Ipswich Witches team manager Pete Simmons says speedway's Elite League is in need of a new lease of life.

The Suffolk side have been the worst performers in the league this season.

And Simmons told BBC Radio Suffolk: "I think there's going to have to be some changes, it's not just sour grapes because we're bottom.

"There's a lot of clubs looking to up the tempo of the league. You could possibly increase numbers, a nine-man league is never easy."

Simmons' thoughts on a possible expansion echo those of Witches director of speedway Chris Louis.

We'll be looking for a rostrum finish from them two. This is one step down from the seven-man team to a two-man team, so we're hoping for big things from them Pete Simmons on Elite League pairing Scott Nicholls and Danny King

"You talk to someone outside of speedway about finishing ninth and they're probably thinking we finished mid-table," he said.

"But unfortunately, with the size of the Elite League at the moment, that is bottom."

The sense of disappointment around the Witches' season was increased with defeat at Eastbourne on Thursday.

The 50-42 loss means Simmons' men will end the campaign without a point on their travels.

They have the opportunity to secure some success on Saturday, however, when Foxhall Stadium hosts the Elite League Pairs with Dany King and Scott Nicholls riding for Ipswich.

"We'll be looking for a rostrum finish from them two," said Simmons.

"This is one step down from the seven-man team to a two-man team, so we're hoping for big things from them."

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