Keighley coach Keith Dixon has denied rumours he is to retire following his side’s title-winning exploits in the Pennine League Championship.

As revealed on the Keighley News website last week, the Rose Cottage outfit were crowned champions without having to play their final match after opponents Nevison Leap indicated in midweek they were unable to raise a side.

The walkover meant Dixon’s team finished level with West Bowling at the top but pipped them to the silverware courtesy of a better head-to-head record.

Now the former Cougars player wants to see Keighley become established in the top flight.

He said: “A few people have been asking me if I’m retiring but I don’t think it would be the right thing to do.

“I want to help the club hold its own in the top league and not become a yo-yo team.”

Dixon (pictured), who was entered into the Cougars Hall of Fame last year following 14 seasons with the club during the 1980s and 90s, used to coach Keighley Albion in the Pennine top flight.

The 46-year-old said: “It’s a very good standard with the likes of Sharlston, Slaithwaite and Queens. It’s very competitive for any budding rugby league players who wants to play at a high standard other than professional.”

Dixon revealed the club will be running a second team next season and is looking to expand his pool of players.

He said: “Hopefully we can attract some players into the club. Maybe there are some lads who’ve played pro before and want to see if they can still hack it.

“I’ve heard a few rumours (about new players) but until I see people walk through the door, I’ll take them with a pinch of salt.”

The league title is the club’s first silverware since Keighley Albion and Keighley Town joined forces, along with Keighley Cougar Cubs. While delighted at such an achievement within just two years, Dixon admits he wished the club could have clinched it in style.

He said: “Being given a walkover was a bit of an anti-climax. It didn’t feel right. If you win something, you’d rather do it with a bit of glory but Nevison were supposed to play Westgate before us and Westgate couldn’t raise a team either.”