Two switches for the Witches

Nicholls comes in for Hampel and Batchelor replaces Swiderski

Last updated: 3rd July 2009

Nicholls: Returning to Ipswich

I would like to apologise to all my fans at the club and around Britain but my health and career must come first.

Jarek Hampel
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The Ipswich Witches have unveiled Scott Nicholls as their replacement for Jarek Hampel this season.

The Witches have acted quickly to find suitable cover for the Polish GP star, after Hampel made the decision to drop the Sky Sports Elite League for the remainder of the campaign, citing the British Speedway Promoters' Association's decision to change the play-off system as the final straw.

"I have never made a secret of the fact that I find it difficult to commit to all three major leagues and maintain my best form," he told the club's official site.

"I have been struggling with a virus over the last three weeks and when the BSPA decided to move the goal posts mid-way through the season as far as the play-offs were concerned I decided it would have to be Britain that I dropped.

"I was very disappointed when I heard the news as it has changed the strategy and opportunities that were there for all the clubs, right or wrong you cannot make such a change in the middle of the season.

"I would like to apologise to all my fans at the club and around Britain but my health and career must come first."

Local favourite Nicholls has, therefore, come in on loan from Coventry as cover, but that is not the only personnel change the Witches have made.

Young Australian rider Troy Batchelor, who was on table-topping Swindon's books earlier this season, has also joined the club in place of the struggling Piotr Swiderski.

Both riders could now make their debuts for the Witches at Poole on Wednesday.