SWINDON-born Darryl Ritchings has lost his place in Premier League outfit Ipswich Witches.

The 21-year-old, who also rides for Birmingham Brummies in the National League, has been replaced at reserve by former British Under 19 champion Oliver Greenwood, with Ritchings saying he was set to leave anyway.

Ritchings had impressed in his first season back on the bike with Coventry Storm in the National League last campaign to earn his place in the league above.

However, the Swindon Robins asset has struggled in the Premier League having failed to record a score of more than four points in any of his nine meetings.

Ritchings, who according to Ipswich missed Saturday’s meeting with Rye House Rockets due to his partner showing early signs of labour the same day, has been wished the best of luck by team manager Ritchie Hawkins, who hopes he will learn from the experience.

“Ollie is coming in and I’ve seen a lot of Ollie,” said Hawkins.

“Two years ago he was going really well and I don’t think he had such a good year last year in the Premier League but I’d have liked to have seen him at Ipswich last season.

“He’s in now and we wish Darryl all the best and hopefully he will come back stronger from this.

“I’ve not got a bad word to say about him and he’s got a great family.

“I hope he gets another shot in the Premier League because he is talented enough to do a job but at the moment the team are struggling and we need to make a change.”

Meanwhile, Ritchings continues to do well for the Brummies, where he top-scored last week with 12 points in their 59-31 win over King's Lynn Young Stars.