CardinalSin

Not too much wrong with the Rye track IMO. Not the best out there certainly and it IS a bit on the narrow side, but there are definitely worse tracks around. I'd actually like to see a televised meeting at Leicester to see whether the 3 times I've been have been a total fluke, as I'm sure they must be judging by the comments of the regulars. On two visits I've seen a good entertaining meeting, and the third wasn't great, but wasn't particularly bad either.

He'll need an air fence in the PL too from next season won't he?

Worrall would be a decent choice, would love Fisher he's box office at this level but highly unlikely for many reasons. One of the Leicester boys maybe, possibly a return for Doolan? No longer a number 1 but his average now reflects that. Club Asset so if money is a little tight this winter he could be an option. The first bit of business the promotion need to do though is tie down Cameron Heeps to a new contract for next year, he's a must in any league scenario. I fully believe he's capable of challenging hard for the number 1 race jacket next season. Amazing what has been achieved there in such a short space of time, with more work due this winter I believe. Anyone visiting Foxhall for the first time in a few years would hardly recognise the place. The "Foxhole" jibes have been well and truly put to bed!!

As in calling riders to guest when he inevitably gets injured? I agree, and he wouldn't be my choice either, but I just have a feeling it'll happen. Really not sure who I fancy at 1 to be honest. Barker looks doubtful and it looks like Cook and Doyle maybe missing the PL next year. Possibly Worrall maybe the best of the rest. If Leicester go Elite, there's a few there that will be up for grabs. Bjerre? Doolan!? Not as number one's, but 2nd/3rd heatleader maybe.

Same as the 16 lapper no show then! More than likely seen the last of him. I have a hunch Olly Allen will be number 1..

From the look of the team photo on the official site from the dinner and dance, it looks as though Barker didn't attend that either. Almost certainly looking for a new number 1 next season I'd say.

To be fair, this year's team just missed out on finishing 1st in heat 15 of our final meeting, pretty good really! Only injuries at the wrong time saw us flop in the play offs.

Ritchie Worrall is available as he's ruled out a return to Newcastle. If Barker doesn't return does anyone fancy him as a replacement at number 1? Would give us just under a point extra to play with as well. Olly Allen also available on just over 8 as Rye have ruled him out also.

Yep me too. Tungate and Heeps at reserve would do nicely.

Great news I'll certainly be subscribing.

Seeing as Schramm travelled, with all his equipment, the Ipswich promotion must have known at some point in advance that Barker wasn't going to be there. They just didn't bother to tell the fans that the main attraction was going to be absent..

Without even checking, that's way way over the current points limit.

Nah not for me ta.

Well he must have come back today then as he's down to ride tonight in the individual at Coventry.

The top three in the League this year all had the three strongest number one's in the League in Cook, Doyle and Barker. If Barker doesn't return as one or two are speculating, then I think it's vital another strong number 1 is signed to replace him.

Not the most inspiring line up it has to be said. It used to be the opportunity to try a new rider or two out but no longer it seems. It must be tricky getting riders to sign up for this nowadays though to be fair. As bruv has said above, used to be sponsored by the daily Mirror and I'm sure the prize money attracted the best. With riders now riding so many meetings, do they really fancy a marathon individual event at the end of a long season, on more than likely modest (If any) prize money? Things just ain't like they used to be!

I think Ellis should take heart from Heeps' progress this year. Both riders similar age and both predicted to have good careers ahead of them. Heeps in his first year last season averaged 4.40 and found things tough at times just as Ellis has this year, with Ellis averaging a similar 4.25. But Heeps has progressed superbly this year upping his average to the near 7 point mark. Ellis should take heart from that and it will definitely help having a years experience under his belt at PL level. How much he ups 4.25 remains to be seen, but up it he will I've no doubts about that.

No sign so far.. http://www.ipswichwitches.co/index.php/home Barker R Worrall Doolan Hawkins Doyle Risager Howarth Tungate

Fingers crossed from my point of view. Obviously things need to fall in to place for it to happen I should think, but a return to the top flight is what I'm personally hoping for.

He has been, and probably been better the previous couple of seasons. It's just this year he hasn't been at his best by his standards. I still don't think Foxhall suits him as he never really got to grips with it all season long. A long way off his home form for Plymouth last year where he went unbeaten by a visiting rider for what seemed like months. I'd still like him to stay mind!

Cam and Rohan?

Rosen will be nailed on Newcastle surely? They brought him over and he's done well there. Would be shocked if he rides elsewhere. I'd personally like to find our own Rosen and take a punt ourselves. Lots of talent out there.

He'll go with whoever offers him the best deal.

Well we did, and for more years than I care to remember. And we only dropped down a division because we didn't have a major team sponsor, which we now have. Who knows Baldy, but I agree with Catch22 something needs to breath new life in to the Witches because things seem to have gone very stale. I can see positives and negatives for both Leagues if I'm honest, but again It's the clubs in the top flight that I miss riding against.

Well we didn't rebuild last season did we? We used our own assets and borrowed others. If that was the plan then it hasn't really happened asset wise. A lot depends on the top flight set up, but If it's a set up in which we wouldn't be able to be competitive then we wouldn't make that jump. Only Louis will know if he can assemble a competitive top flight team. I know bruv has stated in the last few days that he's enjoyed this year and been entertained, but I've got to be honest I've found this season pretty boring and I'm losing interest fast. I'm hoping for news that will reignite my interest but each to their own.