Glasgow have moved to fill the gap created by the injury to their top rider Paul Bentley by signing Monarchs' legend Les Collins on a short term contract. Les will make his debut at Armadale in the Fours this week. His Premier League debut will come at Ashfield a week on Sunday against Monarchs. Stoke had been chasing Collins to replace broken leg victim Paul Fry but were unable to come up enough sponsorship cash to tmp him out of retirement. Stoke instead moved to sign the 26-year old German rider Joachim Kugelmann.
Paul Bentley broke his ankle in the cup match against Reading at Ashfield a month ago. He is likely to be out for another six weeks.
Glasgow intended to use guests to cover for Bentley. Since Paul was top of the Premier League averages, this gave Tigers the choice of any rider in the League. So far, they have used Carl Stonehewer, Michael Coles, Leigh Lanham, and Sean Wilson. They were to have used Peter Carr in the postponed match against Berwick last week.
With the Fours coming up, where no guest facilities are available, Glasgow moved and pursuaded Les to change his mind. This should certainly liven things up for the Fours Qualifiers and ensure that all four teams in the Northern Group are at full strength. Les will replace Sean Courtney in the Tigers team with Sean probably dropping to reserve in place of Brian Turner.
Les is Glasgow's third recent signing. Emiliano Sanchez came in for Scott Courtney three weeks ago, then Darren Smith replaced Stuart Coleman last week. It remains to be seen what happens when Paul Bentley is fit. The averages will probably determine if Les can stay or go.
With Emiliano Sanchez and Les Collins, Glasgow will have two of the most entertaining riders in the Premier League, as well as two of the worst gaters!.