This picture is © Copyright Stephen Waller Ipswich Witches Speedway Press Day 2009 Leigh Lanham (captain)

Leigh Lanham has re-joined Ipswich Witches for the rest of the season.

SPEEDWAY: Leigh Lanham has re-joined Ipswich Witches for the rest of the season.

The 34-year-old, who lives just a stone’s throw away from the Foxhall track, admitted to being “made up” at the opportunity to ride again for his home-town club after his 2009 season with the Suffolk side finished in heartache.

Tonight, he takes part in the club’s Star of Anglia meeting, 7.30pm, at Foxhall Heath, (albeit still as a Rye House rider), before re-joining the Witches next week as one of the replacements for injured Witches, Morten Risager and Taylor Poole.

As well as Lanham, the Witches will use rider replacement in next week’s League Cup meeting with Somerset.

“Do you know what? I can’t believe it,” Lanham said.

“Only two weeks ago, I had no club and was sitting in Chris Louis’ front room as we both wondered what I could do. I had an offer from Plymouth, but it didn’t suit me and my family, with so much travelling. And now this.

“I’m just sad it has taken injuries to Morten (Risager) and Taylor (Poole) for me to gain a place, but I must take the opportunity and I thank Rye House for the opportunity to gain a place in their side too.”

Witches director of speedway Chris Louis said: “I’m thrilled to have Leigh back and, as someone who still feels like a rider, I feel desperately sorry for Morten and Taylor.

“But the club must move on and successfully. We will use rider replacement in the near future until we hear more about Taylor’s arm injury. I’m devastated for the team as a whole to lose such two key riders, but Leigh is a good signing to make.

“He will be with us for the rest of the season.”

Lanham last rode for the Witches in 2009 when he was made captain. But a hand injury finished his season with the Suffolk track and he dropped into the Premier League. There, he has blossomed with Newport, and he joins a competitive Star of Anglia field tonight where picking a winner is difficult. Elite League riders Olly Allen and Jesper B Monberg will both fancy their chances but all the Witches should be in the mix.