The popular Aussie, who was voted Eagles rider of the year in 2006, will return to Arlington as Lee Richardson and Scott Nicholls depart.

Promoter Bob Dugard said, "The deal with Dave is all agreed and that is fantastic news for the club. Dave has always been popular here and I'm sure he will do well for us once again next year.

"The team is really starting to take shape and once we get the Lewis situation resolved, we will be there."

The Lewis Bridger situation could see the controversial Bexhill rider leave Arlington with Poole Pirates or Swindon Robins his most likely destination.

Dugard added, "We wanted to keep Lewis but I think he is being steered by outside influences.

"We have tried to speak sense to him but he is a young man and sometimes it's hard to get through to him and show him what's best."

Watt will join up with fellow Australian and good mate Cameron Woodward in the Eagles pit-lane. Edward Kennett is expected to complete a new deal this week and Swedish rider Simon Gustafsson has told Dugard he wants to stay.

Highly-rated Finnish teenager Appe Mustonen and Uzbekistan born Sergey Darkin have also committed themselves to the Eagles' cause for the 2009 season.

Trevor Geer and Bob Dugard will continue as team promoters. Martin Dugard has been offered a co-promoter role and is expected to make his decision this week.

Meanwhile, Eastbourne Eagles legend Dave 'Wildman' Norris is on a short list of two to become the next Great British speedway team manager.

Norris, 36, has not raced since the 2007 season and has since re-trained as an electrician. He has an interview scheduled at the BSPA headquarters in Coventry on December 5.

He said, "The sport needs a good shake up and I think I could do that. I have lots of ideas to put forward and we will have to see where it takes me.

"It would be an honour to do it for my country and I'm going along to see what the job entails."