BOB Dugard has revealed how a modest-scoring Eastbourne rider of the past helped the club sign one of the world's brightest young stars.

Simon Gustafsson impressed plenty of observers in the stand and, judging from comments on the internet, those watching on television as well as he helped Eagles win at champions Coventry on Monday.

Yet the 17-year-old Swede might have been riding for the home team without the efforts of Olli Tyrvainen, a Finn now based in Rustington, West Sussex.

Tyrvainen rode for Eastbourne in 1980 and again in 1982 and now works as export manager for the Dugard family's successful machine tools business.

He put a word in for Eastbourne when they identified Gustafsson, son of former Sweden star Henka, as one to watch last season.

Both Gustafssons were concentrating on their own domestic league at the time but Simon rode several meetings for Eastbourne once the Swedish season had finished and bonds forged in that time meant he was happy to return to Sussex for his first full Elite League campaign this year, despite interest from Coventry.

Dugard, co-promoter at Eagles, said: "We did our homework fairly well on Simon. Olli telephoned Henka for me originally because they know each other very well.

"Olli suggested the best thing was for Simon to come here because we would treat him like family, which we have done.

"That got things going for us. He didn't do enough meetings at the end of last year to become an Eastbourne asset.

"I know Coventry were desperately trying to get him to go there but he stayed loyal to us. He enjoys the environment here.

"His performance at Coventry really pleased me. He's only 17 and he didn't really know the track but he showed he could really get amongst it.

"His pedigree is fantastic. His father was one of the most natural speedway riders.

"His style was very much like Kelly Moran, who had unbelievable balance.

"Now Simon is showing maturity way beyond his years. You always feel confident when he is out in front that he will be sensible."

Tyrvainen averaged 3.75 and 4.91 in Eagles teams which finished in the bottom half of the table.

Such is the growing fuss around Gustafsson, however, the Finn might just have made a bigger contribution to the cause than he ever achieved when riding.

Dugard said: "Olli works for me and is a bigger success in business than he was in speedway. He is very intelligent. He speaks six languages and also has a tremendous sense of fun."

Much to their frustration, Eagles have no fixture this weekend due to the Elite League Pairs at King's Lynn.

Lee Richardson partners top scorer Scott Nicholls in a bid to bring the trophy to Eastbourne for the first time.

Nicki Pedersen broke the club's drought at what are now called SuperSeven events in the Elite League Riders Championship by winning it while on loan at Eastbourne in 2005 and 2007.

Pairs and Fours titles, however, have evaded the Sussex club, be it in the top flight or the old second-tier National League.

Richardson believes the current duo can change all that.

The former Swindon man has a good record at bigger circuits which bodes well as Eastbourne swap tight 275-metre Arlington for the super-fast 342m Norfolk Arena.

Nicholls, who is confident of overcoming bruising to his right hand in time for the meeting, practised at King's Lynn in pre-season.

Richardson said: "I know Nicki won the Elite League Riders but Eastbourne haven't won the Pairs for I don't know how long.

"It would be nice to win it. I think the way we are riding we've got as good a chance as anyone else there.

"It's a big grippy track which will suit me and I think will suit Scott as well."

The Polish Ekstraliga gets under way this weekendwhich is why the Pairs could not be held on Sunday. Eastbourne wanted it staged last Sunday.