgow, in 1992, his capture was greeted with delight. He was a very capable scorer in Divison 1 who found himself squeezed out by the points limit. Early signs were good as Neil top scored in challenge meetings with Edinburgh. Gradually it emerged that his enthusiasm was not all it could have been, the long journey and poor track conditions taking their toll.

Despite this Neil proved to be a solid scorer, although overshadowed by the emerging talents of Bowes and Nagy. It was no real surprise when he moved down south, to Long Eaton, for the 1993 season.

Neil returned in 1997 to lead the revived Tigers in the new Premier League. He was a late signing and it looked to be a last resort for both club and rider. This time things worked out differently, he fulfilled his number 1 brief and provided great entertainment in every meeting.

This article was first published prior to October 2002