Andy Smith has warned Eastbourne Eagles not to take anything for granted when Elite League basement boys Belle Vue come to Arlington Stadium tomorrow night.

The three-times former British champion has just taken over as skipper of the beleagured Manchester outfit and is relishing his first spell as captain at the age of 34.

"I was surprised when the club made me captain. It's been a difficult year for everyone, but we're getting it together now. We're still a couple of riders missing, but things can only get better from here."

Smith was thrown into the hot seat when former Eastbourne star Peter Nahlin stormed out of Belle Vue after a row over payments.

Said Smith: "I know the promoters felt he let them down, but the riders haven't really talked about it. We've just got on with the job, and the spirit in the team is fine."

Belle Vue scored their first win of the season at the 16th attempt when they overcame Peterborough 47-43 in last week's live TV match.

That victory ended the worst period in the club's history which saw them close to extinction after eight weeks without a home match.

Quite apart from the team's failings, Belle Vue's real worries began when their track was ruled unfit for speedway after it had been damaged by a stock car meeting.

While the Aces are now back in business, the problems have not gone away. Belle Vue boss John Perrin explained: "I've stopped going to the track during the week because every time I go down there I have a row with someone."

Perrin blasted Nahlin, who quit half an hour before a meeting. "As far as riders are concerned, he is the worst person I have ever had to deal with, and I never want to see him again," he said.

His opposite number, Jon Cook, is sympathetic towards Belle Vue's cause but is quick to point out he has never had any problems with Nahlin.

The Swedish star was a firm favourite at Arlington and has twice answered SOS calls from the club, on both occasions helping them to avoid finishing bottom of the league.

Said Cook: "Eight weeks without a home meeting must have been a nightmare for them, but we won't be showing them any sympathy when they come to Arlington."

A lot will depend on how Smith himself performs tomorrow night.

The mercurial England international and Grand Pnx man has often under-achieved at Arlington.

He believes that won't happen again. "I've gone there in the past with the wrong set-up, but I'll be looking to score points on Saturday.

"If I can do that, we should give Eastbourne a match."

The visitors have the Elite League's in-form rider in Jason Lyons, and he rarely fails to hit the points jackpot around the Sussex circuit.

The Australian was unbeatable with a 15-point maximum when Belle Vue gunned down the Eagles at Arlington a year ago, and he has banged in big score after big score for the Aces this season.

Said Smith: "He has been unbelievable. The rest of us just need to find some consistency, and that will come."