Speedway: Fisher backs Edinburgh Monarchs to be Premier League kings

Fisher believes Monarchs young guns are fired up to claim a third championship and says this would be a fitting farewell for their last campaign of racing at Armadale before relocating to a new home in 2011.

Monarchs made a stout defence of the league title they won in 2008, finishing runners-up to King's Lynn last season.

But Fisher is convinced Monarchs, who claimed their first-ever league title in 2003, possess a youthful squad with the ability to leave their Premier League rivals trailing at the starting gate.

The Monarchs No.1 said: "We have a good side this season and I think we will win the league again. Last year, we came close to successfully defending our league title and we finished second, which was a great effort.

"We were hit by injuries and I didn't actually realise just how close we got to King's Lynn. I think we are stronger this season and I have a very good feeling about our squad, it is a young side but it's filled with potential."

Fisher is also hopeful that he can find consistency to his own scoring after admitting his bike let him down on a few occasions last season.

The Californian has recruited his engine tuner Glynn Taylor to be his permanent mechanic and said: "This is going to make a huge difference to me especially when I struggle to find the correct set-up. Every so often I couldn't figure out what to do with my bike, now Glynn will make any changes which need to be made and I can focus on the racing." And, with no doubling-up duties this term, Fisher added that his sole attention will be to help Monarchs win the league.

"It is going to be a lot easier for me, I won't be on such a tight schedule. I can take my time and spend more hours on my machinery."

One of Fisher's team-mates, who could be crucial in Monarchs' battle for silverware, is German star Max Dilger, who has been recalled to the team despite flopping when he made his debut last year.

Dilger slots in at reserve alongside partner Kalle Katajisto – and Dilger is determined to grab this second opportunity with both hands.

"I'm so glad to be back", said Dilger. "And things should be easier for me because I'm starting out at reserve.

"I certainly hope I will be better than last year. I had problems in my head, but things are sorted now, and I've also made changes to my bikes which should make a difference.

"I think I can regain my confidence at reserve which is what I need to score points, I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Meanwhile, Matthew Wethers, Monarchs' longest-serving rider at Armadale, has accepted the captaincy role for a second season.

Monarchs open their 14th year at the Lothian Arena on Friday with the restaging of the 2009 Scottish Open Championship.