Speedway: Struggling Stoddart shown door as Bekker comes aboard

Published on Thursday 9 July 2009 09:52

EDINBURGH Scotwaste Monarchs have released struggling reserve star Sean Stoddart, who will ride his final speedway match for the club against King's Lynn Stars at Armadale tomorrow night.

He will be replaced by Scunthorpe Scorpions ace Byron Bekker, who will make his debut against his old teammates in Saturday's Premier Trophy semi-final first leg tie at the Normanby Road venue.

Although Bekker was axed himself by Scunthorpe a month ago, Monarchs boss Alex Harkess believes the young rider is worth taking a chance with.

Harkess said: "Byron was dropped by Scunthorpe mainly because he couldn't get his equipment to go. But his scores over the last few weeks have improved and he is worth a chance."

Stoddart, who rejoined Monarchs this season after a gap of two years, has toiled to make a consistent impression at the tail end and change was inevitable.

Harkess said: "A lot of unnecessary pressure was put on Sean and it was effecting him. He couldn't have been getting much pleasure out of that. Sean did all right for us at Armadale but was disappointing away from home.

"We are not looking for double figures from the reserve position but we do need more points away from home.

"Sean admits things have not been happening for him.

"Byron is young, keen and enthusiastic."

Bekker, who has been with the Scorpions since their inception in 2005, said: "I was a bit upset when Scunthorpe dropped me but I knew it was coming.

"The move to Edinburgh might just have come at the right time for me.

"I must admit it will be strange to ride against Scunthorpe on Saturday but I don't feel I have anything to prove."

Meanwhile, Harkess confirmed he received approval from the British Speedway Promoters Association late yesterday afternoon to re-introduce Thomas H Jonasson to the side.

The Swede is expected to race four meetings in his short-term return, beginning at Scunthorpe.

"We are delighted to have him back and Thomas is also keen to show the fans he has a long-term future with us," added Harkess.