Simpson and Spooner Sign Up for Monarchs Academy

NEWS Sunday 29th January 2023, 3:00pm

by PR Team

  Edinburgh Monarchs Academy

Next up to join the 2023 Monarchs Academy side are newcomers Mickie Simpson and Alex Spooner.

Simpson and Spooner will add a powerful punch in the Monarchs Academy middle order as they join the side for the upcoming 2023 season.

Boston-born Mickie Simpson joins the Club as a reigning National Development League champion following a two year spell with Leicester Lion Cubs. The 18-year-old will bring a special quality upon his move north, Monarchs Academy team manager Scott Wilson said, "Mickie brings with him something which is invaluable – he's sampled the feeling of success.

"He was a key part of Leicester's title winning side in 2022 and I was surprised he was not retained by the Lion Cubs. However, that opened the door for us and we weren't going to let that opportunity pass us by.

"With Leicester moving up to the Premiership it is important for Mickie to be with a club which offers that progression pathway from NDL through into the Championship. He showed some encouraging flashes when the Lion Cubs visited last season so we know he can ride Armadale without any trouble."

Also making the move north is 22 year-old Alex Spooner, joining after a successful spell with Mildenhall Fen Tigers where Alex cemented himself as a solid rider at this level and secured a NDL silver medal last season. Team Manager Scott Wilson is pleased to welcome the Essex-born man, "The improvement Alex has made in the last couple of years is clear for all to see simply by looking at the movement in his average.

"He began 2021 on 5.65, upping this to 6.40 by the end of that season and further improving this in 2022 to finish on a figure of 6.93. He also has a 15+1 score from the no.5 position on his Armadale CV, so there is no question he will provide robust backup to our top end.

"I'm really looking forward to working with Alex and watching his continued development at close quarters."

2023 Edinburgh Monarchs Academy line up: Kyran Lyden, Mickie Simpson, Alex Spooner.

Edinburgh Monarchs Academy is the new National Development League team of the Monarchs for the 2023 season.