Tuesday 6 November 2007

Around the Premier League Tracks 2007 - the close season 2007/8
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Monday, 5 November


Premier League News



Edinburgh: EDINBURGH director Mike Hunter has hailed scout George Taylor – after Monarchs captured hot Aussie prospect Aaron Summers.The 19-year-old was discovered by Taylor on a recent trip down under and qualifies for a reserve berth because of his British grandparents.Hunter unveiled Summers – or at least, a life-size cutout of him – at a packed presentation dance on Saturday night. He said: “This is all down to George. The guy is incredible and comes up trumps year-in year-out.“He jets out to Oz every winter and keeps his eye on the local racing scene. He has recommended Rory Schlein, Cam Woodward, Matt Wethers and Robert Ksiezak – and all are now top riders.”

There was a comment which appeared on the Edinburgh Evening News website from one of the Monarchs’ supporters:

Aaron Summers would appear to have the potential to be another astute signing by Edinburgh.It is very clear that with the probable addition of "new" clubs to the Premier League and the obvious dispersal of established riders, it is going to be essential to have good reserves.I note on the "monarchs" website that a few supporters have been upset at my criticism of last years "team". I also note that almost as many agree with me !Take of the "blue & gold" glasses and look at the facts :- apologies from the directors...once again wallowing in the basement of the league...apart from what is now turning out to be the diddy scottish cup, once again no silverware. The only bright spot was the long overdue recognition of the "docs" track preparation, which is fully deserved.Next year will be the "monarchs" 60th birthday, let us hope it will be an enyoyable one!!



Scunthorpe: It looks a good odds-on bet than former Peterborough rider, Richard Hall, will be one of the Scorpions’ first signings on entry to the Premier League. The Daily Mirror had this to say:

Richard Hall is set to quit top-flight Peterborough to spearhead Scunthorpe's first Premier League season. Hall, who helped the Panthers win the 2006 Elite League, broke his thigh in August, the day after he was dropped from the squad. Rob Godfrey, boss of the Conference League Grand Slam winners, said: "I would be very surprised not to see him in a Scorpions jacket next season."


Workington: The Comets continue to get press coverage following the sale of the club to Keith Denham. Ian Thomas joins Denham as co-promoter as the News and Star commented:

A CEREMONIAL handshake in front of the Workington Comets fans was the one that supporters thought would never happen! New owner Keith Denham and Ian Thomas, the man who first brought speedway back to Workington in 1970, have forged a new partnership to take the sport forward in the town. But the two men have never been on each other’s Christmas card list after a series of spats over recent years. Now those differences have been set aside as Denham has appointed Thomas as his co-promoter. Mutual respect has won the day and the two will master-mind the team-building strategy for the 2008 season. Denham told fans at the club’s presentation night: “Ian and I have had our differences over the years but I have no doubt that he is the best man for the job. He’s one of the most experienced men in the management and promotional side of the sport and I’m looking forward to the task ahead.“We’ve had talks on the make-up of the team for 2008 and I hope that we’ll be in a position to complete all our signings by the start of December.” Thomas, who returned to Derwent Park in 1999 after initially launching the sport in 1970, had two years away with Belle Vue before returning to the Comets this year. “You could say that Workington Comets is in my blood and I’m pleased to be still involved. Keith and I have had our moments but I have been enormously impressed with what he’s got to say about his plans for the Comets. “If only half of the things he plans to do come-off next year then the supporters are going to be in for an exciting and entertaining season.” Kauko Nieminen, skipper in the season just ended, has already been announced as the club’s first signing for next year. Denham will be meeting the Workington Town rugby league directors in the next fortnight to outline his plans for speedway at Derwent Park and ways of improving facilities. He is also to organise a fans forum when supporters can put their questions to the new owner.

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