Seven-time British champion and Ipswich-born Scott Nicholls has admitted he would have loved a return to Foxhall this season.

The 38-year-old former Witch, who has ridden for the Foxhall Heath-based club for nine seasons on and off, between 1995 and 2010, is a huge fans’ favourite.

His return would have been well received but with a points limit of 40 for team-building and with British champion Danny King a shoe-in for the Witches’ No.1 race jacket, Nicholls could not be accommodated – both riders boasting nine-point plus averages.

“I’m gutted I couldn’t get a place in the Witches team this year to be honest,” Nicholls said. “I would love to have returned.

“I spoke to Chris Louis about it, but I know it was always going to be difficult to fit me and Danny King in the team.

“It would have suited me well, as I’m riding in the Premiership with Rye House, so to double up with Ipswich would have been perfect.”

Nicholls, who, away from speedway, has gained a level three personal training qualification, admits the Witches look good on paper and he will be surprised if they are not near the top of the table come the season’s end.

“Chris has put together a very good side,” Nicholls said.

“Danny is obviously a solid rider and in Rory Schlein and Kyle Newman Ipswich have two riders who I think are on false averages.

“Newman was brilliant in the Elite League play-offs last year and I’ve know Rory for a long time, he’s a quality rider.”

Having ridden for Belle Vue for the past three years, Nicholls is this season racing in the Premiership for new boys Rye House, who have made the step up to the sport’s top tier.

“They are a very professional set-up and I’m looking forward to racing with them,” Nicholls added.

“Certainly I’ll be travelling a lot less and I’ve been impressed with everything about them.”

Meanwhile, Louis said of Nicholls’ interest: “Danny King has led the team superbly the last two seasons. He’s British champion and only if he couldn’t, or didn’t want to, ride for us, would I have not gone straight to him again this season.

“Yes I spoke to Scott. It was never not wanting him, far from it. But I could never have fitted him and Danny in the team with the points limit available.”

Meanwhile, Louis confirmed that season tickets, still on sale, have been going well.

“It’s been very positive and after a couple of seasons where they have dropped, this year they are up and there is still time for fans to purchase them,” he said.