Surely the skill is to sign up and coming British riders as assets. That way you receive a loan payment over a number of seasons if you cannot fit them into your side. Riders like Lawson, Kerr etc where they ride Champ and Prem must be a nice income stream for some clubs.

Having said that re: the strengthening? IF Ipswich hadn't suffered the injuries that they did last season, they most likely would have won the title/play-offs... So, in essence, they may not needed to have strengthened....  

The witches management were no doubt aware strengthening was needed. When comparing the teams ‘24 against ‘23 averages there was a distinct drop and you’re not going to win trophies with a falling team average. Injuries somewhat masked the inevitable failings of a side that would have struggled to maintain a potent challenge for silverware. As with previous seasons they have Hawkins in charge and the witches faithful have been very vocal about his obvious lack in getting the best from the team and directing them to the ultimate goal. Will they pull defeat from the jaws of victory as has been their modus operandi of late? I hope so.    https://britishspeedway.co.uk/2024-rider-statistics/ https://britishspeedway.co.uk/2023-rider-statistics/ https://ipswichwitches.co/team_member/ritchie-hawkins/ https://britishspeedway.co.uk/event/sheffield-tigers-v-ipswich-witches-5/ https://britishspeedway.co.uk/24results/leicester_12.09.24_res.pdf  

I don't know; he is not a heat leader, but he did well enough until he became ill.

Inferior stadium really, I’m guessing you haven’t been up lately if at all.