Stoke Potters, who are struggling with a major injury crisis, have turned to David McAllan in an attempt to fill one of the 'holes' in their team.
Stoke have had heat leader Neville Tatum out long-term and have been using guests since the early days of the season. More recently, second string Mark Burrows has been injured, forcing them to use rider replacement. Then reserve Paul Macklin became the latest injury victim requiring the use of Conference League riders to fill in.
David McAllan signed on a full transfer to Edinburgh from Berwick this time last year after being on loan from the start of the 1999 season. David was injured at Swindon in the middle of last season. He came back, rather prematurely, for the home leg of the Cup semi-final against Sheffield. After a number of falls, David clearly was not fit enough and was replaced by Brian Turner. As it happens, Brian was himself injured in only his third meeting for Monarchs and was effectively out for the season. Unfortunately, the September 'transfer dealine' prevented McAllan from coming back to replace Brian. David's average was margially too high for him to replace Brian on a casual basis a Conference League rider. David managed a few appearence, subbing for Blair Scott once and also appearing in both legs of the Scottish Cup, by agreement with Glasgow.
David underwent surgery to solve his knee ligament problems during the close season but was not fit enough at the start of the season to be considered for a pace in the Monarchs team. He has made some appearance with Lightning in the Conference League. When Brian Turner departed, David was included in the Monarchs team, although he failed to make an appearance due to another injury. When the June averages came out, the averages permitted the inclusion of Will Beveridge and David was out of the team once more.
David has gone to Stoke at reserve on a short-term deal to prove his fitness and form is up to a Premier League place. He made his debut at Newcastle in the Cup second leg on Sunday but failed to score from three rides. I am sure all at all at Edinburgh wish David well nd hope that he will be back fully fit in the blue and gold next season.