Sneddon all signed up to try Polish experience

Published on Monday 18 February 2008 09:54

EDINBURGH Scotwaste Monarchs speedway skipper Derek Sneddon will be even more hungry for track success this season after clinching a deal to ride for Hungarian outfit Miskolc in the Polish Second Division.

Sneddon, 25, has already signed a contract and is now waiting to receive the green light from the British Auto Cycle Union which is expected any day now.

Sneddon revealed he was surprised by the offer from the Hungarians, who initially made contact with Monarchs co-promoter John Campbell.

Sneddon said: "The offer to ride for Miskolc came through John who contacted me in December.

"John had received an e-mail from this Hungarian team asking if I'd be interested in racing for them this year.

"John didn't know how much truth lay in the request, he thought it might have been a wind-up. But the offer was genuine and last month I made contact with them and the contract was signed.

"I then had to apply for an international licence and I also had to undergo a medical. I have spoken to the ACU, I also need special insurance in case I get hurt across there.

"I'm just waiting on my start permission from the ACU to allow me to ride in Poland.

"Until I receive my clearance I cannot say how many meetings Miskolc want me to do.

"They will also need to study my Edinburgh fixtures to avoid any clash of dates.

"The Polish League operates on a Sunday and a lot of Edinburgh fixtures this season are on a weekend, so Miskolc will have to try and fit me in between my Edinburgh commitments which, of course, take priority."

Falkirk-based Sneddon has no idea how the Hungarians came across his name.

"How they discovered me I have absolutely no idea," he said. "And neither has John. Perhaps they were just looking for someone with my average and did a bit of homework."

But the Scottish ace is relishing what will be a totally new adventure for him.

"It's something I've never done before and it is purely about gaining experience and riding bigger tracks which is the norm in Poland.

"Hopefully it will also benefit my UK career.

"The Polish Second Division is equivalent to our Premier League. I don't know too much about it yet. I go on to the website and obviously it is in Hungarian!

"I'll just have to wait and see what happens when I get over there. The first thing we had to make clear to them – and they understood this – is that my Monarchs fixtures come first no matter what.

"It will be new to me but the experience should be fantastic. I'll pick up things in Poland that I don't necessarily pick up here, especially different bike set-ups. it will be a big learning curve."

For now Sneddon is focusing on matters closer to home with Monarchs' opening Spring Trophy clash against Glasgow Tigers at Ashfield just three weeks away.

Enthusiastic over Monarchs' prospects for the new campaign, Sneddon, who assumed the captaincy of the squad following the departure of Ronnie Correy mid way through last season, said: "I'm very happy with the way the team has worked out. I certainly think everyone in the side is capable of adding something to their average and I think we will upset quite a few teams, if we ride to our capabilities.

"We have strength in depth and look to be pretty well balanced. There are also a couple of our riders who have the potential of stepping up into leading roles."

American Ryan Fisher will probably be the subject of much scrutiny.

The 24-year-old Californian, who will wear the No.1 race-jacket, is desperate to make his mark in the Premier Division following his failure to crack the Elite League in 2007. Sneddon said: "I don't think Ryan will be under any intense pressure.

"I think he will be allowed to fit into the side and do the best job he can. He certainly has the skill to become one of the top riders in our division. This will depend on him, but he seems to be 110 per cent up for the challenge." Concerning his own form and hopes for the year ahead, Sneddon concedes he must improve his form – especially on the road. He says: "Riding at No.2 is a very hard position, you are out against the top boys in nearly every single race. I showed on occasions last year that I could beat the top boys, but I need to do it consistently – that is my aim for this season. "Also my away scores in 2007 were down on the previous couple of years. I'll certainly be working to improve my scoring away from home this time."

Retaining his skipper's hat is a huge compliment and a tribute to the leadership qualities Sneddon displayed in the Armadale pits last term.

"I'm over the moon to be captain again," he said. "It helps you to lift your own game. You can't be shouting at the other lads to get their fingers out if you're not doing much yourself.

"I'm excited about the new season. You tend not to think about speedway too much in the winter but once you hit January you start to get the bikes ready and organised. I've definitely got the bug again – and I can't wait to get started."