The fortunes of Edinburgh Monarchs this year is likely to depend on how their four young riders go. Few doubt that Peter Carr and Robert Eriksson will continue to deliver the points. Most also expect that Jan Andersen will not be far behind despite him never having competed at Armadale before.
Newcomers Ben Shields and Derek Sneddon will both be looking to live up to their assessed averages while Blair Scott and Christian Henry will be looking to push their averages up.
Blair has the most experience around Armadale having been a fixture in the Monarchs side since the stadium first opened apart from a couple of short spells in 1997, one when he was injured and one when he was briefly replaced by Michael Lowry. He has generally scored well but arguably has never quite come to terms with the track. Blair, like his former team mate Ross Brady, tends to be too ready to stick to the outside line. This works fine if there is grip out there. However if there is limited grip out wide, Blair tends to lose position. He would be a better rider if he learned to use the inside line when appropriate.
Christian Henry had a fair first season at Armadale. He sometimes loses position on the third and fourth bend and has been known to fall rather too often. Ben Shields may well face similar problems to his fellow Australian.
Derek Sneddon is no stranger to Armadale having his first competitive experience with the 'Dale Devils in the 1998 Youth Development League campaign. Derek has appeared in second halves and Youth league matches since then. He also made his first Conference League appearance at Armadale against Sheffield at the end of last season. He scored a twenty-one point maximum. Despite this Derek admits that Armadale is not his favourite track and he has plenty to learn.
Monarchs are clearly taking this issue seriously and intend to hold a two day training session at Armadale in March. This will be run by Peter Carr and Kenny McKinna. Peter Carr has been acknowledged at the master of Armadale and in particular the use of the inside line. Carr acted as advisor to Ross Brady last year although you might wonder how much notice was taken!.
Peter Carr commented in the Edinburgh Evening News:
"Our broad aim is simply to help our new boys become comfortable with the Armadale track. It’s not the easiest of circuits to ride. And youngsters like Ben, who hasn’t seen the place before, will need a few pointers as to how they are going to ride it."
"The track will, after all, be their home base for the entire season. We are certainly not going to turn youngsters into stars overnight. However, with the experience Kenny and I have, we should be able to pass on tips."
Blair Scott who faces a make or break season added:
"You don’t always find the time to practise, so this proposed two-day session will be extremely useful in helping to blow away the winter cobwebs. And you are never too old to learn."
On the subject of training, John Campbell and Alan Robertson intend to see the new Glasgow owners regarding the future of the Lightning Giants Conference League side this year. See the following Edinburgh Evening News article for further details:
Carr to give youngsters Armadale masterclass.