Ipswich ‘Sackers’ Witches have a new team manager.

And director of speedway at Foxhall, Chris Louis hasn’t had to look too far to find one – he’s going to do it himself.

Louis will be taking over the manager’s role from Pete Simmons who stepped down earlier this month and he admits he will have plenty to learn.

“To be honest I’ve given this a lot of thought after Pete decided to step down,” Louis said.

“I needed to look at who could do a better job than Pete because there was no sense in just standing still. I like to move forwards and I had a few options but I didn’t feel those options were going to take us forward that much.

“It won’t be an easy job and it will be something I will need to grow into. But I know the club better than most and I’ve stood in on a couple of occasions as manager for Ipswich and Mildenhall, so I know a bit of what it’s all about.”

One of the reasons Louis cited for him taking over the mantle was the continuity within the Witches team in 2014.

“Five of the team this year rode last year, so I’m not having to get to know a lot of new riders,” he added.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Ritchie (Hawkins), the new club captain. He’s a great lad and I hope me and him can bounce ideas off each other for the best for the team.”

New No.1 Ritchie Worrall meanwhile – and reserve Adam Ellis – will both be missing from the Witches big Good Friday double header with Peterborough Panthers because both are required to ride for their contracted clubs, Belle Vue and Lakeside respectively.

It is something many Witches fans had feared and had already picked up on.

But Louis says things are in hand.

“I can assure Witches fans I had guests booked for Richie and Adam on the day the fixtures came out,” he said.

“I was aware of the clash and I could have tried to get our home meeting with Peterborough on the Saturday night. But our fans have become used to a Good Friday afternoon meeting and I wanted to continue that – and hopefully many will travel to Peterborough later Good Friday night to support us.”

The Witches season starts on Saturday, March 22, with the Morten Risager Testimonial.

The first Witches team action is on the following Thursday, March 27, at Foxhall, when Rye House Rockets are the visitors in a League Cup clash.

Meanwhile, track staff signing-on night will take place on Thursday March 6, at Ipswich Sports Club, Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 4NJ. Start time is 7.30pm - Don’t forget to bring a passport-sized photo if you require an official licence.