Richie Worrall will lead the Ipswich ‘Sackers’ Witches in 2014.

The 22-year-old, from St Helens, near Manchester, put pen to paper last night and told Witches fans – “I can’t wait to get going’.

Worrall, who has an average of 8.6 will ride at No.1 and will head a Witches team that hopes to go one step further than last season when their Premier League play-off and League Cup hopes were dashed by injury.

“I know Ipswich’s season all went wrong at the end last year,” said Worrall, who was in the Newcastle side that beat the Witches in the League Cup final.

“But I’m really excited about joining Ipswich. When Chris Louis spoke to me, I pretty well knew straightaway I wanted to join. It wasn’t about money, but about the people down there who have always struck me as so friendly. I really like the place.”

Worrall guested for the Witches against Scunthorpe last year at Foxhall, top-scoring with 13 points. He has only been riding three seasons and started the 2013 campaign on an average of 5.6 – by the end of the year he had upped it by three points – and was on the verge of the Team GB quartet for this year’s World Cup.

“Richie is a very professional rider and I’m delighted he’s joining us,” Louis said.

“I wanted to build the team from the top downwards. I wanted a top No.1 and I’ve got that. Promoting at Mildenhall has taught me you need the right people with the right attitude and are keen to improve – Richie ticks all those boxes.”

Worrall meanwhile is doubling-up with Belle Vue in the Elite League and is hoping to race in Poland. But his eyes are very much fixed on the Witches.

“I never set myself goals and I’m off to Ireland to do a bit of travelling next month,” Worrall added.

“Then, I’ll be back in the new year and I can’t wait to race for the Witches. I can’t wait to get going. I’m genuinely really excited.”

Worrall’s signing means last year’s No.1 Ben Barker won’t be back at Foxhall in 2014, neither it seems will skipper Leigh Lanham who tweeted last night: ‘End of my time at Ipswich. Looking for a new team in 2014’