Edinburgh promoter John Campbell confirmed in the Edinburgh Evening News that Monarchs were chasing 24 year-old Will Beveridge to bolster the middle order of the team. Beveridge was sacked by Newcastle Diamonds to make way for the return of André Compton to Brough Park. John Campbell added:
"Will is a major target. Although I have spoken to him, no agreement has been reached. However I would like to think that by tomorrow I will have the ability to name him in our team."
The complication is that Beveridge's contract is held by Glasgow Tigers who may wish to include him in their own team.
Campbell remains confident that Beveridge will sign:
"I think things will be decided in our favour. If we sign Will he will go straight into our team on Friday."
Later today it was confirmed that Beveridge has agreed to join Monarchs on loan until the end of the season. This arragement has been approved by Glasgow promotion. Will makes is debut on Saturday at Arena Essex in the opening Premier League match. Blair Scott will make way. This will be a temporary change as on 1st June the new Greeen Sheet Averages come into effect and Blair will presumably be brought back in the team to the 'problem' reserve place.
This change will allow Blair Scott to drop down to reserve alongside Christian Henry. Beveridge will then join Ross Brady at second string while Kevin Little would go back up to heat leader. These changes ought to result in much greater strength in depth for the Monarchs' team
Will started the season at Newcastle, spending a lot of money on his equipment but suffering a number of machine problems. His form has been improving, but Newcastle decided they had to make changes. After apparently several changes of plan, Will dropped out and Edinburgh immediately expressed interest in a rider who performs well on Armadale amongst other tracks. Will seemed likely to move to Monarchs for the 1998 season with Glasgow expected not to run. When Brian Sands saved Tigers, Will rejoined the Glasgow outfit and remained there until the start of this season when he joined Newcastle. Will started the 1999 season at second string but spent some time at heat leader.
He is acknowledged as a big track specialist and has a good record at Berwick.
WILL BEVERIDGE: Born 9/9/75, Hexham, Northumberland. Clubs: Sheffield (1993), Middlesbrough (1994), Berwick (1995-6), Glasgow (1997-9), Newcastle (2000). Current average 5.09.