Ipswich Witches promoter Chris Louis says his riders ‘don’t need me to say anything’, as they go in search of KO Cup glory at Foxhall Stadium tonight, 7.30pm.
The Suffolk side have to make up four points on Peterborough Panthers to bring back to Foxhall the first domestic team silverware since the all-conquering Witches of 1998 won the treble.
Louis was part of that team that year. He bleeds Ipswich Speedway but will prepare no big ‘pep talk’ for his side tonight.
“They don’t need me to say anything,” he said.
“They know what is required. All season they have ridden their hearts out for the club and I’m very proud of them all.
“We’ve had injuries and riders have come in, guests have helped us out and all of them have given their all.
“This is about the ones out there now.
“They have ridden with a passion all season. I will be so proud and pleased for them and the fans if they can pull it off. They deserve it.”
Schlein is missing tonight with local lad Scott Nicholls, who rode for Peterborough in the first leg, coming in to replace the Aussie.
“Bringing Scott in wasn’t an easy decision,” Louis said.
“I know he wants to see Ipswich do well, so that’s not in question, it was just the idea that he was riding for both clubs in the final, having ridden for Peterborough in the first leg. That didn’t sit well with me.
“But this is about the club.
“It’s about all those people who put so much into Ipswich Speedway, volunteers, fans, riders. It’s what’s best for the club.
“The club is more important than anyone.”
Foxhall should certainly be packed again tonight, just as it was for the Championship play-off final against Sheffield last month.
And Louis knows the tie is far from over.
“We still have to make up four points and it’s a cup final, so they are coming to Foxhall wanting to win,” he said.
“But I know Ritchie Hawkins, who has been such a superb team manager, will say the right things.
“I’ll leave the rest to the riders, as I said, they know what is required.”
Big meeting prevew here
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