Speedway: Monarchs insist Dilger will have Max factor this time

Published on Saturday 9 January 2010 10:21

EDINBURGH Scotwaste Monarchs are not renowned for giving second chances to riders who have failed to impress in the past.

However, they have made an exception with German star Max Dilger, who formally returned his contract a few days ago to complete Monarchs' 2010 team.

Dilger was axed after just 12 matches for Monarchs last season and, despite some glimpses of promise, it seemed unlikely he would return to Armadale. But Dilger will occupy the second reserve spot, forming a tail-end partnership with Finnish rider Kalle Katajisto.

And today Monarchs co-boss John Campbell defended his decision to hand Dilger the chance to silence his critics, insisting: "He has the ability to increase his average and that's what counts."

Campbell admits that Dilger's performances, aside from scoring six points in a Sky TV televised match against Redcar Bears, were unimpressive but added: "The whole situation when we first signed Max was disappointing for everybody.

"It was impossible to believe that a man who was on par with Kevin Wolbert on the continent, was ridiculously below that standard in this country. But because we wanted another three-point rider at the bottom end of the team we believe that Max has the best possible chance of adding to his average.

"Max had an absolute mental block about riding Armadale, which was mostly in the wet last year. However, we are absolutely certain that, in our pre-season practices, he will master our track. And as soon as he does then his confidence, which was at rock bottom when he left us, will increase substantially and he'll show fans what he is capable of."

Campbell says that one of Dilger's flaws is his tendency to dwell on things. "Max worries too much about everything and that's his biggest problem.

"This is entirely down to the fact that he hasn't spent enough time round Armadale.

"But we will ensure that he does at least 100 laps before he performs in public again, and with advice, which isn't always readily available during matches, he will overcome his problems.

"Max was the only candidate we considered for the second reserve place, we didn't think about anyone else."

Dilger will renew his acquaintance with fellow countryman Wolbert who, by contrast, has confidence bursting out of every vein. But Campbell isn't certain that Wolbert will have a galvanising effect on Dilger. Said Campbell: "I can't say that for sure because Kevin is a completely different rider and doesn't worry about anything at all, therefore it is very easy for Kevin to tell Max 'just get out there and do it'.

"I think Kevin will offer encouragement but I don't know if that will be of benefit to Max having a fellow German in the side.

"It's about what we can do for Max."

Dilger and Katajisto will have to work hard to place their stamp on the reserve roles but Campbell believes the duo are strong enough to hold their own against their Premier League rivals. Both are capable of raising their averages and that's what wins league titles," said Campbell.

"No-one else in the team can significantly increase their average, but Kalle and Max definitely can.

"They both have different styles and are different characters.

"I think Kalle will take it as it comes and if he falls off he'll just get up and think no more about it.

"Max is steadier and less likely to fall off and hopefully he will be steadier on the track also.

"When I told Max we weren't going to continue with him last year, he was devastated and wanted to carry on. But it would not have been the right thing to do.

"He is anxious to prove himself because he knows how desperate things were before and his scores simply didn't reflect what he was doing on the continent."

Campbell is happy with his final seven, especially the signing of 20-year-old Jozsef Tabaka, the club's first ever Hungarian rider.

Campbell said: "Two years ago I was told to sign Tabaka but at that time he was too young and we couldn't take the risk.

"But when someone puts that idea into your head you watch what is going on.

"Tabaka made it plain he wanted to come to the UK, then we were made aware that Tabaka was interested in coming.

"We received a glowing report about him and when you are further told this guy could do a job, he is worth a gamble."

Meanwhile, Pole Michal Rajkowski, who was overlooked in favour of Tabaka, has signed for Stoke Potters.