EDWARD Kennett has signed for Championship Oxford – but he won't be joining Premiership Ipswich after all.
The Cheetahs announced the experienced Kennett as a 28-day replacement for Erik Riss on Monday but within hours of that move, the Witches revealed they would be performing a U-turn and not proceeding with their own deal with the experienced 39-year-old. Instead, Swede Philip Hellstrom-Bangs has been declared fit after his recent illness and will return to the Ipswich side for Thursday's match against Sheffield. Witches chairman Richard Coleman said: “Had we gone ahead with Edward’s signature, it would have ruled Philip out of the team for the full 28-day period. “Given that he has now been absent since the beginning of May, we are keen to help him resume racing as quickly as possible to ensure he is in the best possible form for the crucial summer months and has time to get accustomed to the Premiership tracks. “We signed Philip in the belief that he could be a real trump card for us at reserve and we still believe there is plenty more to come from him this season. “We were also somewhat surprised that Edward did not take the opportunity to practise at Foxhall last week and missed a further opportunity at Lydd on Sunday. This prompted us to reflect on the move." Meanwhile, Oxford boss Peter Schroeck said: "Erik’s progress to full health is slow and very frustrating for both parties. After much discussion, Erik is on board with our decision as he wants the best for us as a club, and it gives him more time to recover. “Edward’s decision to make a comeback to racing is no surprise to me. We are very excited to give him the opportunity to join Oxford Cheetahs and we know he will give his best efforts to the club.”
