Eastbourne Eagles team manager Trevor Geer has saluted the efforts of his riders despite their loss in the Elite League Grand Final.

The Eagles were beaten 98-85 on aggregate by Poole Pirates at Wimbourne Road on Monday.

He told BBC Sussex: "I'm still pretty gutted but we almost pulled it off.

"The boys all gave 100%, Cameron Woodward especially. He wrecked two bikes. Cam's been like that all season - he's been a great captain for us."

The Eagles travelled to the second leg with an eight-point lead over the Dorset side.

Geer believes a poor start to the meeting cost them the chance of lifting the trophy for the first time since 2000.

"We were unlucky at the beginning of the meeting when Poole won the toss with the gates," he added.

"It was tough off the outside gates to start with. That's when they got their points back. That's where it was lost really."

Eastbourne can take solace from the fact they may compete in European competition next year, with plans afoot for the sport to launch a Champions League-style tournament featuring the best teams from Europe's top divisions.

It should all be confirmed in the next few weeks. I'm sure the crowds would turn out to see top riders Trevor Geer on the proposed European competition

Geer is a firm supporter of the idea.

"It should all be confirmed in the next few weeks," he continued.

"We could be knocked out in the first round, but if you went through to the final and became European champions, it would be really fantastic.

"Depending on who we get, whether it's a top Polish or Swedish team, I'm sure the crowds would turn out to see top riders."

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