Mitchell Davey Returns to the Monarchs

NEWS Wednesday 21st December 2016, 8:00am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

In a remarkable comeback story, Monarchs will re-introduce Mitchell Davey to their team after an absence of almost four seasons.

This addition to the team is subject to BSPA approval.

26 year old Mitchell last rode for the Monarchs full time in August 2013 when he badly broke his right femur riding at Sheffield, flying spectacularly over the fence. Many people thought that would be the end of Mitchell’s career – and for a while he was one of them!

Mitchell takes up the tale of how he has fought his way back to Championship action. “At the time of the crash I thought the same and it wasn’t till I had my final surgery that I thought I couldn’t leave it at that, and had to give it another crack.

“While I was helping Claus Vissing in the 2014 season, working around the bikes, I got the buzz for it again. 2014 was my final surgery, I could walk and run again, and I felt optimistic then that I could get back on a bike.

“About half way through 2015 I did some second halves, rode an individual meeting at Redcar and went back to Aussie and did the State titles there. It went from there.

“In 2016 I did mainly National League, but rode for Edinburgh at Scunthorpe, a meeting for Workington at Berwick and the KO Cup Final for Glasgow at Newcastle.

“It was nice to do well for Coventry plus guest bookings for Birmingham and Stoke, and score a maximum and paid maximum. Best feeling in the world.”

A place had initially been reserved for Davey last season, following the new rules governing the number 7 position, but his registration was delayed and it didn’t happen. He added “If I’m honest it probably turned out for the best, there was less pressure riding in National League so I was able to test things and find what worked for me.”

It’s possible he will ride for a National League club again next season “I was waiting to get Edinburgh sorted, that was my main priority but I may well ride National League as well as Championship.

“Of course I will be working on my machinery also. Things are a bit uncertain at the moment – I have to look for another job first, my temporary contract with the Royal Mail has just finished. Then I need to find some sponsors and get some new and better equipment to get some good results.”

“I know all of the team well, we’re just waiting to see who the last rider in the team will be. I think there will be good vibes amongst the team.

“I’d like to think I can do well. I’ve got more experience than most of the no. 7’s so it’s really up to me, if I can knuckle down and avoid those pesky injuries I’ll be all right.”

All signings subject to BSPA approval.

Team so far: Ricky Wells, Erik Riss, Mark Riss, Sam Masters, Max Clegg, Mitchell Davey.

Monarchs will compete in 2017 in the new SGB Championship. They are the only five-time winners of the Premier League which ran from 1997-2016.