Exeter looked much stronger in depth than the 1965 sqaud and were tipped quietly tipped to do well, but things didn't work out as planned as those that remained from the previous year failed to score as highly.

But a closer look into the records will show that the Falcon's lost only twice at home against Edinburgh and Newcastle and away they lost several matches by very close margins.

Missing from the team of 1965 were Alan Cowland, Des Lukehurst, and half way through the season, Doug Dearden. In came Tommy Sweetman in a swap for Alan Cowland, a plus for Exeter as Tommy hit form whilst Alan found times lean at Wolverhampton. As it transpired, Tommy ended the season as Exeter's top scorer finishing on an average of 9.12.

Back from retirement came Neil Street and was second top scorer until a leg injury took him from the team in August. Doug Dearden failed to live up to expectations and moved to Kings Lynn in a swap deal with Alan Smith, who in turn struggled somewhat away from home, but more than balanced the books with good home scoring.

Colin Goody was back, but mechanical problems and a busted thumb in mid season took its toll as Colin's average slipped by a couple of points. Jimmy Squibb had an up and down sort of season as was Jack Geran, and when a string of blank scores was followed by rib injuries, Jack promptly decided it was time to call it a day and retired from the sport.

It must have spurred Jack on as just after his announcement, he promptly beat some of the best to win the Westward Television Trophy scoring 14pts.

Pictured Left the 1966 Exeter Team, from L to R: Neil Street, Colin Goody, Pete Lansdale (Team Manager), Tommy Sweetman, John Ellis, Jack geran, Chris Blewett. On machine, Jimmy Squibb and kneeling, Doug Dearden.

Overseas youngster Dave Whittaker got into the side when Vic Ridgeon broke his thumb, but the move into the full side was clearly too much for him, and when the Dearden-Smith deal took place, Dave's chance was gone. Alan Smith had been a former Plymouth rider and improved steadily throughout the season. Finally, Chris Blewett - well, Chris was Chris as ever and despite the usual string of pile up's, he still put in some good performances and kept the crowds well entertained. One latecomer to the team was Norwegian Nils Paulsen who failed to have a huge amount of success but showed promised and was earmarked for a return in 1967.

On the track, Exeter won just one league match on their travels away to Newport whilst losing twice around the County Ground to Edinburgh and Halifax. They lost the Easter trophy to Poole going down 89-103 on aggregate. Norman Hunter had won the Jack Unstead Memorial Trophy, Jack Geran took the Westward television Trophy and Geoff Mudge took the West of England Championship.

Elsewhere in 1966

Norwich had been forced to close during the Winter, but the Norfolk flag was still Flying with Kings Lynn joining the League.

Barry Briggs was crowned World champion for the fourth time being unbeaten in the World Final staged at Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg. Sverre Harrfeldt dropped just one point to claim runner up spot with Antoni Woryna third on 13pts and Ivan Mauger fourth on 11pts.

Halifax were crowned British League Champions topping the table with 54pts. Runners up were Coventry on 51pts, third Swindon on 46pts and fourth Wimbledon on 44pts.Barry Briggs (15pts) was unbeaten at Belle Vue to lift the British League Riders Championship. Runner up was Olly Nygren (14pts), third Norman Hunter (12pts) and fourth was Ivan Mauger on 11pts Barry also won the British Final ahead of Ivan Mauger, Colin Pratt and Mike Broadbanks.

Pictured Right, the victorious Halifax side of 1966. Standing (L to R) Dave Younghusnand, Bob Jameson, Maurice Morely (Team Mananger), Tommy Roper, Eric Boocock. Kneeling, Bert Kingston, Eric Boothroyd and Denis Gavros.

Gt Britain were well beaten in the World Team Championship staged at Wroclaw. Poland won on 40pts, USSR second on 26pts, Sweden on 22pts and Britain managing just 8 pts and Halifax win the Speedway Star KO Cup beating Wimbledon 113-79

West Ham had won the three team London Cup, whilst Norman Hunter scored 13 points to win the London Riders Championship after a run off with Olly Nygren who also scored 13pts. Third place went to B.Leonard on 12pts and Roy Trigg Fourth with 10pts.

Gote Nordin lifted the Internationale Trophy with an unbeaten 15pts to beat Ove Fundin (13pts) and Trevor Hedge (11pts).

Other Individual honours included P.Seaton won the Skol Lager Trophy at Rye House, Barry Briggs the Midlands Riders Championship, Norman Hunter the Jack Unstead Trophy at Exeter, Nigel Boocock the Laurels (Wimbledon) and the Brandonapolis (Coventry), Geoff Mudge the West of England Championship (Exeter), Martin Ashby the Pride of the Midlands (Wolverhampton), Olly Nygren the Glasgow Open (Glasgow), Alby Golden the Severn Bridge Trophy (Newport) and Barry Briggs the Olympique (Newcastle) and the Champion of Champions (Wolverhampton).

Barry Briggs (Swindon) topped the averages on 11.12 ahead of Nigel Boocock (Coventry) on 10.54 and Eric Boocock (Halifax) on 10.46.