Lee Crooks believes that whoever replaces him as coach of Keighley Cougars takes charge of a team capable of challenging for the Grand Final play-offs later this season.

The former Great Britain international parted company with Cougars after just 13 months with the club saying no successor has been lined up.

Crooks and Keighley have come to an agreement on the remainder of his contract which was due to expire in November.

Cougars slipped to their fifth league defeat of the season at Leigh on Sunday but Crooks stressed they were just six points adrift of fifth place with a game in hand.

He said: "It has come as a bit of a shock because I thought we had come through the sticky period. But I will take the decision on the chin and there is no animosity.

"I spoke to the players last night and told them they should stay positive and focus on the game with Lancashire this week. What I do believe is that whoever gets the job is going to take charge of a team on a solid footing.

"I believe the side is only two players away from being a top three side. And the existing side is still capable of getting into the top five.

"When I arrived last season, the club were bottom of the league and we turned that round. The club are much more professional now with better training procedures and preparations."

Alliance team coach Frank Punchard will take charge of the side for Sunday's home game against Lancashire Lynx with director Allan Clarkson saying Jason Ramshaw will also have an input as captain.

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