EASTBOURNE Eagles have signed Swedish rider Marcus Andersson.

The capture of the 25-year-old Bysarna star completes the Sussex squad's line-up for the new season, which starts next month.

Andersson has previously appeared for Poole and Edinburgh, but he has not ridden in this country for three years.

Explained Eastbourne boss Jon Cook: "Both his seasons in England were interrupted by injury, so he has never had a proper run in British speedway. Coming into the team as our last man means there will be no pressure on him."

Cook revealed that Andersson came close to joining Eagles five years ago.

"We've known about him for quite a while, and there is no doubt he was the best rider available now on the average we had to work with."

Andersson captained Bysarna to the second division championship last year in Sweden.

He will fill the second reserve berth at Eastbourne behind England internationals Martin Dugard, Joe Screen, David Norris and Dean Barker, fellow Swede Joonas Kylmakorpi and American Brent Werner.

Added Cook: "I believe the team we have put together should give us a good run for the championship and at least be good enough for a top three place."

Eagles will be bidding for back-to-back Elite League titles but have had to release Paul Hurry and Petri Kokko from their championship-winning team to meet restrictions on team strengths.

The tapes go up on the new season at Arlington on March 24 when Eagles meet Kings Lynn in the champions v. cup winners clash for the Premiership Trophy.