Edinburgh remain close to signing Robert Eriksson to replace James Grieves and take the number one race jacket for next season.
After discussion this week, Monarchs' promoter John Campbell revealed that they are close to reaching agreement on terms. All that is required is a limited amount of sponsorship cash the bridge the gap in what Robert is asking and what Edinburgh are able to pay.
John Campbell commented in the Edinburgh Evening News:
"We are only hundreds of pounds apart. Robert has asked for something I am not prepared to provide. However, if somebody can provide £500 in sponsorship then Robert will definitely ride for us at number one next season."
With Grieves being so dominant around Armadale, he will be a hard act to follow. Robert did have a very high average in 1997 and since the track was new, Monarchs had less in the way of home advantage than has been the case recently. Robert also produced a better away average than Grieves despite having just as many injury problems.
"Robert can be just as good as James was round our track. More importantly, Robert had a higher average away from home than any of our team last season. This is where James fell down a bit, he wasn't as sharp away from home, especially at big circuits like Sheffield and Exeter."
It's over to the sponsors now.