Former Eastbourne skipper Lee Richardson has revealed he was offered a last-gasp chance to stay at Arlington.

Richardson will spearhead a strong-looking Lakeside Hammers outfit next term after being snapped up by their ex-Eagles boss Jon Cook.

As at Eastbourne last season, Richardson will be riding for the Essex club on a loan agreement from Swindon Robins, who cannot fit him into their average limit after retaining big-scoring Leigh Adams.

Richardson had a re-think on plans to quit the Elite League when he realised he could be short of meetings.

Eastbourne were among the clubs he could have joined, even after Davey Watt was given the No. 1 spot when it initially seemed Richardson would not be racing in England.

But he revealed a move by Arlington chief Bob Dugard to bring him in as part of a re-shuffle after Edward Kennett put in a transfer request came too late.

The Hastings-based racer, who skippered Eagles to their first honour in six years when they lifted the Knockout Cup in October, said: “Everything was being based around not racing in England with the amount of bikes and vans I was running.

“I had a long chat with (sponsor) Martin Hagon, my wife and (manager) John Davies and decided to stay in England as well as riding in Poland and Sweden.

“I got quite a few offers. I spoke to Bob and told him I would like to come back to Eastbourne.

“After the Edward Kennett thing fell through I heard from him again.

“With my reduction as a British rider and without bonus points my average is quite handy “I rang Bob and said it was too late. I had done a deal with Lakeside and, logistically, it’s not too bad for me going up there.

“I had a long chat with Jon Cook. They seem to want to go forward .”

Richardson also hinted Eagles might not have the financial clout to compete for top riders.

He said: “Money has got a bit to do with it as well. Bob was cutting back.

“I only spoke to Bob roughly about money but we didn’t really get fully into it.”

Former Eagles star Scott Nicholls is among the big-name Grand Prix riders who have opted not to race for an English club next season.

Richardson, whose bid to move back into the GP circus met with failure at the final qualifying hurdle, said: “If you look at people pulling out of Britain, they aren’t going to chase money.

“It’s just so difficult to race in three leagues.

“There are a lot of meetings in England. Yes, the money’s not as good but it’s also inconvenient with different race nights.”