FANS favourite Oliver Wilkes looks set to leave Cougar Park after being lured over the Pennines by Leigh.

The Lancashire club is already claiming victory in the race to sign Wilkes, but Cougar coach Gary Moorby declared: "He is still signed to the Cougars and will remain our player until his contract runs out next month.

"Leigh have offered him a deal we cannot match at the moment, but there is still time for someone to come forward and offer to help sponsor his contract."

The Keighley club was also less than happy with the way Leigh had approached the young player without contacting the Cougars.

Wilkes, from Cumbria, moved to Cougars from Huddersfield and had been with Sheffield before the two clubs 'merged' in a Super League deal. He began as a hot-headed player who gave away as many points as he scored but has matured throughout the last season.

His tremendous spirit turned him into a real crowd pleaser.

"He has moved to live in Keighley and he loves the club. There is still a chance we could keep him, but the club needs help from the local business community," Moorby said.

But even if the forward moves on, the club intends to retain most of the senior squad and is also looking to strengthen the side after being approached by a number of players since winning promotion to Division One.

"I have one or two irons in the fire, but until the deals are sealed I cannot reveal any details."

Moorby flew to Spain for a family holiday on Monday, but is keeping in close touch with the club while he is away. "I will be trying to get a quiet holiday, but will have my mobile phone at my side," he said.

He was with players as they took an open-top bus celebration ride through Keighley and met fans in Town Hall Square.

Keighley Mayor Cllr Nancy Holdsworth said:"You have done a tremendous job putting Keighley on the map - I hope you have continued success."

In an emotional farewell to fans Jason Ramshaw thanked them for their support over 11 years at the club. "Winning promotion has been a dream ending to my career -- and I have enjoyed every moment."

The club has been given a £50,000 grant to help with safety measures at the ground. At first the money had been put on hold because there are only a few years to run on the Cougar Park lease with the Co-op. The agreement expires in 2009 but an agreement has been reached to allow the grant to be paid.

"It is tremendous news for the club, now we want to press ahead and sort out the long term future of the ground," said club chairman Neil Spencer.

n The Cougar Dice draw paid out a bumper £2,500 jackpot last week and is being given an extra boost in the run up to next season by organiser Julie Walker.

"Everyone can support the club with just £1 a week and payments can be made by standing order. We also need agents who can earn extra cash for themselves," she said.

Season ticket discounts of 10 per cent have been extended until the end of November, a passport size photograph is required. Contact the club on 01535-213111.