It emerged that Glasgow wanted Robert Eriksson to team up with Les Collins and James Grieves to make a heater leader trio of ex-Monarchs. With Edinburgh confident of signing Peter Carr and James Grieves, they felt unable to fit in Robert Eriksson back after a loan spell with Newcastle. Because of this Monarchs gave permission for Glasgow to speak to Robert.
Glasgow admit that had they been quicker off the mark they may have completed the signing of Eriksson before their controversial swoop for James Grieves. As soon as Monarchs got wind of the Grieves situation they withdrew permission for the move. Eriksson was deemed the perfect replacement for Grieves as Monarchs' number One.
Glasgow spokesman Michael Max, speaking in Speedway Star confirmed the story:
"Yes, we did go after Robert Eriksson. We talked to him several times and were on the verge of agreeing a deal when Edinburgh withdrew their permission. We were disappointed but not surprised this has happened. If we had been a little bit sharper Robert may well have been signed by now. As it is I believe that Edinburgh will try to include him in their team."
"It would appear that any interest on our part is dead, which is a shame because we wanted Robert and he was keen to join us."
Edinburgh are hoping that a sponsorship deal to finance Eriksson's return will be sorted out this weekend so that something can be announced at the Monarchs' first Video evening at Meadowbank on Saturday.
Eriksson has indicated that he will be happy to return to Edinburgh. He was accepted at the best of the Monarchs' riders at Armadale when he rode their in 1997 despite the presence of Peter Carr and Kenny McKinna in the line-up. Eriksson went out at number one throughout the season and broke the track record on several occasions. He is also something of a specialist at Ashfield. He is the joint record holder at the Glasgow track (with two other ex-Monarchs James Grieves and Brian Turner). The fact that Tigers were keen to sign Robert is not surprising.