Edinburgh's problems with the number 6 position continue. The plan to recruit Australian teenager Scott Smith has now been abandoned. Scott rode at Armadale on Friday and made a favourable impression causing the Monarchs promotion to follow up with a request for documentation to establish his EC status to enable him to ride in the Premier League.
The deal appears to be off as John Campbell confirmed to David Kinvig writing in the Edinburgh Evening News. Without this documentation, Scott would have to obtain a work permit and hence come in on a nine-point average:
"Scott cannot produce the documents which were required. Our interest in him is dead."
Folling the issue of the initial Green Sheet Averages, Edinburgh would appear to have just over four points available to replace Brian Turner. Facing a real shortage of decent three to four point riders, Monarchs turned to David McAllan who has recently been given the go ahead to resume racing after his knee operation.
McAllan was named in the team to face Newcastle last Friday. As it happened David twisted his knee in midweek and was ruled out. The dependable Jon Swales filled in and looked impressive on his new laydown bike, giving Cousin Stuart a very good race in his second outing.
David McAllan belated comeback came at Owlerton riding in the Conference League for Lightning and had some trouble from his knee, so will again leave the decision whether to take on Premier League racing until later in the week. It will ceratinly rule him out of riding in all three matches this week. David is still named for the Armadale clash against Sheffield on Friday. If David is not ready for Premier League action, it is hoped that Jon Swales continue to stand in.
John Campbell commented on the decision to draft David in so soon:
"It's a big problem. We have no choice but to turn to David."
Monarchs options will be enhanced when the new Green Sheet Averages become effective on the first of next month. Instead of having four points to play with, Edinburgh should have nearly five and a half points in hand. This would enable Edinburgh to sign a five point plus second string with Blair Scott dropping to reserve. There are a limited pool of possibles, most not currently riding, who might be pursuaded to fill the vacancy including Stewart McDonald and Peter Scully.
Another possible candidate is Grant MacDonald who appears to have been released by Newcastle to make way for the return of André Compton to Brough Park. Grant has a good record at Armadale and recently qualified for the semi-final of the World Under-21 Championship.
With Workington setting a searing pace, Edinburgh need to get points from all seven riders. So the lack of points from number six has to be addressed. Other Northern tracks such as Glasgow and Newcastle are currently strengthening up so the this emphasizes the need to deal with the problem.
News of Premier League team changes will be posted in the near future.