TWO Ipswich Witches speedway stalwarts will be back steering the club through home meetings at Foxhall Stadium this season.

With press and practice day for the new season only a week away, Suffolk supporters of the shale sport are getting excited at the prospect of the tapes going up.

And none more so than Kevin Long, who will be back on the microphone after an absence of two years.

He was replaced by BBC Radio Suffolk presenter Steve Foster, who has decided to stand down because of increased work commitments.

And with fellow BBC Radio Suffolk’s Bryan Knights hanging up his microphone, former Witches co-promoter Mike Western will share the presenting duties with Long, who is a chef at Trinity Park by trade.

“It should be an exciting season and I’m looking forward to my return,” said Long, who admits that he lost much of his enthusiasm for speedway while Ipswich were going from one rather hum drum Elite League season to another.

“Having the club now in the Premier League and assembling such an attractive team was certainly one of the factors in my decision to return.

“As far as I could see everybody was losing their enthusiasm for Elite League racing, but now I’m sure we can look forward to plenty of exciting times at Foxhall Stadium again.

“And you have to give credit to the management for taking the decision to ride in the Premier League and for putting together a team that looks as though it will provide plenty of thrills.”

From his convoluting rider introductions to his quick wit, Long made a big impact when previously having the role and few will forget Shane Parker once being taken to throwing a bucket of water over the presenter.

Long is also a life-long Witches fan, and he is set to be one of the liveliest customers when Ipswich fans stage three weekend 2011 tours plus their annual trip to Cardiff for the British Grand Prix.

“It’s great to have them back,” added Long.

“And I hope Witches supporters will show their faith in the team and in the management’s brave move to another league by following their team on their travels.”

Details of the first trip are already available taking in the league meetings at Somerset and Newport on April 8 and 9.

A coach will leave Ipswich at 12:30 on Friday April 8 with an overnight stay in Newport.

The cost per person is �80, which includes coach travel plus bed and breakfast with a minimum of 40 people required.

Further information can be obtained from Chris Ellis on 01473 333131 or 07833 596535.