SAINSBURY'S PLAN ARMADALE LAUNCH

NEWS Wednesday 25th February 2009, 8:09pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Sainsbury's have today announced plans for a ?23m development in Armadale which would involve them taking over the Scotwaste Arena.

While this might seem like bad news for Monarchs, there are several reasons for taking a different view.

Few people believed that the stadium had a permanent future and at their last meeting, the club's directors were considering assuming that 2009 would be the final year at the venue. It now seems certain that we will be there for a further two seasons.

What is more, all parties involved see relocation of the Monarchs as an important part of the arrangement.

Monarchs' officials have met with Mark Cummings and Claire McConnell of Invicta, representing Sainsbury's, and came away from that meeting in a positive frame of mind.

Monarchs' chairman Alex Harkess said ?This was a very good meeting, we found Mark and Claire excellent to speak with. Without going in to too much detail we have been assured that we will have professional help in relocating the club. This was something we always knew we would have to do at some stage.

?It is in everyone's interests that this happens, and that of course includes West Lothian Council who see us as important to their area. They know we are the most successful sports club in West Lothian.?

Co-promoter John Campbell has been involved in several meetings with West Lothian councillors including Stewart Borrowman and other members of the community council. He says ?It has come across loud and clear how well disposed they are towards speedway ? they are 100% positive and want us to stay in West Lothian.?

The club are also keen to comment on stadium owner Kenny Waugh's time at Armadale. Monarchs' director Ronnie Anderson said ?Kenny Waugh has kept us in the picture all the time, and he has been a tremendous man for Speedway throughout his time at Armadale. He has always been true to his word and easy to deal with.?