Skipper Joe Screen is staying with Eastbourne Eagles.

The former Grand Prix star has ended speculation about his future by signing a new deal with the Sussex speedway squad for the new Elite League season.

Screen, who came back last year from a serious injury which kept him out of action for most of the 2001 season, had been linked with a move to rivals Coventry or Belle Vue.

It means Eastbourne will go into the new campaign, which begins in March, with most of the team who lifted the Knockout Cup and finished top of the league last season.

Former world champion Mark Loram, who was one of the league's most prolific scorers in 2002, will again spearhead the challenge for honours.

Premier League champion Adam Shields, who rode extensively for Eagles last year, is joining the club on a regular basis while also doubling up with the Isle of Wight.

David Norris and Dean Barker are expected to remain with Eastbourne, while Joonas Kylmakorpi is returning to Arlington after one season on loan with Ipswich.

The only new face in the line-up is Swedish youngster Peter Ljung, who will be making his British racing debut at reserve.

Elite League promoters were meeting today for a series of top-level talks to finalise plans for the 2003 season. There are still doubts over Oxford and Kings Lynn being involved.

Big-name moves already confirmed include Leigh Adams to Poole and Carl Stonehewer to Belle Vue, while ex-Eagles Gary Havelock and Paul Hurry have joined Peterborough and Ipswich respectively.