Riders battle to keep Sullivan

Leicester Riders are seeking the support of local businesses to help them retain the services of Great Britain captain Drew Sullivan.

Sullivan, 31, joined the Riders on a week-to-week deal after leaving last year’s champions Mersey Tigers, and has impressed for Rob Paternostro’s side.

He will lead the Great Britain side at the 2012 London Olympics, and the club is hopeful that his stature will encourage local businesses to get involved and help keep him at the John Sandford Centre.

Riders GM Russ Levenston told the Leicester Mercury: “I have had a number of reasonably positive discussions with local businesses, and remain very hopeful we can get something done.

“Andrew is being very patient but there will be a number of clubs throughout Europe who will have him on their radar.

“This time of the season is when clubs start making changes, so we recognise we need to get something done soon.

“Andrew likes the general situation at Riders, and Rob and the team, and so is being very flexible.”