EASTBOURNE owner Bob Dugard has announced his intention to retire at the end of the season.He wants to see a new, younger promoter take charge of the club to keep the Eagles as a competitive Elite League outfit.

EASTBOURNE owner Bob Dugard has announced his intention to retire at the end of the season.

He wants to see a new, younger promoter take charge of the club to keep the Eagles as a competitive Elite League outfit.

He said: “At the age of 67 I cannot maintain the level of interest required to win leagues. There are too many complications involved for me at this stage.”

Dugard recently indirectly indicated he would take Eastbourne out of the Elite League over some of the allegations thrown at Coventry and Poole this season.

That threat now looks unlikely to happen.