Ipswich Witches have released two riders and brought in replacements in an effort to counter their continuing struggle in speedway's Elite League.

Olly Allen and Carl Wilkinson have left Foxhall while Chris Slabon and Kozza Smith have been added to the roster.

Slabon last rode with the Witches in 2002 and team director Chris Louis says he is a great addition.

"He hasn't done too many meetings this year but did win the Welsh Open at Newport," Louis told BBC Radio Suffolk.

The Witches boss added that he was excited to team up with Smith who was supposed to join the Witches last year, but suffered an injury ahead of his move.

A break and a change of scenery will do both these guys the world of good Chris Louis

"He's desperate to move on and feels Ipswich can help him," Louis said. "It's worth giving both these guys a try with next year in mind."

The Witches are in a poor vein of form and have been at the foot of the Elite League table for a large part of the current campaign, but Louis praised his outgoing riders.

"Carl (Wilkinson) has been struggling with his machinery and it's a shame to see Olly (Allen) go.

"It hasn't worked out for him and he can't put his finger on why. His confidence is low and I think a break and a change of scenery will do both these guys the world of good."

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