Monarchs take their best Schott.

Edinburgh will welcome back one of their most popular former riders for the 2002 season when Danish star Frede Schott returns to the club after an absence of a decade.

After missing out on previous 'big name' signings including Jan Staechmann and Tomas Topinka, the Monarchs have tempted former favourite Schott back in to British speedway where he will form a potent spearhead with Edinburgh legend Peter Carr.

Frede joined Edinburgh as a 19 year old in 1990 and had two seasons in Scotland before being transferred to Belle Vue in 1992.

Schott last rode regularly in England back in 1986 but has continued to ride speedway in the Scandinavian leagues so should be 'match fit'

He has retained a link with Edinburgh by making fleeting visits to compete Scottish Open, winning the event in 1998 and taking a close second last season.

Schott approaches his return with a positive mind, commenting: "I did think I would be retiring, but when Alex Harkess (Edinburgh Chariman) rang he got me interested again".

"I know I can ride Armadale but in all honesty I'd like to think I can do just as well away from home. I'm a bit older and wiser than when I first rode for Monarchs".

He continued: "I'm certainly taking it seriously, I've joined a health club to get fit and I am preparing bikes. It's all or nothing, and if it doesn't work out at least I'll know I've tried my best. I told Alex it would be either Edinburgh or no-one, they are the only club I would have returned for".

Harkess was delighted to have pulled off such an unexpected signing and said: "He's come back to us by the same route that Peter Carr arrived, and I think he can push Peter at the top of the averages."

This latest capture means Edinburgh have Scott, Carr, Christian Henry, Theo Pijper and Rory Schlein signed up for 2002. Just two places left to fill - but who will they be?