Alex Harkess dropped a broad hint in the Edinburgh Pink:
"Until we know what the overall team average will be, it's too early to speculate on the shape of our side. But don't expect sweeping changes to be made."
This suggests that Monarchs are going for continuity but it is uncertain how many of the 2000 side will be retained. There are one or two names that can almost certainly be pencilled in no matter what the points limit set.
Ever since Peter Carr came out of retirement to transform Monarchs in 1997, he has been threatening to quit. Not that anyone has taken him seriously and for each of the last three years Peter has returned to the Monarchs' line-up.
Peter generally gives ambiguous answers at this time of the year. However after the final Monarchs' fixture, Carr confirmed that he will be back next year in an impromptu end of season speech. He did add the rider following his engine blow-up in the ride-off against Martin Dixon:
"Up to a few minutes ago, I had an engine that was just right for Armadale. Now I haven't got it any more, who knows how long it will take to get that set up again."
The second name on the list for Monarchs is the popular Swede Robert Eriksson. He also blew an engine in the match against Swindon. After an appeal by Scott Wilson, over £750 was collected. Robert clearly wants to return but has business commitments that could prevent him from coming back in 2001. Alex Harkess was upbeat about the prospect of signing Robert. Speaking to David Kinvig in the Edinburgh Evening News, Alex Harkess added:
"Robert's family have looked after his business during this season. It's only courtosy that Robert consults with them with a view to doing the same this year. Robert doesn't want it his family to read that he is coming back before having a chance to speak with them. But I am confident that he will be riding for us."
It appears strong probability that Christian Henry will return for a second season although his average did edge up during the latter part of the season. This could be a problem if the points limit is set on the tight side. He appears almost certain to be partnered at reserve by Derek Sneddon. Monarchs turned down a big money bid from Glasgow for the Falkirk youngster and have dropped a number of hints that he will get the number 7 race jacket. Derek has had a great season with Ashfield in the Conference League this year. Along with Robert McNeil, he has been the mainstay of the side. Not only was he an ever present but he often had to take six or seven rides in the frequently short-handed team. He finished the season on a high note taking a 21-point full maximum against Sheffield at Armadale.
Assuming that the top-two and the reserves are in place, that leaves the middle three. It appears certain that Kevin Little will not be back. No statements have been made regarding Ross Brady. However the trouble that Monarchs took to secure Brady's transfer and the fact that he will come in on a very low average makes very unlikely that he will not be in the team next year.
There has been a lot of speculation about Blair Scott for next year. Blair feels that a spell on loan at another track might do him some good. He also feels that Monarchs might not be able to fit him in:
"Because of the averages, I don't think I will be in the team. Even if Monarchs do offer me a new contract, I'm not sure whether I would accept it. I still think in order to further my career, it's best to move on. But I'm keeping my options open."
Monarchs are certainly on the lookout for a third heat leader to replace Kevin Little and may or may not be looking for a second string to replace Blair Scott. All these decision will have to await the British Speedway Promoters Association Conference where the points limit will be settled.
All news on Monarchs' team building will appear on these pages throughout the close season.