Boss demands no slip-ups in Birmingham curtain raiser

Three league points, no slip-ups and no mistakes . . . those are the simple demands of Eastbourne Speedway team boss Trevor Geer ahead of Saturday’s opening Elite League match at Arlington against Birmingham.

Geer is telling his Lifestyle Eagles that a convincing win is a must against last season’s table-toppers.

He said, “I will make it crystal clear to our lads that we are out to win the league this year and go on to take the title in the play-offs.”

He has warned the side they must be on top of their game from the moment the tapes go up in heat one and then ensure they dominate proceedings.

“We have a good run of early-season matches and we must win these and get points on the board. It sends team morale soaring and we know it gives supporters the vital feelgood factor. “

Both the Eagles and Birmingham have undergone a number of changes this year.

In the home camp, Simon Gustafsson and Lukas Dryml have gone while Timo Lahti is a temporary replacement for the injured Kim Nilsson.

As with all Elite League clubs, the reserves are brand new – the result of the “draft” system to advance British riders.

Lewis Blackbird and Danny Halsey fulfil that role for Eastbourne.