Edinburgh Monarchs are taking on the BSPA in order to establish a Premier League average of three points for Barry Campbell rather than his current average of 5.25 points.
Campbell averaged 5.25 in 1998 after a mixed season. He scored 76 points from 80 Premier League rides (mostly at reserve) but with a massive 29 bonus points ended up with an unrealtically high average. This average coupled with the tight Premier League points limit made it impossible for Monarchs to fit him in without unbalancing the team. It also put off other Premier League tracks leaving Campbell on the sidelines until he opted to try his luck in the Elite League with Belle Vue.
Barry had a real struggle in the Elite League. He has never been a fast starter and the speed of the Elite League riders coupled with a good many slick tracks was always going to make overtaking difficult. Nevertheless, the experience has probably sharpened up his game. He looked very impressive in the British Under-21 Final at Peterborough finish ahead of many more fancied riders.
Barry was eventually replaced in the Belle Vue by Kaj Laukkanen. Earlier Jon Armstrong had been replaced in the Belle Vue line-up by Andy Smith. Armstrong immediately gained a Premier League place with Stoke. He dropped down on 4.00 or twice his actual Elite League average of 2.00 in accordance with the current rules.
Earlier the BSPA allowed Swindon to bring in the experienced Steve Bishop for injured rookie Gary Phelphs as a short term measure. Bishop came in on 3.00 despite having a Division 2 average of 5.19 from his previous season in senior speedway.
Since Barry had an actual average of 1.20 with Belle Vue this should convert to 2.40 and round up to 3.00 for the Premier League. Monarchs promptly moved to bring Barry back in at the expense of David McAllan. This was rejected by the BSPA. Alex Harkess commented:
"Steve Bishop, who had a five point average, was allowed to join Swindon on three points. Our plea for Barry was rejected. We are arguing that the same rule should apply for everybody."
"We were quite happy with our team but when the Bishop situation came to light and Barry was dropped by Belle Vue everything changed. If Barry's average is reduced then every club in the country will want him. If yur own asser suddenly becomes a three point rider, you have to look at the situation. We certainly don't want Barry to go elsewhere and score points against us."
Monarchs argue that they are fighting this issue on a point of principle claiming the rule book is not being adhered to.
This will all be rather hard on David McAllan who has pushed his average up to 4.00 especially as he was pushed out at Berwick last year to allow for team strengthening higher up the order.
However Monarchs have little option but to go with this given that other teams are strengthening up. David has been struggling to score away from home even at his former tracks at Berwick and Newcastle. There is little doubt that Barry would strengthen the team if he came in at reserve on three points.
Monarchs certainly would not be able to fit Barry in on a five point plus average although other teams such as Glasgow, Workington, and Berwick certainly can.