By Rob Binns
Ipswich ‘Tru7 Group’ Witches captain Danny King is back fit and ready to challenge for the 2025 ROWE Motor Oil Premiership title.
King, who is returning for his 16th year with the Witches, fractured his hand in two places last April and had an operation to insert two plates which caused him discomfort on the bike for the remainder of the season, but he is much improved now.
He said: “Always excited to be back at Ipswich! A very frustrating year last year for me and the team but on a personal note it was hard work. I’ve been very fortunate with injuries throughout my career and unfortunately, last year wasn’t one of those.
“I managed to get in early with the surgery, we got it done before Christmas which was always the goal. It gave me plenty of time to recover and it’s feeling good I must admit, it’s certainly feeling a lot better than last year. I’ve been out on the bike a few times now and I feel really comfortable. It’s a big weight off my mind moving forward.”
King is one of six returning riders from last season and feels maintaining a similar team is important. He is also looking forward to riding with Tom Brennan who comes into the middle of the Ipswich order alongside the skipper and Adam Ellis in the only change from 2024.
He said: “I think the team we had last year was good, we were top of the league most of the year before unfortunately the injuries got the better of us towards the end and we really struggled. For the majority of the season, we managed to still keep our noses at the top of the league and perform on track which is always difficult when you’re having all the riders out injured at some point.
“I think it’s important that we kept the nucleus of that team which we have, and I’m really pleased with Tom coming in. I’m a big fan of Tom and I think he’s going to be a great asset to the club. We get on really well me, Tom and Adam, I’m not sure which formation the team will be in but I’m happy to ride with either of them guys. We all get on well and we’ve got good chemistry which makes a big difference when you’re riding together on track.”
The captain is desperate to win Ipswich’s first league title since 1998 and spoke of how he believes the team is ready to finally get over the line.
He said: “I think we are! I’ll be honest I think we were ready last year, but injury was the issue. This year, if we avoid that, we’re going to be there at the end and we’re going to have a good chance.
“It’s my dream [to captain a league-winning Ipswich team]. It’s my dream to do before I retire! We were close two years ago, I thought last year was going to be the year but hopefully, the third time is the charm.”
On a personal note, King insists despite his injury struggles last year he feels no different to any other season and doesn’t need to change anything.
“I was happy with the way the 2023 season ended, and I was happy with the way the 2024 season started. Unfortunately, that early injury to my hand really set me back and obviously never really fully recovered. It was frustrating but in terms of equipment I’m happy with what I’ve got and where I’m at and it’s down to me now to hit the ground running.”