Stellar Monarchs Academy ready to go!

NEWS Tuesday 21st January 2025, 3:30pm

by Graham Muncie

  Edinburgh Monarchs Academy

Stellar Monarchs Academy are delighted to announce the team that will take to track in the National Development League for the upcoming season with an air of familiarity about a side that sees five of last year's septet return.

Lined up to be back with the Academy team are Connor Coles, Dayle Wood, Sam McGurk, Kyran Lyden and Mark Parker.

This left two slots to fill with both of these taken by riders with a previous connection to the club as Matt Marson joins after a strong year at Belle Vue, while Lee Harrison makes the step up from number eight into the team proper.

Team boss Scott Wilson is happy with the squad assembled stating, "My main aim building the 2025 team was continuity.

"I wanted to retain the bulk of last year's team. I wanted riders who are committed to Edinburgh, who know the club and how we operate, and who know how I work. I'm very happy we've been able to do that."

Wilson then giving his thoughts on each of the riders due to don the Blue and Gold when the tapes rise.

"Connor is a great guy, I have so much time for him. He had a solid season last year but probably feels he could have scored even better. The interesting thing about that is that he still increased his average in both leagues in 2024. I'm confident he can push his 8.00 starting figure upwards this season.

"Dayle stepped up to a heat leader role last season and he'll be hungry to go one step further and take the no.1 jacket from Connor. He's deservedly secured a Championship spot and that should help to sharpen his skills further, which the Academy will benefit from.

"I think Sam's confidence took a bit of a knock last year. This year he will be riding for us and for Birmingham in the National Trophy, so I expect him to rebound and establish himself as a genuine heat leader at this level. He was a no brainer on a five-and-a-half-point average and, importantly, he wanted to be back with us.

"To allow us to build the team the way we wanted, we have had to place a bit more responsibility on Kyran's shoulders by pushing him up into the main body. He's motivated to do his job and stay there. I've already spoken to him about what he needs to do this season to make sure he achieves that.

"I put no pressure on Mark last season, he was there to learn and adapt to the league. This season will be different though, I'll be needing and expecting some steady points to solidify the bottom end of the team. He's been working hard already this winter which shows how determined he is.

"I'm excited to have Lee in the side, he came to us 2 or 3 years ago at the Monarchs Speedway Academy sessions and has made quick and steady progress. He performed well in the British Youth Championship last year so I'm confident he can hit the ground running for us.

"Finally, Matt has spoken with us the last couple of years, and it just never quite worked out, but when we spoke this year it became obvious there was appetite from both sides to get it done. I don't believe Matt has fully unlocked his potential yet and he always tells me how much he likes Armadale so hopefully we're the club to help him do that."

All in all it is an exciting mix of youth and experience that will take to track in 2025 with the National Development League fixture list due out shortly.

2025 Stellar Monarchs Academy : Connor Coles, Dayle Wood, Matt Marson, Sam McGurk, Kyran Lyden, Mark Parker, Lee Harrison

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