COUGARS have promoted media manager Josh Chapman to a new head of operations role.

Chapman has become an important asset behind the scenes at Keighley, helping to improve the club's media profile and boost sponsorship.

Chairman Gary Fawcett said: “Since Josh joined us nearly five years ago, he has become a real asset to myself and the club.

“Our communications through the press and social media channels has increased and improved massively and we now can boast one of the highest number of Twitter followers outside of the Super League. The past two seasons have seen our programme sales increase beyond recognition.

“He originally took over the marketing side of things this past season and helped increase our sponsorship numbers with our community sponsor scheme. He has now taken on more roles on the administration side of the club and will be assisting myself in improving the match-day experience for supporters.

“Josh will also be at the disposal of head coach Craig Lingard and the players should he be needed and will be based at the ground four days a week, increasing to five once the season is back underway in January. He will also be continuing his media duties too.

“Josh has been of interest to a club in a higher division than ourselves and this doesn’t surprise me given the hard work he puts in for the Cougars.We’re delighted he has agreed to stay on and remain with the club on a full-time basis.”