Wolverhampton promoter, Chris van Straaten, dropped a bombshell at Armadale last week when he indicated that James Grieves was not in his plans for Wolves' Elite League team for next year. Van Straaten, who was present at the Premier League Cup Final in his capacity of Chairman of the British Speedway Promoters Association answered a question from Scott Wilson about the prospects for James Grieves:
"You can say that James is safe for another season at Armadale."
Most considered this statement as indicative that discussions had been on between Wolves, Monarchs and James. This appears not to have been the case and the annuncement came as a complete surprise to James who commented to the Edinburgh Pink:
"I spoke to Chris two weeks ago and he wasn't sure whether he wanted me back or not. To hear him say publicly that I probably won't be required was news to me. Chris hasn't told me officially."
James's determination to make it at the highest level seems to have ebbed away and he admitted that he was happy in the Premier League at the moment despite his form shading off a bit.
"I've enjoyed myself. But recently I've no motivation. I lack something. At the start of the year I was scoring maximums and heavily away from home. Myself and Peter were top of the averages, one and two. Then after my crash at Exeter in the summer I was out of action for a short spell and couldn't go to Sheffield for our cup semi-final second leg."
"Sheffield have claimed ever since that I had feigned the injury. This was definately not the case. I don't care what they say I was looking after my own welfare."
"I think my problem has been about confidence. I've been knocked about a bit especially in heat 15 deciders. I even came a cropper at home and damaged my ribs, although I only felt the pain a week later which led to all the sniping."
Grieves hasn't moaned about his injuries but has got on with things. He has often gone out when he should have been resting injuries. He still believes that he has the ability to make it at the highest level and to score points in the Elite League:
"I think I could do a reasonable job . I've got a few different plans in my head concerning next year and a lot depend on what Chris says to me."
"I'd like to return to Monarchs but I'll have to wait and see what develops during the winter."
If Monarchs could retain both Peter Carr and James Grieves for next year, this will be a major boost for Monarchs especially with the points limit ensuring that at least Sheffield and Newport will have to de-strengthen. James will come on a handy average of just over nine points and certainly has the potential for ten points plus given an injury free season.
For the moment James is concerned with helping Monarchs pick-up some silverware. This includes defending the 18-point lead at Purfleet against Arena Essex.
"We could have done with a 20 or 25-point lead so we could go down there and relax. We must steel ourselves and do the business. I think we will. We all like the Arena track and providing we can steer clear of further injury, then the cup will be ours for the taking."