Speedway: Webster woe may impact on Monarchs

Current No. 6 incumbent Tim Webster has taken a fortnight off following a string of crashes which has also caused extensive damage to his machinery. And today Monarchs co- promoter John Campbell hinted Webster, who rides for Stoke Potters in the National League, may not be in a position to continue his role with the Capital side.

Belle Vue Colts rider Byron Bekker will stand in for Friday’s home clash against Redcar Bears at Armadale.

Campbell said: “Tim needs to recover from all the crashes he’s had everywhere he’s been, it’s a case of wrecked bikes and a sore body. He has taken time off, which started last weekend, to try and straighten out his bikes and also to save up some money to repair them, but I think he may have run out of money and can’t get his bike going again.

“The arrangement I have with him means even before he sets out from his Plymouth home he is certain to lose money, and that’s because he was so keen to get a place within our team. I know he is seriously considering what he should do next.” Webster was signed because of his gating prowess and hasn’t done too shabbily in his meetings to date, but Campbell does not want to go down the route of finding guest replacements every week should Webster call time on his short career with Monarchs.

Meanwhile, team manager Alan Bridgett has called on Monarchs fans to give backing to both Craig Cook and Kalle Katajisto who have struggled to find form recently. Said Bridgett: “Craig has been good at home up until the Glasgow match two weeks ago, I think he is an extremely talented rider who needs the support of everyone to encourage him to continue his progress. As for Kalle, we know he has been inconsistent compared to last year when he was spectacular, and he is perhaps trying too hard to recapture that form.”