Northern Counties Championship
This Saturday sees the first of this seasons away trips, and it is taking place at Workington. Representing the Northern clubs are Glasgow Hero Shane Parker, who has always put on a good show at Derwent park and must fancy himself to be up there challenging for at least a final spot. Representing Edinburgh is their new signing Henrik Mollar who is a relativly unknown quantity in this country, this alone should see a good number of Edinburgh fans make the journey down to see their new signing in action.
Both Scottish Clubs finished for 2006
After a close season filled with surprises both Glasgow and Edinburgh have completed their 2006 teams.
Glasgow once again went for the strong top two, re-signing Skipper Shane Parker and in what was the shock of the year bringing in Danny Bird, who was sought after by many clubs to the say the least, after he found out that he would not be in the Racers (Now Bulldogs) team for their Elite League push.
Another new face in the Glasgow line up, is Workingtons Kauko Nieminen who comes in on a 6.82, a rider who has impressed the Glasgow faithful over the last few years, and one that will excite the Glasgow fans up and down the country this season.
Returnees for this season are the ever likable young Scot David McAllan, a rider who had one of his best stints in the sport whilst riding for Edinburgh last season, and a thank you to Edinburgh has to be said, for allowing David to keep his low average and not using him in 12 meetings last season. Other returnees are Lee Dicken a rider who when he first started riding was full of potential, and im sure he will admit that in the last few years he has not been at his best, however this year could see "The Funky Dicken" reach that potential, and if so Glasgow could have a winner in their hands. Finally a man that needs no introduction in Glasgow, James "The Legend Killer" Cockle returns to the Glasgow team and with the prospect of riding at reserve all season, should surely have a season to remember and is certainly the king pin in any success that Glasgow achieve in 2006
Unfortunatly for Adam Roynon, he will not be able to take his place at the tapes in March, and Glasgow were quick in snapping the Ex-Monarch Robert Ksiezak to take his place, Robert started his debut season with the Monarchs in fine form, but injuries made sure that he struggled on his comeback, there is no doubting his ability and is one of the fastest gaters around, and im sure that he will chip in with some very valuable points for the Tigers in 2006
Edinburgh in Contrast to Glasgow have went for a more balanced look to their team, with no obvious out and out number one, but two riders that have the potential to become one. Edinburghs main concerns over the close season were Rusty Harrison, Workington were on record saying that they wanted Rusty to return to Derwent park but to Rustys credit he stuck to his word and returned to Edinburgh to the joy of the Edinburgh public. Alot was written in the press regarding Edinburghs other top rider from 2005, but after everything was said, Theo Pijper returned for 2006 to his delight and to the delight of most Edinburgh fans, who have watched Theo improve season after season and certainly wanted him back to take that step into 9+ with the Monarchs
There is certainly a familier look around Armadale for the 2006 with 2005 Monarch William Lawson returning after make great strides in his first season for the Monarchs after what could be said as a dissapointing time with Newcastle, Another familier face is that of Mathew "Stormy" Wethers, after returning to the Monarchs at the end of last season after having stints with Glasgow and Kings Lynn throughout 2005, he certainly showed that his time away was benificial, racking up very impressive scores for the Monarchs, which in return gained him a place early on in the team building plans for 2006.
The reserves for the Monarchs were both part of the very successful Dale Devils of 2005, Derek Sneddon returning to the Premier League after being forced out due to injury and then averages, will certainly have a point to prove to all the promoters who were not willing to take a chance on him last season, and after being one of the top men in the Conference League last season he will come into the Premier League full of confidence this season. The second reserve is Sean Stoddart, a young man with a promising future, Sean had a run out at the end of the 2004 season for Edinburgh in the PL, but perhaps he was not quite ready then, although his performances were by no means dis-heartening, another rider who improved with the now sadly defunct Devils and with the new rules in place for 2006 regarding reserves, he should be able to hold his own.
Edinburghs last signing is a somewhat unknown Danish rider, Henrik Moller, From reading about him, he certainly seems to have a very proffesional outfit behind him and his scores on the continent are very impressive, only time will tell how he goes in the PL this season, but after a few weeks riding at Edinburgh he should learn the quickest way around the Dale, it is only on away tracks that he has never seen that he may struggle. Although im sure the Edinburgh faithfil will give him the support and time that he needs, as long as they see that his a 100% trier that should be enough to gain a place in the hearts of the fans.
All in all 2006 seems to be shaping up very well for the two Scottish teams, and the Derbies as always should provide some very entertaining racing.