KEIGHLEY Albion have announced their open age coaching team for the 2020 season, with former Bradford Bulls and Keighley Cougars prop Richard Moore now joined on the staff by Dean Buckler.

Buckler has a wealth of off-field experience, having previously coached in Australia, at the Newton Jets and Northern Bulldogs.

Closer to home, he has worked at Kippax, and in the National Conference League with Stanningley. Buckler has also coached at professional side Sheffield Eagles, with their Under-23s team.

The new man will be present at Albion's pre-season training tonight, where around 40 open age players are expected to participate.

With the interest and demand currently, the club is in strong negotiations to introduce a second team, with news on this to follow in the coming weeks.

Keighley Albion chairman, Richard Dibbin, released a statement about the appointment of Buckler.

He said: “I am delighted to have this fantastic partnership on board at Keighley Albion.

“It’s a real statement of intent of how we are planning our open age team moving forward and where we are striving to be.

“With Dean bringing a wealth of experience coaching Australian and National Conference level rugby league, added to Richard Moore’s Super League and professional experience, it is exciting times and a real privilege to have them both here at Keighley Albion.

“I can't wait for the season to start now and see how this young team develop under these two great coaches and I am sure they will be a successful open age team this year in the Yorkshire Men's League.

“Rugby League in Keighley is certainly on the up, with record numbers attending Keighley Albion each week, from the youngest age of four years old all the way through to open age.

“The start of this season is seeing very high numbers attending the open age pre season so with this in mind, we have decided we are intending to enter a second team into the Yorkshire Men's League, which again is a real statement from this great club and a real statement for rugby league in the town.”

If you want to attend the men's open age training, both first and second team squads train on Wednesdays at Keighley Rugby Union from 8pm. People of all abilities and experience are welcome.

The first team have also announced their first friendly of the season, on February 15 away to West Bowling's second team.

BY ROB SPENCER