Speedway: Cook happy to lead double life at Monarchs - for now

Published on Thursday 11 August 2011 11:05

Edinburgh Monarchs boss Alex Harkess today played down rumours that Craig Cook is on the verge of being sold to Belle Vue Aces, the club he doubles-up with in the Elite League.

However, Harkess said that he and fellow co-promoter John Campbell had informal discussions about the rider with Belle Vue team boss Jim Lynch at last Sunday's Premer League Fours event at Leicester.

Cumbria-based Cook has been in fine form for the Aces of late and his scores for them have exceeded the points he has managed for Monarchs, where he notably struggled in the two Premier League derby defeats to Glasgow Tigers - although Cook blamed bike troubles for his failure to shine.

Harkess said: "Belle Vue have taken an interest in him simply because of the way he has been riding for them, especially when he scored nine points for them a couple of weeks ago.

"We talked to Jim Lynch about Craig but there was no offer to buy him or anything like that, although we are always willing to listen to offers for any of our riders providing they are sensible.

"The discussion centred on Craig doubling-up with Belle Vue again next season, and my reaction was it's up to the rider himself to decide. It's also too early to talk about such arrangements because no one knows what the rules will be on doubling-up in 2012."

Harkess added: "Belle Vue could make an offer but it may not be within our valuation, but at the moment there is nothing on the table."

Cook recently picked up the referees' Premier League Rider of the season award for his efforts with Workington Comets in 2010, having been deemed the most improved and exciting rider in the division.

Cook, pictured, said: "It's an honour to have won this and I had an awesome year with Workington."

The rider wouldn't be drawn on his future, except to say: "I'm loving it at Armadale racing for the Monarchs and I'm also learning so much with Belle Vue in the top flight."

Meanwhile, Monarchs face a potentially tricky test against a vastly improved Newport Wasps squad at the Lothian Arena tonight, although the fixture could be in doubt given the amount of rain that has fallen over the last 36 hours, with the track under water yesterday.

Newport, despite losing to Monarchs home and away earlier in the season, have transformed their team, and their current heat leader trio of Leigh Lanham, Charlie Gjedde, and Jason Doyle, is possibly the strongest in the country. Lanham bore the brunt of holding the Wasps together at one time, but the arrival of Doyle and Gjedde, who joined after a short and unhappy spell with Berwick Bandits, has eased the pressure on him.

Wasps co-promoter Steve Mallet has now described his team as "the best side we have had since I took over three years ago." A fine 52-40 home win over Leicester Lions last Saturday, which was followed up by a draw in the return match at Leicester the next day, has seen the Wasps compile seven wins and a draw in all competitions in 12 fixtures.

"We are on a great run," said Mallett. "We seem to be in fine form right now and are capable of beating anybody."

Monarchs' league match at Redcar Bears last night was washed out.