Cook rumours denounced as ‘waffle’ by Monarchs chief

By DAVID KINVIG
Published on 28/08/2012 12:36

Angry Edinburgh Monarchs speedway bosses today 
described claims that their top rider Craig Cook had signed for his Elite League doubling-up side, Belle Vue Aces, as “waffle and speculation”.

Cook, who is currently 
sidelined with a broken wrist injury, joined Monarchs two years ago after the Capital speedway outfit bought his contract outright from Workington Comets. The Cumbrian ace is top of the Monarchs’ averages and is acknowledged as the best rider in the Premier League this season due to his consistent double-figure scoring form.

Monarchs director Mike Hunter told the Evening News: “There is no truth whatsoever in such suggestions. Craig could not sign for Belle Vue unless they pay a lot of money, and that has not happened. I’m not even sure Craig would choose Belle Vue to sign for, it would be up to him to decide that, 
it’s just waffle and speculation anyway.”

Monarchs’ restaged league fixture at Newcastle Diamonds last night was washed out for the second time in a week, and for once Monarchs were not complaining about the rain due to the fact that they had been unable to find a guest to replace Cook. “Newcastle wanted the match to go ahead very badly because they were aware that we wouldn’t have been able to put a good side out,” said Hunter.

Monarchs will use Glasgow’s James Grieves as a stand-in for Friday’s Premier League double-header against Scunthorpe and Redcar at Armadale, when they must pick up all six points at stake to keep their play-off hopes on track.

Meanwhile, reserve Joszef Tabaka says the operation to 
repair his broken hand went well, but still expects to be out of action for a few weeks yet.