THREE down, four to go.

THREE down, four to go.

That’s the scenario as Leigh Lanham today became the third Ipswich Witch to be a confirmed starter in the 2013 team, following on from the signings of Ben Barker and Adam Ellis last week.

Lanham ended 2012 with an average of 6.9, after coming into the Foxhall Heath side following the opening week Anglian Cup clashes with Rye House.

He stayed at No.1 throughout and has done enough to convince promoter Chris Louis he is worthy of a starting place in 2013 – the Ipswich-based racer immediately firing a positive message to the Witches’ management: ‘I’ll be your captain’.

The Witches ended last season without a skipper after Kevin Doolan was released by the club mid-season and no rider wanted to take on the job.

In the end it was left to team boss Pete Simmons to captain the side.

However, with Lanham in from the start next year, he’s happy to take the task on.

“If the captaincy was offered to me, I wouldn’t turn it down,” the 35-year-old said.

“It’s great for me to be back next season. I finished the year strong, Ipswich are the club who own me and the one I have always wanted to ride for.

“I’ve spoken to Chris Louis and I know pretty well what the team will be. “It’s exciting and I can’t wait to be part of it.”

IN today’s Ipswich Star newspaper . . . Lanham on Ben Barker

And Lanham on his hopes for 2013