The Monarchs team for 2001 is rapidly taking shape with three signatures - Peter Carr, Blair Scott and Christian Henry - already confirmed. In addition Robert Eriksson and Derek Sneddon are reputed to be close to signing.
One name that has not been mentioned is that of Ross Brady. The youngster had a very disappointing season after the high expectations from his brilliant debut season for Monarchs in 1999. Given the trouble and expense went to this time last year to buy Ross's contract it would be strange if he was allowed to move at this stage. Nevertheless, rumours have surfaced linking Brady with arch-rivals Sheffield Tigers. This was laughed off by Monarchs chairman Alex Harkess in the Edinburgh Evening News:
"There's about as much chance of that of me standing on the Moon! I don't know who started that rumour, but it's a cracker. There is abosolutely no truth in it whatsoever. We have already opened talks with Ross about a new contract and I don't see any problems with him re-signing."
Alex Harkess also expressed his delight that Blair Scott, Monarchs' longest serving, rider was back for a fifth year at Armadale. Harkess admitted he was surprised by how quick things had moved after contact was made last week with the 'want-away' rider. Harkess added:
"That took me a bit by surprise. I had not expected things to reach a successful conclusion so quickly. However I'm pleased Blair is back on board. I know he said he wanted to leave but we know what he's capable of and I believe he'll do well for us in 2001."
It appears that Monarchs are expecting the Premier League to remain in its current form with the same 45 point limit as last season. Assuming that Brady, Eriksson, and Sneddon join Carr, Scott, and Henry in the Monarchs team, that will leave one vacancy, the third heat leader. Around seven points are likely to be available. André Compton was assumed to be the number one target but the competition is likely to be intense.
Another name that has been mentioned is Monarchs' asset Jan Andersen. Jan is the brother of Grand Prix rider Brian Andersen and rode for Monarchs in 1992, 1994, and 1995. Jan would come in on an average of below seven points following a brief spell with Ipswich in the Elite League last year. Jan averaged well over nine points for Peterborough in the Premier League in 1998. He averaged nearly seven points foe Edinburgh and Coventry in the combined British Premier League in 1995 and 1996. Indeed Jan went so well in the early stages of the 1994 season that when he injured his collarbone he was able to be replaced by the likes of Mark Loram and Bobby Ott. Monarchs interest has been reported in the Daily Record.