Jon Cook has ruled himself out of an immediate return to Eastbourne Eagles.

But the former Arlington chief, who is now enjoying success with their rivals Lakeside Hammers, has promised to give any help he can in finding a new promoter.

Cook left Arlington in late 2006 after 13 years at the Sussex track and quickly teamed up with owner Stuart Douglas to perform a major overhaul of Eagles’ old foes from across the Thames.

Cook and Douglas have made a host of changes since going in at perennial strugglers Arena-Essex, including a new name, improved team and revamped marketing.

Their rewards have been bigger attendances and places in the finals of both the Elite League play-offs and Craven Shield this season.

Meanwhile, Cook’s old boss Bob Dugard is left looking for a fourth co-promoter in two years after Martin Hagon announced he would leave the club at the end of this season.

Dugard has made no secret of the fact he would love his old colleague back.

However no contact has been made between Eastbourne and Lakeside and it would appear to be a waste of time Dugard making any sort of approach.

Cook still lives at Shoreham Beach but insists he has no intention of rejoining the Sussex outfit.

He said: “I’m happy at Lakeside. I am under contract for another year and if a longer-term deal was put in front of me I would sign it.

“At the same time, I would be very sorry to see Eastbourne in trouble.

“I would offer them any help I could to continue in a fruitful way.”

Cook’s successors Bob Brimson and Hagon have both pumped money into Eastbourne during their time at the track.

However Dugard says the new man would not necessarily be expected to follow suit.

In fact, the right candidate could expect to draw a salary of up to £50,000 a year in return for keeping Eagles among the title contenders in the Elite League and bringing in more fans.

Cook took Eastbourne to league and cup honours but, in a somewhat precarious sport, insists his greatest triumph was ensuring there was never any doubt the club would still be running the following season.

Dugard this week admitted he would love to bring in “another Jon Cook” but said such figures came along once in a lifetime.

Cook said: “I’m totally flattered by Bob’s comments but I am extremely happy where I am.”

Dugard remains committed to Elite League speedway if possible, rather than dropping into the second-tier Premier League.

However he believes significant changes to the team line-up are inevitable.

He said: “To get the sort of team I would like we would need to have a major shake-up.

“Perhaps we should bring in a few more determined characters.”

Dugard also appears keen to keep hold of Lewis Bridger, who scored eight points as a late call-up to the Elite League Riders Championship on Thursday.

He added: “I believe Lewis is the best young talent in speedway at the moment. He just needs to act that way.

“Martin maybe shares that view but doesn’t think the talent could ever be got out of him. But you get that with people with that talent. They are not easy to contain.”

Eagles skipper Lee Richardson has already revealed he could quit Elite League speedway at the end of the season.

The current line-up still have a chance to redeem an underachieving season when they meet Poole in the Knockout Cup final.

The first leg takes place at Arlington on Saturday, October 25 with the return at Wimborne Road the following afternoon.