Ipswich Witches must look to an out-and-out No.1 star rider to lead the team in 2015.

That’s my view after the Witches disappointing finale to an otherwise successful 2014 year at Foxhall.

So near, yet so far. Plenty of effort, but no trophies.

When the going got tough, many of the Suffolk side just didn’t get going in the play-offs and knock-out cup final. They lacked a star racer to put the fear up the opposition. A star man to hammer home double figure scores on the biggest of nights.

Bring back Ben Barker!

Not likely to happen sadly, after he ended his time with the Suffolk side on a low note, with the Devon-based man not even attending the end-of-season awards in 2013.

But how about Simon Stead? How about Danny King?

Witches No.1 Rohan Tungate has had a terrific year and grabbed his opportunity to take over the No.1 race jacket at Foxhall.

But it’s a huge ask to expect the likeable Kurri-Kurri-based Australian to take all the pressure and add another point to his average in 2015 after the success he has enjoyed this year.

Bring Rohan back please, but it’s an experienced head you need to lead the side, a rider who will hammer home double figures scores in three out of four meetings, week in, week out.

Since the Witches dropped down to the Premier League, only in Barker’s 2013 season did the team start and finish with the same No.1.

The Witches have enjoyed a fine 2014, with an exciting young side that has thrilled the home fans, but they just lack that extra edge to take a step up to the top of the podium.