FANS at Cougar Park tonight were treated to a Q&A session with a couple of important off-field signings for Keighley Cougars.

Austria Holdings, an off-shore investment company/portfolio, have taken over and are the new major shareholders at the Betfred League One side.

Their representative at Cougars, Shane Spencer, said: "The previous company, Keighley Cougars (2010) Ltd, is still here, we've just taken over the shares.

"The £45,000 debt is in the process of being cleared, we can't fully wipe it yet, but we're just fact-finding and trying to move forward for now.

"We're a big community-based club and we've lost that. We need to get that back and be a sustainable business, focusing on the ground, as that is our main asset."

Steve Gill has also arrived at Cougars, with the former Castleford Tigers chief executive taking over as general manager.

He said: "I looked into the club and I saw it was hurting. I couldn't walk away. I want us to be financially secure and self-sufficient.

"I want us to be up in the Championship and Super League. I'm not here to make friends, I want to produce a club for all of us to be proud of.

"I've been on the phone with some top agents. I'm hopeful that we'll have some players on board by the transfer deadline tomorrow.

"Rugby league are desperate and they could get rid of clubs to save money. We have to make sure we're making a profit and are good for the sport by 2021 and in the top 20."

Discussing how the fans could get involved, Gill added: "We could have a Keighley Cougars Supporters Club. They could meet management, directors and raise money for kit and travel.

"We can start one tonight, and that money you spend goes directly to the team."