WILLIAM SAYS NO

NEWS Sunday 16th January 2011, 12:52pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Edinburgh Monarchs bosses were disappointed to receive confirmation over the weekend that William Lawson has declined the chance of a team place in 2011.

Scotwaste Monarchs' co-promoter John Campbell said ?We have been in discussions with William for a number of weeks now about filling our final place in the team. William has always been part of our plans for 2011.

?However, he has decided that he will not be riding in 2011 and we must respect that decision, although everyone at the Club is very disappointed. We've not fallen out over money as contract talks have been very amicable but William has major concerns about how he will cope, mechanically, with the introduction of the new silencers for the 2011 season.

?It is no secret that William had a challenging time, mechanically, throughout his time with us in 2010 and it appears that the thought of big changes in 2011 is just too much for him."

Lawson started the 2010 season with Belle Vue Aces in the Elite League and that proved fairly successful but he took the decision to withdraw from their team and joining the Scotwaste Monarchs in August. However, whilst scoring vital points in the Scotwaste Monarchs push for the Premier League title, he did struggle greatly in some matches, particularly away from home.

Campbell concluded, "We were prepared to take the gamble that William could substantially improve his average after his disappointing 2010 season with us but William has decided that he doesn't want to take that gamble. From a personal point of view I am very disappointed that probably Scotland's most talented rider in recent years has not been able to show his true potential on a regular basis.

?We will take our time in looking at the various options available to us as we are still more than two months away from the start of the season."

In making his final decision known, William added that he wished the club and the team good luck for the 2011 season.

2011 Scotwaste Monarchs' team so far: Kevin Wolbert (Germany) 7.96, Matthew Wethers (captain, Australia) 7.04, Andrew Tully (Scotland) 6.68, Ashley Morris (England) 3.00, Craig Cook (England) 6.47, Kalle Katajisto 7.03. Points remaining 4.32.