FROM the days of Magda Louis and Tomasz Gollob to the new signing Marcin Rempala - the Ipswich Witches have long established links with Poland.But today, the Speedway club has taken it a step further by offering Polish translations on its website.

FROM the days of Magda Louis and Tomasz Gollob to the new signing Marcin Rempala - the Ipswich Witches have long established links with Poland.

But today, the Speedway club has taken it a step further by offering Polish translations on its website.

In time for the 2007 season, translated news stories are now available so Polish fans can keep tabs on the progress of the Witches, particularly Polish riders Robert Miskowiak and Rempala.

The idea was the brainchild of Slawomir Mikos , the agent and manager of Rempala.

Mr Mikos offered a translation service through his company.

Ross Padwick, who runs the website, said: “We have launched the Polish translations as a way of reaching Polish fans.

“Obviously with two Polish lads in the team we do get a few visitors from Poland on the site.

“They are keen to see how the Polish riders fare in the Elite league.

“The club is also keen to attract Polish people living in the area to come along to Foxhall and hope that having Polish translations on the website might help in that respect as well.”

News of the new Polish link to Ipswich comes just days after The Evening Star revealed Ipswich Buses now employs five Polish drivers and has taken delivery of six buses made there.

The Witches say Ipswich has “strong links” with Poland but is also hoping to attract new European fans, and is considering getting Swedish translations as well.

Witches Rider/manager Chris Louis said: “I feel it's an important step for us. As a club we have traditionally had strong links with Poland and we feel that this is a good initiative.

“It will enable Polish fans to be able to understand how their countrymen are faring over here, as sometimes things can get lost in the translation.

“We are delighted to have Slawomir onboard helping us reach new fans in Poland.”

Polish translations are available for all major news stories on the site and plans are underway to expand it to the rider profiles and other areas of the site.

All the pages with translations will be identified by a Polish flag.

Weblink:

www.ipswich-witches.com

n What are your memories of Polish riders riding for the Witches? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk