If Edinburgh Monarchs' appeal regarding the average for Barry Campbell had succeeded this could have unfortunate consequences for reserve David McAllan. It seemed likely that the Duns based 18 year would be the one to make way for the return of Campbell.
McAllan was bracing himself for the chop:
"I'll be devastated if it happens but I won't stand in Barry's way. I don't feel that I've done anything particularly wrong and I certainly don't want to be dropped."
"I want to remain with Edinburgh because I am enjoying myself at Armadale. However, if Barry came along on a three point average, and taking into account his ability, Edinburgh cannot say no to him."
"I couldn't hold that against Edinburgh because it would be a great bonus for them, and I understand their thinking behind the move. If Barry went to another club and came up and scored 11 points against the Monarchs and his side pipped Monarchs for the league then it would be silly of me to deny him a team place. But I'm in a no win situation. I've got to perform to keep my place."
If, as seems likely, the Campbell move does not come off, McAllan will be retained but he wants more time to prove himself.
"It's up to me to decide when I've had enough to convince people of my ability. I do feel it's taken me two weeks longer to get used to my home track than it should have. It was only a fortnight ago during a practice session that I moved off the inside line, and this realization of try a different line helped me against Stoke last week."
"I want to stsy with Edinburgh but if I don't perform then I can't blame them if they let me go. If anyone doesn't perform they should be kicked out. However I need a lttle run of luck."
It appears that McAllan has escaped the chop but he has never felt quite secure.
"I've never had a guaranteed place, even when I rode for Berwick. I always know I've got to come up with the product because there is always someone out there ready to take your place away."
McAllan shows remarkable honesty in admitting his shortcomings and this does him credit. However the statistics do indicate some poor displays. He has failed to score in Monarchs' three away Premier League matches to date, despite improved performances at Armadale. Such has been Monarchs' domination of recent home matches that McAllan has often faced tactical substitutes in his later rides. Edinburgh's response to anticipated tactical substitutions has often been to draft in Ross Brady or Stewart McDonald to counter the move. This makes it harder for David to make an impact.
"When promoter John Campbell 'dropped' me two weeks ago before reinstating me almost immediately, he asked me where I wanted to go."
"I replied nowhere, I want to remain with Edinburgh. If I can earn a reprieve then I need to score sme big points every week. That's the only way I can win."
The Linlithgow Conference League and the Armadale Youth Development League seasons are about to start. Maybe a few outings at a lower level will help to improve David's confidence.