The Edinburgh Evening News carried an interview with newly signed Monarchs' reserve David McAllan this week.
He revealed that after a bust-up at Armadale last year he so annoyed a current team-mate so much that he tried to flush McAllan's head down the toilet. Only the intervention of a parent prevented McAllan from receiving a 'soaking'.
The culprit, who wishes to remain anonymous added that:
"It's time to let bygones be bygones. David is now a member of the Monarchs and he will get my full support".
Undounted by his experience, McAllan is delighted at getting a chance to ride for the Monarchs. A resident of Duns, McAllan feels at home in the capital.
"I was born in Edinburgh so I'll be returning to my roots. Edinburgh have a great future. They will be at Armadale for at least the next three years, which is a sound base. I love the track and have never ridden it when it's been badly prepared. it's a lovely circuit".
McAllan was dropped by Berwick largely as a means of accommodating the arrival of James Grieves and David Walsh. He then went on loan at Newcastle for the remainder of the season after displacing Steven Jones.
"My form around the big track at Berwick wasn't that great. I was brought up on small tracks like Linlithgow and Berrington Lough. When I first signed for Berwick in 1996 they had moved back to Shielfield Park and I rode the large track."
McAllan said of Ross Brady, his reserve partner this year:
"Ross is a real flier. I rode with him in a junior event at Berwick at the end of last year and we were unbeaten. I hope that's a good omen. Ross rides the performance line for me, he leaves me space and vice versa. It's ideal."
McAllan followed Blair Scott and Barry Campbell through the junior ranks and he is fully aware of the problems of expectancy and the pitfalls awaiting him.
"Blair and Barry had tremendoes form in the junior league but doing it consistently in the Premier League was much more difficult for them."
"I don't expect to achieve any miracles but if I can get
my average up to four I'll be chuffed."