Dream Team : Paul Goodwin

I followed the Hammers, through the sixties when Tommy Price was manager, then Dave Lanning, up until the powers to be decided the Custom House would be better off being developed. I can't remember what exactly but it was a very sad day when the Custom House closed.

Briggs	Craven

Ove Fundin
Five times world champ, skilled rider on any track, brilliant rider.

Barry Briggs
Highly competitive, world champ, didn't like to get beat (rarely did). Out and out fighter not so much a team man but great at getting the points.

Ivan Mauger
World champ, great skills, good team rider, have seen many a tussle between him and Briggs, with honours being shared.

Gote Nordin
Another great track craftsman, a job for other riders to get passed once in the lead, overshadowed by Ove Fundin but still a brilliant rider for the squad.

Peter Craven
World Champ, only saw him once at Belle Vue, but boy what a rider, rarely gave up, held team together with his track skills. Clever at covering the back door when required.

Bjorn Knuttson
Hell rider, speed machine, out and out fighter, remember him when riding for the Hammers, he used to have something like a 30 yard handicap start position but would be at the other riders back wheels by the first bend. A great speed merchant very daunting to other riders, they would just smell him as he over-took them.

Ronnie Moore
Why Ronnie last ?, because he is my captain, firstly because he would have the respect of the other team members, being a world champion himself, he would be a great guy to have on your side, not only for his fantastic riding skills but also to make sure they all keep their heads to ride as a team and not individuals seeing as they are all stars in their own right. Finally I should imagine he would be a great tactician and team leader.

This article was first published on 19/06/2003