Club Statement

We feel it is appropriate to release a statement regarding the situation currently at Keighley Cougars



There have been reports given regarding the non payment of wages over the last few months, however this information is incorrect reporting.



The players have received payments as detailed since the club has been in the hands of the new owners , a. payment in August , 2 payments in September and a payment in October



This means the players are owed 1 months salary which is due to be paid at the end of November together with the bonus’s which is in line with their RFL contracts



Please note this is all documented in our accounts and bank statements



The Coaching staff have hereditary debt with the Cougars and meetings have taken place with each person to implement a proposed payment schedule.



The payment plans will be executed and cleared by the end of 2018



As a club we are moving forward. Steve Gill is working tirelessly with the RFL to bring the club out of special measures , however the club was already in special measures at the time the new ownership took place



We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the hereditary creditors who have stuck by the Cougars through this difficult time and it is envisaged that all the creditors will be cleared by the end of 2018 , enabling Cougars to move forward into the new season



Whilst formally giving thanks , it is very important to issue a massive thank you to all the staff and volunteers for all the hard work , time and input they have given together with the in wavering support they have provided during this difficult time at the club



We feel the meeting due to take place tonight will be unproductive at this time as we need to move the current situation forward and to put the business on a sustainable path. The meeting will be re arranged at a more appropriate time



It is vital that the formulated business plan continues to make the club totally sustainable and build foundations both for the present day and for the future of the Keighley Cougars

The only problem with only being able to put a makeshift team on the field is the fact that fans will not pay £15 to watch us get beaten more often than not.

Without a competitive team on the field I fear the crowds will drop to around 250/300.

It will then take someone with real money to come in and start building a team to get some supporters back.

Quote ="Mr Hicks"The only problem with only being able to put a makeshift team on the field is the fact that fans will not pay £15 to watch us get beaten more often than not. Without a competitive team on the field I fear the crowds will drop to around 250/300. It will then take someone with real money to come in and start building a team to get some supporters ">back.'" I know what you mean but there can also be the opposite effect, where a backs to the wall mentality, playing against the odds etc actually brings out the pride and fight in the fans. It's hard to predict, but when we (Bradford) reformed after liquidation, we knew with that squad and a points deduction, that we'd lose plenty and be relegated. But perversely this brought the fans together. But I would hope that if you can wrestle yourselves away from unscrupulous people, that the rest of us will try to help you out as they did for Feath and Leigh. I know Bradford aren't your favourites but I'm sure we'd reach out to help if there was a constructive way to do so.

Quote ="Mr Hicks"The only problem with only being able to put a makeshift team on the field is the fact that fans will not pay £15 to watch us get beaten more often than not. Without a competitive team on the field I fear the crowds will drop to around 250/300. It will then take someone with real money to come in and start building a team to get some supporters ">back.'" I know what you mean but there can also be the opposite effect, where a backs to the wall mentality, playing against the odds etc actually brings out the pride and fight in the fans. It's hard to predict, but when we (Bradford) reformed after liquidation, we knew with that squad and a points deduction, that we'd lose plenty and be relegated. But perversely this brought the fans together. But I would hope that if you can wrestle yourselves away from unscrupulous people, that the rest of us will try to help you out as they did for Feath and Leigh. I know Bradford aren't your favourites but I'm sure we'd reach out to help if there was a constructive way to do so.

Everything seems to have gone quiet these last few days, don't suppose anyone has an update?

Think Brendan Rawlings has left.

If a team is assembled for next season and is put together by Austria Holdings I'm afraid for the first time in 50 years I will not be stepping foot inside the ground.

Although we don't have a big support it does mean a lot to quite a few family's and individuals and this company seem hell bent on spoiling it for them.

We won't have a team if Austria Holdings/ Shane Spencer remain in charge, it's well documented at this point they/he has no interest in rugby league. The only hope is some kind of takeover, and the clock is ticking. If their is a group of supporters trying to take control as is rumoured they need to get it completed soon while there's still time to put some time of squad together.