Kevin Little and David McAllan were both born in Edinburgh and both are based in the Borders. They both moved from Berwick to Edinburgh a few weeks ago on full tranfers after initially being on loan. They also share the distinction of being injured at the most crucial part of the season.
Monarchs are still in the running for a clean sweep of Premier League honours. Edinburgh are second in the Premier League one point behind Sheffield. They are in the last eight of the Cup and face a two legged tie next Month against third placed Newport. They are in the Semi-Finals of the Premier National Trophy where they are due to face Newcastle. Monarchs are also in the finals of the Premier League Fours at Peterborough and appear likely to qualify for the Premier League Pairs at Newport.
The two injuries could not have come at a worse time with the first Southern tour with League Matches at Stoke and Exeter and a Cup Tie at Newport. The Premier National Trophy Semi-Finals will also be held in July along witb crucial home League and Cup ties against Newport who are currently third in the League and have been strongly tipped to run Edinburgh and Sheffield close.
Kevin initially hoped to be fit for next weekend but this appears unlikely at the moment. The wrist is not healing as fast as hoped for and it is possible that Monarchs will be using guests for the bulk of July. Given Kevin's near nine point average there is no problem in picking suitable guests. The likes of Mick Powell, Neil Collins, Frank Smart, Brent Werner, Paul Pickering, Steve Masters and even 1998 Premier League Riders Champion Glenn Cunningham have averages lower than Kevin's 8.78 average for July. However finding a rider who is free and has not been at the track concerned eight days before or eight days after the match is often more difficult. Neil Collins looks an excellent choice for the matches at Stoke and Newport. Paul Pickering would have been the obvious choice for Exeter given his superb form there. This is not possible since Exeter have booked him as a guest for their Cup Tie against Berwick this week. Frank Smart of Newport is another possibility as he rode for several years at the County Ground. Mick Powell and Brent Werner appear to be the best available for Armadale matches.
David McAllan is clearly out for some time, maybe beyond this season. While David has an average of 3.91, there are few riders available in this band. There are one or two riders with experience in the Premier League and a larger number of riders untried at this level.
Monarchs can either redeclare their line-up with a new number six or keep things as they are and use available uncontracted riders on a match by match basis. If Monarchs redeclare with a 3.00 point rider and he fails to perform, they would then only have the option of using another 3.00 point rider. Thus if a rider in the range 3.50 to 3.90 subsequently became available, they would not be able to sign him.
One possible solution is to book a rider on a trial basis perhaps for the Southern tour and redeclare if things go well. The needs for a reserve are fairly modest. David McAllan scored reasonably well at home but struggled away. Winning the home matches has not proved a problem with the heat leaders and second strings going well. What Monarchs really need is someone who can pick up second place in heat two at home and come up with the occasional good ride away from home, especially on the big tracks.
Hopefully a new rider will be named within the next few days. Monarchs are currently targeting a rider with experience on the Northern Premier League tracks.
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