TOBI Kroner has issued a message to the management of Ipswich Witches: “Give me a team place next year and I will come up with the goods.”The 21-year-old German, who is likely to start the 2007 season with a 3.

By Elvin King

TOBI Kroner has issued a message to the management of Ipswich Witches: “Give me a team place next year and I will come up with the goods.”

The 21-year-old German, who is likely to start the 2007 season with a 3.0 average, added: “I know I can lift my average up to around 4.50 by the end of the campaign.”

Kroner, who made a big impression after coming into the Ipswich side half-way through this year, is expected to join Mark Loram and Chris Louis as certain starters.

He said: “It was not always easy last season, coming to a new club and riding different tracks. Next year I will have better equipment and be able to do a better job.

“I am not interested in riding for any other teams - or leagues - in England as I feel I can learn so much from both Mark and Chris.”

Kroner has already been tipped as a future German rider in the Grand Prix series but he says that is a long way down the road.

“First I want to make a name with Ipswich, and plan only to ride in the English and German leagues in 2007,” said Kroner, who recently underwent a foot operation after suffering a fall in his final meeting of last season. He is due to have more surgery as the problem has still not been solved but he is confident of being fit by next March.

After a four-week break to re-charge his batteries, Kroner, who has a small-sized track within yards of his German home, is now working four days a week as a lorry mechanic, using Fridays to work on his fitness.

Louis, the Witches rider/manager said: “We have been in contact with Tobi and he fits in with our plans.

“No deal has been completed yet, as putting together speedway teams is a numbers game and you have to watch out for all eventualities. But there is no doubt Tobi has what it takes to become a very good rider.

“He surprised a lot of people last season and at times showed how good he is going to be.”

Louis says that confirmation of a 2007 signing - or two - should follow soon but he was quick to point out that none of the names being mentioned to strengthen the Ipswich squad had come from official sources.

“We are working hard but it all has to be kept hush-hush until the signings are confirmed,” he added.

n Witches season tickets at Foxhall Stadium for 2007 can now be purchased. There will be a saving on last season if tickets are bought before the end of January.

Tickets bought after February 1 for the 2006 Sky Sports Elite League campaign cost £300. Next season's tickets cost £295 for adults and £235 for concessions.

From February 1 2007, this figure goes up to £320 and £260, with match-night programmes included in the price.

Tickets can be bought in person at Foxhall Stadium between 10am and 1pm on Saturday, December 16 or by post by sending a cheque made payable to Ipswich Speedway Promotions, a stamped addressed envelope and a passport-style photograph to Ipswich Speedway, c/o 7 Penshurst Road, Ipswich IP3 8QZ.

Stand seats for next season can be guaranteed by a payment of £15.

The annual meeting of the Ipswich Witches Supporters Club takes place at Kesgrave Social Club, Edmonton Road, Kesgrave on Tuesday, December 19 at 8pm. Witches promoter John Louis and rider/manager Chris Louis are both expected to attend.