The suggestion that are to sign Peter Scully as replacement for the injured Stewart McDonald appears unlikely to happen.
Peter was axed a few weeks ago by Workington and they attempted to bolster their heat leader strength by signing the young Swedish rider Peter Karlsson. Scully looked very impressive when Monarchs won narrowly at Workington in the Premier League scoring two wins and two second places from five rides mostly from the back using Carl Stonehewer equipment. Peter failed to produce that sort of form on a regular basis and was the one to make way when Karlsson came in.
However, Workington have hit a bit of an injury crisis themselves with both Grant McDonald and Brent Werner sidelined. It appears that Scully could well be recalled by the Cumbrian outfit.
Alex Harkess commented: "Peter had a try out at Workington on Saturday and they may may want to use him again as they are two riders short. I know that Peter was the name on a lot of Edinburgh supporters lips, but that's all it was."
Harkess added that Monarchs would continue to try to bring the squad up to full strength but "It depends on who is available. We have the choice of using the rider replacement facility which woud give extra rides to Ross Brady, Blair Scott, and James Birkinshaw. Sometimes this works, other times you don't gain as much. Stewart will be missing for a few weeks, so it would be better if we found someone to replace him".
Rider replacement could well work to Monarchs' advantage in home matches where Brady and the reserves are going well. It could also work well away at Sheffield in the cup where Monarchs will probably be defending a first leg lead. It will work less well when trying to win matches away especially if Brady or the reserves are not performing.
This month Monarchs have home Premier League matches against Newcastle and Glasgow, away Premier League matches at Berwick and Newcastle plus Sheffield home and away in the Cup.
Replacement will become critical by September, by which time Stewart may well have dropped to reserve. In this case no rider replacement facilities will be available. In September, Monarchs have Premier League matches at home to Arena Essex and away at Reading and Glasgow plus the home and way legs of the Premier National Trophy final against Newport. All that plus a possible Cup Final against Exeter or Arena Essex!
Stewart is currently on a Green Sheet Average of 5.77. Apart from Peter Scully on 4.78, a number of riders could be considered. Dean Felton has recently been squeezed out by Berwick and would come in 4.13. Craig Taylor who recently quit Elite League Wolverhampton is on 4.82.
Others that could come into the frame, but who have not appeared this year, in the UK include Monarchs assets Robert Larsen (5.40), and Robban Johansson (4.64), plus another former Monarch Marcus Andersson (5.75).