Eastbourne Eagles fans might need reminding they are supposed to be supporting the riders wearing the red and blue helmets at Arlington Stadium tomorrow night.

With two of their favourite riders, Mark Loram and Dean Barker, leading the charge for Arena Essex in the season's curtain-raiser, and plenty more Eastbourne connections in the Hammers line-up, it's easy to see why some fans might find their loyalty stretched to the limit.

The winter departures of Loram and Barker were not popular among the Arlington faithful, something the club must have anticipated since the riders left in somewhat cloak and dagger circumstances with no announcement coming out of the club.

Eastbourne's loss is already being seen as Arena's gain in Lakeside Shopping Centre country.

Spokesman Alan Sargent said: "We have picked up a lot of supporters, including new season ticket holders, and many of them are from the Eastbourne area. There has been a lot of comment along the lines they would rather see Mark Loram than Nicki Pedersen."

The loss of Loram and Barker, of course, is linked to the sport's peculiar system of rider control. Loram was effectively sacrificed so that Eagles could retain Pedersen. Barker went instead of David Norris, who has been named as captain.

Over the years, Eastbourne have probably maintained a greater consistency than most teams.

The fact that Barker, Norris and Martin Dugard were the hub of the team for many seasons bucked the trend.

This time the merry-go-round has allowed Eagles to keep Joonas Kylmakorpi and Adam Shields as well as Pedersen and Norris, but there is a wind of change blowing through the sport and through Arlington.

Team boss Jon Cook said: "It's an exciting time for speedway. I think this is the most eagerly awaited Elite League season for many years. The number of teams has increased to ten and there are plans to increase that to 12.

"New rider gradings have made team selection more flexible and I think we can look forward to perhaps an unpredictable but exciting season."

Cook believes Eastbourne have the nucleus of a team to compete at the highest level, but he is under no illusions about the task facing the new-look Eagles.

"This is a young team. We have got the average age down from 29 to 24. The riders are extremely motivated but I don't see this team starting the season like a train.

"I think it will be a steep learning curve but we believe we have a set of riders who are capable of showing improvement in every position."

What Eastbourne cannot afford is a repeat of last year. Having topped the league and lifted the cup the previous season, the club got it spectacularly wrong last time round when they failed to even make the play-offs.

So far as the fans are concerned, the jury will no doubt be out on this year's wheeling and dealing until the season begins to take shape.

The opening skirmishes, however, might go a long way to setting the mood and that means tomorrow's dust-up with Arena and the return at Purfleet next Wednesday are arguably more important than just a challenge affair aimed at blowing away the cobwebs before the serious stuff starts.

Tomorrow's match is being hailed as a clash of brothers.

While Eastbourne's challenge is spearheaded by world champion Nicki Pedersen, Arena have drafted in Pedersen's elder brother, Ronni, as a replacement for injured former Eagle Paul Hurry.

Sargent said: "Although they get on well together, there is no love lost between them on the track, and I think you can expect the sparks to fly."

Off the track, there is another clash, with Elite League newcomers Arena being guided by promoter Ronnie Russell, brother of Eastbourne promoter Terry Russell.

The Hammers are skippered by Horsham-based three-times world long-track champion Kelvin Tatum, while Josh Larsen and the sidelined Hurry are also former Eagles.

While Eastbourne line up in orthodox fashion, the visitors are taking advantage of the new rule which allows a third heat leader to ride in any position by naming Polish ace Greg Walasek at No. 2.

Eastbourne: Nicki Pedersen, Ulrich Ostergaard, David Norris, Joonas Kylmakorpi, Adam Shields, Peter Ljung, Edward Kennett.

Arena Essex: Dean Barker, Greg Walasek, Josh Larsen, Ronni Pedersen, Mark Loram, Leigh Lanham, Kelvin Tatum.

The start is at 7.30.