Captain Sam Returns

NEWS Friday 9th December 2016, 9:00pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Fans at the Edinburgh Monarchs Video Night were tonight given the news that their captain Sam Masters will return for his fourth season with the team in 2017.

It was news that was both hoped-for and expected, because the Aussie has become so much part of the club. He should have joined during 2013 but that was thwarted due to visa difficulties, and even this winter he had to fly back so sort out the UK visa for next season.

Sam of course has been part of two League title-winning Monarchs’ teams (2014 and 2015), and took over as captain last season.

He said “Last season was a difficult one mainly due to the weather we had, and that made it difficult to get the team going as I wanted. I want to put that right next summer.

“I’m very pleased we have Ricky Wells in the side now, I get along with him and I’m sure we will ride well together. As he said, we should be strong in the big heats. I’ve got a good idea what the rest of the side will be and I’m sure we can work on all the boys and get the best out of them. That’s what makes team speedway enjoyable.

“It’s going to be a very busy summer for me, I know people comment on that, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. That’s what I come across to Europe for, I do my relaxing back home. I won’t be affected by it and I’m set up to cope with it.

“As I’ve said many times, I love the Armadale track, I think it is perfect and I’m really happy to be riding it again. I’m always happy riding for Edinburgh - it's the best club in Britain!”

More signing news for the 2017 team is expected in a week or so.

All signings subject to BSPA approval.

2017 team so far: Ricky Wells, Erik Riss, Mark Riss, Sam Masters.

Edinburgh competing in the 2017 SGB Championship – the only 5-time winners of the Premier League 1997-2016.