BluPanther

Hilton, 55, a retired police officer from Felixstowe, has taken over the responsibility of team manager from Brian Messenger. A Witches fan of more than 40 years, there is one thing he hopes his young chargers can do – and that is be competitive – not just at home, but also away. “Over the years the Witches have always been a good home side, but they have also always been competitive on the road,” he said. “Ipswich were always good opponents wherever they went and I don’t want to see heavy defeats on the road next year. It’s not acceptable and the riders are just too good.” Indeed Hilton has nothing but praise for the team he is set to manage and thinks they can win the Premier League. “The team Chris Louis is putting together is an exciting one and one that is capable of winning the league,” Hilton said. “They’ve been knocking on the door for a few seasons now, cup finals and play-offs. “Next year is the time for them to grab the opportunity to really go for it. “I will want all the team to go out and express themselves. I don’t want them worrying about the opposition. “And I don’t want them thinking can they win? I want them always thinking how many are they going to win by.” While many will see it as a surprise appointment, Hilton is not concerned, and having been used to leading and managing teams in the police force, he knows his job is to quietly and effectively manage a speedway team he is convinced is capable of being Premier League top dogs. “The best team managers in speedway are not always ex-riders,” Hilton added. “I can’t hold a light to what gearing the riders use or how to ride the track. But they are the riders, not me. It’s up to them on the track. I will get them prepared off it.” And Hilton reserved praise for Witches 2015 No.1, Danny King. “Danny is a lovely lad but more than that he is a superb rider. He’s as good as any rider in the Premier League,” added Hilton.

How exciting....

Phil Hilton, ex copper and Trimley Tigers cycle speedway rider.

It is Friday. However, wont Ipswich get priority unless Coventry have made him an asset ?

Nicki Barrett .. 103 rides 100 pts 14 bonus pts GSA 3.88 Ave. 4.43 If that's his best, i hope he doesn't have a bad one next year....

Yes indeed, i worded that wrong. At least i know what i meant...

Be interesting to see who young Adam rides for in 2015. Boro and Somerset would have been good for his career, possibly Sheffield, and it's a shame he cant be a Panther as he looks very impressive at the Showground. Still believe his omission from the 2015 team is a mistake, if indeed he was available...

7.44 i believe.. Unlikely to have both Lambert and Kerr because a quarter of Elite Lge teams also ride on a Friday. Prefer Lambert myself, but either would be a good call..

1. OSTERGAARD 8.00 2. FISHER 7.89 3. BLACKBIRD 6.30 4. POOLE 6.05 4. T.KURTZ 5.96 6. ROYNON 4.78 7. GREENWOOD 3.12

I''d rather stay at home and suffer Eastenders tbh...

There you go then, problem solved. No one would moan about a quid, would they ???

7.26 according to the Panthers website...

Looks very good at the Showground, but if he goes with Lakeside again he wont be a Panther. An absolute no brainer for me that he lines up again as a Witch in 2015. Could easily add two points on his average next year imo..

I don't think any blame can be aimed at the fans that attend every meeting at the Showground. Also, many fans are probably in no position to help financially, i'm sure if they could they would ....

Not until Panthers declare they are running

The Fast Track System is dead, long live the Fast Track System.... BSPA

Well said jrs ...

5.24 i believe..

Adam Roynon - 9meets 37rides 60pts 8bonus pts 6.49av ex bonus 7.35av inc bonus Adams 9 meetings at the EOES were not too shabby...

1 Lawson 8.22 2 Ostergaard 8.00 3 Blackbird 6.30 4 Poole 6.05 5 Todd Kurtz 5.96 6 Roynon 4.78 7 Greenwood 3.12 Total.... 42.43

If that's true, he is destined to always be a big fish in a little pond...

It was always going to struggle with no Panthers in the League, it's like the World Cup without Brazil ...

I would go with Worrall, Heeps, Manzares and Ellis. Not sure about Hawkins on his average, but Tungate and Risager will not entice me to Foxhall again next year. Danny King is a must imo...

Weather looking fine for tomorrow, so nothing to stop the Witches racking up a healthy lead ...

I'm not sure Ward would learn anything even if he spent two years at Oxford University, apart from the way to the campus bar..