Ipswich Witches 2025

[Arch Stanton]

I think there is improvement in Emil personally. Averaged 10.10 in 2023, this year 9.12. He struggled with engines both here and in Poland and couldn’t get to the bottom of the issues until mid season. 
 

Finally got going and then it was normal service resumed. Because of that he dropped a point off his average. There’s improvement there. 

[ouch]

1 hour ago, Aries said:

Thompson in particular will add a point as an absolute minimum, due to being on a 25% reduction. He’s also back at reserve rather than at number 2. Brennan will be riding in an easier position than he was at Birmingham where let’s be honest, he was carrying the team until Freddie arrived. He won’t get near the 1 or 5 berth with Doyle and Emil in the side. Expecting big improvement from both, as well as Rew. 
 

I don’t really understand Col’s point about lack of improvement in Doyle or Emil either. Of course they won’t, and they’re not expected/needed to. They’re points scoring machines, they do what they do at the top of the team on a consistent basis. It’s the younger riders lower down that you want/hope for improvement from, and we have that. 

Up to July Tom rode seventy odd percent of his meetings as a second string, adding just under half a point to the average he left us on whilst riding in the same positions. He then more than held his own at number five adding another 0.19 to his average. Not big numbers but still impressive improvement imo. 

I hope the witches fans don’t get on his back if he’s not banging in the big scores as they do but instead get behind him. With the correct backing he can push on. 

[Arch Stanton]

😁

[blue witch]

Great start to team building😍

[Arch Stanton]

https://ipswichwitches.co/2025-signing-emil-sayfutdinov/

[89buttons]

And just like that I’ll be there every week irrespective of the other 6 names on the team sheet!

[MP78]

Fantastic!!  Not just for the Witches, but british speedway - Excellent news!

[GeneralMelchett]

Great to see and also what a great way to annouce it - the Witches Facebook page said it would be a big week this week too!

[szkocjasid]

21 hours ago, mikebv said:

Won the league but not convinced they would have won the play offs..

With Bewley, Kurtz and Lidsey on the form they were in this end of season I would have fancied the Aces to keep within 12 or so at Ipswich...

And then given the Witches their usual beasting at the NSS...

You can't win the league without winning the play-offs lol! I know what you mean though.

We'll never know what would've happened, Witches would've been on a high & could've gone better at the NSS, but injuries happen in sport. Belle Vue deserving Champions, would Witches have won with Doyle & Sayfutdinov - maybe!

[Badge]

2 hours ago, Arch Stanton said:

https://ipswichwitches.co/2025-signing-emil-sayfutdinov/

And that's why we love him. So so pleased he's back 🥰

[one of clubs]

Great news, it is always a delight to see Emil ride.

[TTT]

Great to see Emil back.

Loved Emil's words in the PR, He is determined to win the league with Ipswich and he's not going anywhere until he does it.

Those aren't the words of a guy who's half asked and only in Britain to top up the bank account.

100% dedication from Emil.

[Col]

7 hours ago, Aries said:

Jury is out on Dan Thompson and Tom Brennan being on an upward trajectory? You’ve gotta be kidding here surely??

For next year, yes, for reasons previously stated with Brennan although not being at #5 for most of the year will give him as easier final programmed ride.  Not seen enough of Thompson to be convinced, although not being an RS is extra pressure.

[AceBelle]

4 hours ago, Arch Stanton said:

😁

Great for British Speedway 👏 

[Bald Bloke]

6 hours ago, Arch Stanton said:

https://ipswichwitches.co/2025-signing-emil-sayfutdinov/

Top job. Great for speedway in this country. 

[szkocjasid]

4 hours ago, Col said:

For next year, yes, for reasons previously stated with Brennan although not being at #5 for most of the year will give him as easier final programmed ride. Not seen enough of Thompson to be convinced, although not being an RS is extra pressure.

How is there extra pressure, he's on a 3 point average, but was averaging above that in the top 5 last year?

Besides anyone in a team with Doyle & Sayfutdinov shouldn't feel any pressure knowing they'll be scoring the bulk of the points, add in possibly the strongest RS & I'm assuming an fast improving Brennan & Rew - I can't imagine anyone in the Ipswich team feeling any pressure.

Edited 14 hours ago by szkocjasid

[Fromafar]

Top Guy Emil.

[Goldhawk]

I met Emil after British GP at Cardiff around 12 years ago in the services on M4 on way home.

He was having some his well earn't dinner and having narrowly missed out on winning the GP earlier.

Came over to him and had quick thumbs up consoling him on not winning and said he should have won the meeting. 

The guy took time out from what he was doing and chatted to us and had some photos with us.

He is not only a brilliant Speedway rider , he is a brilliant person too.

He surely should have been a multiple World Champion by now.

Great to see him back next year. 

Emil is a Top Man !! See you next year Emil.

[Col]

4 hours ago, szkocjasid said:

How is there extra pressure, he's on a 3 point average, but was averaging above that in the top 5 last year?

No protected rides. Can be replaced by any other rider, not just another RS if form dips 

[ShanoXtra]

One word. Loyalty! Got to love and respect Emil for what he has given to Ipswich, on and off the track. Doyle must love riding with him, looking over his shoulder or following him over the line knowing they’ve done it again. For me, probably biased but, line Emil and a Doyle up against any other top two and I’m confident we come out better 9/10!