COUGARS management team are expected to clarify the future direction of the club next week following the resignation of several key figures.

Uncertainty currently surrounds Keighley after Neil Cullen and Simon Harrison left their posts as club directors, though the former will remain as chief executive officer.

Club ambassador, former Great Britain and Leeds player Garry Schofield, also left his post at Cougar Park last week.

Online speculation among fans has risen in the absence of recent communication from owners Austria Holdings, who did not wish to comment when approached by the Keighley News.

But it is understood they will elaborate on their plans next week when representatives are available.

In a statement, Cullen said: "We both now feel that this is the correct time to resign as directors as Keighley Cougars are now under full-time management.

"I will remain as CEO and my role will be the link between the Rugby Football League (RFL) and the club for continued progression to anticipated full-time Championship status.

Meanwhile, Harrison added: "We both have enjoyed our involvement with the club but we have our own business interests to maintain.

"We will always give the club our continued support going forward under the new management which we are sure will continue to go from strength to strength.

"I believe that a new management team will be to manage and run the club as a business in order to become sustainable in the future."

In its statement, the club's management team said it wished to thank both Cullen and Harrison for their "long-standing commitment, loyalty and continuing support to the club in the future".

Meanwhile, Schofield tweeted last week: "Just to announce, I am leaving @Cougarmania. I want to thank Simon Harrison and Neil Cullen for the opportunity to work at this great club and to all sponsors and supporters who made my job so worthwhile. All the best for the future and enjoy the journey."

It is also understood Cougars players will be paid by the club today after reports this was overdue.

The Betfred League One side were taken over by Austria Holdings, an off-shore investment company/portfolio, in July and are the club's major shareholders.

This followed Cougars revealing its financial crisis earlier that month.

The Cougar Park club revealed it just avoided going out of business after players’ contracts had been met, their bank balance stood at just £34.23.

It was also looking to raise £45,000 to see the club through for the rest of their season in Betfred League One.

Steve Gill took over the day-to-day running of the club as general manager, in what was a real coup for the club.

The former Castleford Tigers man spent five years at the Super League club.

This followed Gary Fawcett quitting his role as chairman and director of Cougars after 12 years in May.

Players departures already started at Cougars during the close season with the club announcing last night that winger, and last season's top scorer Andy Gabriel, has left to join Championship side Dewsbury Rams. He follows Mike Emmett who left to join League One rivals Hunslet on a 12-month contract earlier this month. 

Meanwhile, Cougars players Davey Dixon and Kieran Moran have been selected for the Scotland train-on squad for the European Championships, which start later this month.