THIS has been one of my toughest - and most exciting - weeks as a coach.

I hate to think what sort of a phone bill I have run up trying to get hold of new players, but on the pitch we have seen some real progress and the start of a new era at the club.

WHAT a performance from the lads against Hunslet on Sunday, and what a result. You couldn't write a script with an ending like Karl Smith's last-gasp try.

I think he was helped over the line by everyone of the Cougar fans stood on the terraces.

Believe me the fans can all give themselves a massive pat on the back, the reception that the players have had over the last three games has been absolutely overwhelming.

The support from the local business community has also been brilliant at a time when it has been most needed.

WEDNESDAY'S game against Whitehaven was also a cracker, we were the best team for 30 minutes of each half, but just did not get the bounce of the ball.

I believe in judging a team's performance, not just the result and the improvement that has been made in just a few days is remarkable.

We are now getting the basis of a group of players not just to finish the season, but to give us a solid foundation for next season and for the years to come.

Paul Ashton from Rochdale, 20-year-old Andy Richardson who has had Super League experience with Huddersfield and local boy Craig Morphet, who has signed after his trialist spell with Hunslet were really impressive.

We could spring a few surprises in the weeks to come and after the trials of the last few weeks anything we get is a real bonus.

MATT FOSTER has returned from Sheffield and will be running out with the first team for the first time in quite a while and I also hope to have at least one more new face in time for the match at Dewsbury, but my one big hope is that we come through without injury.

We then have two weeks off which will give us time to put in some tough training sessions, and we should also have some of the injured players back in time for the game against Sheffield.

Hopefully Stuart Calvert will be back together with Nathan Antonik, Wainwright and Craig Horne.