WAUGH HELPS SAVE MONARCHS

BACK IN BUSINESS: Derek Sneddon, Andrew Tully and Theo Pijper in the pits at Armadale last season FORMER Hibs chairman Kenny Waugh is one of five businessmen to have helped keep Edinburgh Monarchs on track for next season. The former power station engineer who became a bookmaker and publican is the owner of Monarchs home track at Armadale. The others, who have made a “significant contribution” to keeping the former Premier League champions alive, are Laura Morgan, the new owner and promoter of Workington Comets, accountant and school governor, Alan Hartley, a former British Veterans’ speedway champion and chairman of George Watson’s Family Foundation Committee, bus boss Derek Wilkinson and Brian Gray, a potential new director. A number of fans have also donated £500 while others have gifted smaller amounts to keep the club from folding. Mike Hunter, Monarchs spokesman, said the club were on the point of closing down just two weeks ago. He added: “I could not see any way out of this then and there has been a lot of hard work and talking behind the scenes. “But there have also been a tremendous number of people who have leapt to support us and so we are continuing next season.” Monarchs will run at Armadale again and the news brings to an end a period of uncertainty for the club and their loyal fans. Edinburgh’s bosses will now confirm their participation in next season’s Premier League at the British Speedway Promoters’ meeting in Coventry from Friday to Sunday. Berwick Bandits have not yet said they are running next season but Glasgow Tigers have been sold to a new owner and the management team, headed by Scots-born but Danish-based businessman Alun Biggart, are already making plans.