TOBI Kroner today issued a message to the management of Ipswich Evening Star Witches: “Give me a team place next year and I will come up with the goods.

By Elvin King

TOBI Kroner today issued a message to the management of Ipswich Evening Star Witches: “Give me a team place next year and I will come up with the goods.”

The 21-year-old German, who is likely to start the 2007 speedway season with a 3.0 average, added: “I know I can lift my average up to around 4.50 by the end of the campaign.”

Kroner, who made a big impression after coming into the Ipswich side half-way through this year, is expected to join Mark Loram and Chris Louis as certain Ipswich starters.

He said: “It was not always easy last season, coming to a new club and riding different tracks.

“Next year I will have better equipment and be able to do a better job.

“I am not interested in riding for any other teams - or leagues - in England as I feel I can learn so much from both Mark (Loram) and Chris (Louis).”

Kroner has already been tipped as a future German rider in the Grand Prix series, but he says that is a long way down the road.

“First I want to make a name with Ipswich, and plan only to ride in the English and German leagues in 2007,” said Kroner, who recently underwent a foot operation after suffering a fall in his final meeting of last season.

He is due to have more surgery as the problem has still not been solved, but he is confident of being fighting fit by next March.

After a four-week break to re-charge his batteries, Kroner, who has a small-sized track within yards of his German home, is now working four days a week as a lorry mechanic using Fridays to work on his fitness.

Louis, the Witches rider/manager said: “We have been in contact with Tobi and he fits in with our plans.

“No deal has been completed yet, as putting together speedway teams is a numbers game and you have to watch out for all eventualities.

“But there is no doubt Tobi has what it takes to become a very good rider.

“He surprised a lot of people last season and at times showed how good he is going to be.”

Louis says that confirmation of a 2007 signing - or two - should follow soon, but he was quick to point out that none of the names being mentioned to strengthen the Ipswich squad had come from any official sources.

“We are working hard, but it all has to be kept hush-hush until the signings are confirmed,” he added.