Monarchs' promoter John Campbell confirmed at the Armadale Highlights video show that Ross Brady was available for loan. While Ross appeared to be in the frame for a place he no longer figures in Monarchs' team plans. This is possibly a consequence of Monarchs' failure to sign André Compton. It was confirmed that Edinburgh are confident of signing Jan Andersen on a bagain 6.00 point average. However Jan is likely to come in at second string, to replace Ross Brady in the new line-up rather than Kevin Little.
It was also confirmed that Robert Eriksson was close to signing and that Derek Sneddon would ride at number seven. They will join Peter Carr, Blair Scott, and Christian Henry who have already signed.
This means that Monarchs are still on the lookout for a third heat leader with an average of up to around 7.46. The number of points available is increased because the promoters conference agreed a 2.5% reduction in the Green Sheet Averages for UK riders. This drops the average for Peter Carr and Blair Scott.
No hint was given about who Monarchs were targeting for this place. There are not that many Northern-based riders in the points range. Stuart Swales who appears to have been squeezed out of the Newcastle team is on 7.38. Mark Courtney who reputedly wants away from Glasgow comes in on 7.08. Paul Smith is on 7.08 and could be a victim of the points limit at Hull. Other riders that come into the right points band, although unlikely to be available, include Armadale specialist David Walsh on 7.40 and Neil Collins on 7.15.
There have been suggestions that new riders from Australia may come into the Premier League on seven points in 2001 rather than on the existing nine points. This might be an option although, on the evidence from last year, finding a new Australian who can score at that level will not be easy. Adam Shields came in on nine points and averaged 6.86 while Rusty Harrison also started on nine-points and ended up on 4.51. Of the Australians who came in on three points, Christian Henry averaged 4.14 while Lee Hearne remained on 3.00.
If the Edinburgh promotion can come up with the right rider, that could give Monarchs their strongest top-four in years. This coupled with the potential to improve from Blair Scott and Christian Henry could produce another side capable of challenging for honours in all competitions.
There may be further news on team building available next Monday. Watch this space for full details.