GARY Fawcett believes Cougars’ profitable close-season recruitment drive offers emphatic proof they are more determined than ever to win promotion in 2016.

And he has urged supporters to get behind the team in numbers after a reduction in season-ticket prices for next year.

Paul March’s side have suffered two extremely difficult seasons after being relegated in controversial fashion at the end of 2014 before an agonising loss to Swinton in last month’s Play-Off Final.

Off the field, March’s squad battled through adversity following the untimely death of popular playmaker Danny Jones in May.

Despite remaining stuck in the third tier, chairman Fawcett and the club’s board of directors have handed March the funds to make an array of impressive new signings.

March’s squad is taking shape nicely following the arrival of brothers Darren and Richie Hawkyard, former Bradford Bulls youngster Vinny Finigan and Hull KR duo Sonny Esslemont and Aaron Ollett.

Fawcett said: “After the desperate failure to gain promotion in what can only be described as a traumatic season for all at the club, the board resolved to make more budget available to ensure promotion next season.

“We are very excited about the new-look squad, where we have retained the players we wanted to retain for the campaign next season, and we have also brought in some experienced quality players.

“We have signed the Hawkyards from Swinton and some young high performers from Super League clubs such as Aaron Ollett, who played for Hull KR 17 times last season.

“We think the blend of high-quality youngsters and experienced proven performers will prove too much for the other sides next season. I sincerely hope we are proved right.”

Having cut season-ticket prices, Fawcett emphasised how important the backing from fans is in their promotion bid.

He said: “This campaign cannot be won on the pitch alone and we urge the town of Keighley to get behind Keighley Cougars.

“To this end, we have reduced season ticket prices to £129 for adult ground access and £69 only for concession ground access.

“Under-17s are completely free for all league matches in 2016.

“This represents a bargain as the owner of a Cougars season ticket will be experiencing some high quality, exciting sport for very little money per match.

“I urge everyone to take advantage of this astounding offer.

“Furthermore, a special mention must be made of the businesses that have supported and continue to support Keighley’s biggest sports club.

“A big thank you to A1 Stairlifts Services, G Moore and Company, Airedale Shopping Centre, the Percy Vear, Clever Energy Boilers, GMB Union and the Roebuck to name but a few.”

Meanwhile, Cougars have confirmed the departures of Jordan Aitchison and Chris Watson.

Aitchison, who rejoined the club in 2012 from Bradford, has followed Ben Stead in making the move to Hemel Stags.

Watson has been released from his first-team contract and has returned to the amateur game with Bradford-based West Bowling.

*Cougars’ opening league game next season against South Wales Scorpions on March 6 will take place at Virginia Park in Caerphilly. Keighley have visited Virginia Park on one previous occasion, falling to a shock defeat during the 2011 promotion campaign.