Danny King Backs Ipswich Witches for 2025 Premiership Title
Ipswich Witches captain Danny King is confident his team is ready to challenge for the Premiership title in 2025. With a solid rider line-up, including the return of former world champion Jason Doyle and top scorer Emil Sayfutdinov, alongside newcomer Tom Brennan, King believes this could be their breakthrough year.
Reflecting on the 2024 season, King acknowledged the team’s struggles with injuries, which hampered their title hopes. Despite a valiant effort, they narrowly lost to Leicester Lions in the play-offs with a 92-88 aggregate score. “It was a strange year,” King told BBC Radio Suffolk. “Every rider was injured at some point, which I’ve never experienced in my career.”
Strengthening the Team
Key Additions for 2025
- Jason Doyle: The Australian star, sidelined for much of 2024 due to a shoulder injury, is set to return stronger than ever.
- Emil Sayfutdinov: Despite a crash in August, Sayfutdinov remains a crucial asset for the Witches’ title ambitions.
- Tom Brennan: Signed from the Poole Pirates, Brennan brings championship-winning experience to Ipswich.
King expressed optimism about the team’s improved strength. “Keeping the core riders and adding Tom Brennan makes us possibly even stronger,” he said.
Overcoming a Long Title Drought
Ipswich Witches last won the domestic league title in 1998 and claimed the Knockout Cup in 2023. However, their hopes of retaining the latter were dashed by Sheffield Tigers in a 100-80 aggregate defeat.
King believes 2025 could end their Premiership title drought, emphasizing the importance of Doyle and Sayfutdinov’s contributions. “They’re the league’s top two riders, and having them committed to Ipswich speaks volumes,” King remarked.
Looking Ahead
With injury-free riders and an experienced line-up, the Ipswich Witches are gearing up for a potentially historic season. Danny King remains confident that 2025 will see the team achieve what they narrowly missed in 2024.
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