CardinalSin

Yes thats true Jules. Anyway fingers crossed that we hear some positive news very soon. This waiting has been hard.

Very interesting stuff Emma. Its not Colin Horton though is it? When you look at some of the clubs that have wealthy backers behind them, and Stuart Douglas mentions a few in this weeks speedway star, its always surprised me that Ipswich haven't had one as without being biased, the club has a bigger hardcore fan base and more potential than most of the clubs that have.

Well the AGM is next weekend so at the very most we'll know what the situation is in just over a week.

Its hard to explain really but i guess my passion for football outweighs my passion for speedway.

Gearhead, Maybe i'm not a true speedway fan, but Premier League just doesn't appeal to me for a number of reasons. Certainly not enough to spend £15 a week on. I also follow Ipswich town football club too, but i'd never say i'd rather us stay in the championship where we can win matches and stay competitive rather than get stuffed by the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea. I'd still want to see the club promoted and see the top clubs at Portman Road and have a go at them. Just as i'd like to see the Witches keep punching in the top flight. As i've already said, one of the big things that bugs me about the Premier League is losing your talented riders. I think its total nonsense to say lets drop down and re-group and build up our asset base, how the hell can you do that in the Premier League? Kings Lynn fans loved Darcy Ward, but lost him after one season. The Rye House fans idolise Linus Sundstrom, but he's now outgrown them and they've lost him. Same Newcastle and Kenni Larsen. It must be so frustrating being a supporter of a Premier League side knowing that your one top talented rider is simply being trained up for his next club in the Elite League. I think its dangerous to think a drop down is the answer. What if the Louis' put together a ropey Premier League side and they struggle in that League too? No sky money to fall back on, still stadium rent to pay, and not much coming through the gate. How much did Edinburgh lose this season? Was it 40k? Birmingham lost money too its been revealed and so have others. At the end of the day the Louis' are running the speedway club and they can do whatever they see fit. If they think Premier League racing is a better bet and thats where they want to go then fair play to them.

I'd give it up mate i really would. I keep reading the "everyone i speak to would return if we went Premier league", well most i've spoken to at Foxhall would find something else to do on Thursday nights if the club went Premier League!

For those that haven't read it, this is today's statement from Chris Louis... Ipswich Witches Director of Speedway,Chris Louis, has issued the following statement on behalf of the club, following last week’s events when a press release about the future of the Witches was withdrawn at the 11th hour. “Since we pulled our press release at the end of last week, quite understandably there have been many rumours about what it was all about,” Louis said. “The bottom line is that things are moving apace and our options are numerous, more numerous than they appeared to be even just last week. “I only want what is best for this club and its fans going forward, and that is why dialogue is continuing with many people. As soon as we are in a position to say more we will do so.”

Reading between the lines i think the press release that was due on Friday before being pulled by the club was to announce their intention to ride in the Premier League. Reading Chris Louis' latest statement today, last ditch efforts are probably being made to keep them in the Elite League. Could be wrong, but thats how it looks to me.

The thought of Premier League racing fills me with dread i'm afraid. Even a really poor Elite meeting can keep me interested until the end to see the likes of Nicholls Vs Andersen in heats 13 and 15. Stachyra Vs Howe/Allen/Lanham just wouldn't do that for me. Really risky move by the Louis' if they've taken the decision to drop i don't think it will be popular at all. Another thing that bothers me about the Premier League is constantly losing any rider with talent and ambition. Rye House are saying goodbye to Sundstrom, Newcastle and losing crowd favourite Kenni Larsen. Kings Lynn lost Ward and so on. Its all well and good saying drop down and build up your asset base, but the problem is, if you don't come back up (and there's every possibility that Ipswich could become comfy there), then any assets worth having will soon disappear anyway!

chris louis is todays evening star "we want the fans to sit down and read it and take everything in" I could be wrong, but sounds to me like they have indeed taken the drop down and the press release will give the reasons why.

It was a pre AGM on tuesday wasn't it so they've obviously learned that either the Elite set up will suit them and its all systems go, or its going to be a 45 point limit leaving them no chance of being competitive and its goodbye Elite and hello premier league.

Work commitments meant he could no longer do the job but that changed and this season he was ready willing and able to do the job again and offered his services, but was overlooked by the promotion. Mistake.

Totally agree especially your point on the presentation. The duo of Bryan Knights and particularly Steven Foster have been an absolute disaster and has contributed to the falling gates imo. Some may say thats a daft thing to say as people go for the racing but the supporters still want an enjoyable all round experience. How good was it last night to have the excellent Kevin Long back on the mic? He's brilliant and must be brought back full time next season.

A very even field and it should be a competitive meeting. King now becomes favourite with Kennett and Shields missing although i'll go for Linus Sundstrom.

Excellent news!!!! I'll definitely be attending now. Kevin has been sorely missed these last 2 seasons. Hopefully this is a sign that he'll be back full time next year!!!!

Many thanks for that Badge. Perhaps he wants Linus to lead our Premier league charge Sounds like we're staying Elite to me and i'm keeping my fingers crossed thats the case.

Big ask i know as he'd cost a fair wedge, but that one signing could change an awful lot of peoples opinions and send out a statement of intent. Did Chris say that on suffolk this week Badge? If so he obviously still has his sights on the Elite league for the Witches. I agree actually. Linus was in top form for the Witches last week and Schramm was impressive on his visits this year. I've a hunch Schramm will be a Witch again next year whatever league we're in. Rory along with Troy Batchelor were both pencilled in to start with and had agreed to ride. But the Panthers cup meeting put paid to that according to Louis last week.

You could argue that Kings recent form is even worse!! Impossible to pick a winner out of this lot. As Badge says very very even field which will hopefully lead to good racing. If it wasn't for his recent injury i'd have picked Slabon as a dark horse as he's been superb around Foxhall since he came in to the side. If i had to pick a winner i'd go for Kennett.

From the official website 1. Danny King Ipswich 2. Robert Miskowiak Ipswich 3. Linus Sundstrom Ipswich/Rye House 4. Marcin Rempala Berwick 5. Adam Shields Lakeside 6. Ritchie Hawkins Ipswich/Somerset 7. Eddie Kennett Coventry 8. Chris Schramm Eastbourne/Workington 9. Ben Barker Coventry 10. Ty Proctor Wolverhampton 11. Travis McGowan Glasgow 12. Chris Slabon Ipswich Go Marcin!

Oh ok thanks Badge.

Anyone heard anything? Where was the line up going to be announced Badge did he say?

I thought this was an absolute cracker last year. The best in years and probably the best line up too. Its different and the sight of 8 riders hurtling to the first bend is a sight i always look forward to. Great fun. Edit: Adam Shields was also announced as riding next week also.

Thanks WembleyLion. I know the Louis' have very high hopes for the lad. We had a glimpse at the Elite pairs where he partnered Adam Shields in the semi after Jonas Davidsson withdrew injured, they were up against Chris Holder and Bjarne Pedersen. He obviously came last but was very much on the pace and looked very quick. Even if Ipswich stay Elite next year i'd like to see him step up and join another Premier League side to continue his development.

Well done to Joe nice to see him progressing well. For those that went tonight and seen him this season in general, does Joe Jacobs look ready for the Premier League? The train of thought is that if Ipswich drop to the Premier League then Joe will take one of the reserve berths.

Considering how utterly crap Swindon were i thought the meeting held up ok. I've seen worse meetings than that on sky this year. I'm sure the comments from Wolves, Poole, Coventry fans stating on here how much they enjoyed the meetings at Foxhall this year haven't gone unnoticed by you Orion