Pedersen: Away points are crucial for a play-off push

The Eagles were always impressive on their home shale last campaign but it was lack of points on the road that cost them a place at the top of the table.

Pedersen who is 36-years-old and began his speedway career in 1990 said, “One or two men cannot win meetings we need all seven riders to be scoring points and that will be the key to scoring points away.

“This year we have Mikkel (Michelsen), Joonas (Kylmakorpi) and Cam (Woodward) and these guys can help us a lot in the away meetings.

“We are looking for a real improvement and it’s very important for us.

“We all know how to score at home but if we want to reach the play-offs we have to be able to score on the road as well.”

Pedersen is pleased with the changes made to the team for the forthcoming season and believes the tweaks have made the Eagles a stronger unit. “It looks like a great team. A few of the riders I do not know too much about but I’m sure we can support them and give them a few tips where we can. Hopefully we can make them better which will help.

“It’s early days as yet but we have to target the play-offs. Then later in the season we can see where we are at and assess what our goals are then. But at this stage it’s about reaching the play-offs.”

Pedersen joined the Eagles from the Poole Pirates in 2011. The Danish rider admits he has had other offers from Elite League clubs but didn’t consider moving away from Eastbourne.

He added, “I’m pleased with how everything has turned out since I joined in 2011. There is a good atmosphere down this way and it’s always welcoming. It always feels like I’m coming home.”

The Eagles start their 2014 Elite League Campaign against Birmingham at Arlington Stadium on Saturday March 29 (7.45pm)