Kevin Little sensationally walked out on Edinburgh Monarchs. He stated in the press that he no longer wanted to ride for Monarchs. This possibly stemed from the meeting at Stoke on Monday when Kevin had yet another poor meeting. The story broke in the Sun and Friday and was confirmed on the Official Armadale Newsline prior to the match against Exeter.
Since the transfer deadline has now passed no replacement would be possible before the end of the season. Monarchs still have three home and two away league matches. They will almost certainly have at least one round of the Young Shield plus the Scottish Cup matches aainst Glasgow.
Monarchs could have used rider replacement or guest facilities as Little would have been deemed to be 'withholding his services'. Rider replacement would give one ride each to Robert Eriksson, Ross Brady and Kevin Little plus one from either of the reserves.
Monarchs would have up to 6.48 points available for guests throughout September dropping to 6.41 for October. There are few riders who fit the bill on this sort of average. There are Aidan Collins and Rusty Harrison from Glasgow, Dean Felton from Berwick, and Krister Marsh from Newcastle. None of the avove look near up to riding at heat leader. One possible option is the Newcastle-based Richard Juul from the Isle of Wight. He has generally gone welll at Armadale and once guested for Robert Eriksson at Armadale. Generally, at least for home matches, rider replacement would appear to be the preferred option. Derek Sneddon can presumably be drafted in as number eight to take some rides if neccessary. A change in riding order to put the guest or rider replacement at number three was a strong possibility.
However the story took a new twist when Kevin apparently changed his mind and turned up ready to race at Armadale for the postponed meeting against Exeter. He is now going to continue until the end of the season. Moe information will be given when available.
[This news item was amended on September 2nd]