COUGAR fans have given a massive thumbs-up for a return to winter rugby -- but it could already be too late for next season.

Fans were given the chance to vote during a poll at last Friday night's game against Swinton Lions, and the result of the ballot was clear.

The Cougar faithful voted by over 2-1 to return to playing in the winter months. Their opinions will now be taken to a meeting of the First and Second Division Clubs Association (FASDA).

The organisation has been working frantically behind the scenes to try to secure a terrestrial TV deal for the First and Second Division game. It is understood they have approached Channel 4, Channel 5, the BBC and worked on a deal with Yorkshire and Granada TV which would see the game given a higher profile on television across the north of England.

But officials want to see matches show live on national television to give rugby league the type of profile it enjoyed for decades. Until Sky TV took control the game was as Saturday afternoon institution on BBC1.

"Our aim is to get the game back to a position where everyone in the country can watch," said Keighley director Allan Clarkson.

He will take the message from Cougar fans to a meeting of FASDA on August 26 when a full discussion of the Summer/Winter debate is expected to be one of the main items on the agenda.

"There is no doubt that the opinion of most clubs was to go for a return to winter rugby, but we have to make a decision soon and it could be that time is running out. If we are going to go straight into another winter season the coaches, players and club officials will need to know within weeks," he said.

Cougars have already been making plans for the next season -- whenever it is -- and held a three-hour meeting on Monday to draw up new money-making ideas.

Coach Lee Crooks is also looking to the next season and has warned his players they are playing for a place in his senior squad.

"They have to concentrate on the next game, but they also know that their performance could mean the difference between being given a contract and having to look for another club at the end of the season.

"We know our chances of a top five place have gone, but we want to finish as high up the ladder as we can. Anybody who thinks they can relax will be looking for another club," he said.

n Cougars have joined forces with Keighley Albion to hold junior coaching sessions at Rishworth Playingfields, Crossflatts. Cougar players will be taking part in the sessions for under-11's on Tuesday, and Over-11's on Thursday. The coaching sessions last from 1-3pm.

n Junior teams are to hold a competition before the last home match at Cougar Park, next Friday. Under-9's from Keighley Celtic, Cougar Cubs, West Craven Warriors and Guiseley Gremlins will hold a mini-tournament starting at 6.30pm.

n Training sessions for 7-9 year-olds are being held at Cougar Park on Wednesday, August 19. The skills award session will run from 1-4pm and costs £5. Everyone taking part gets a badge, certificate and a ticket for the last home game of the season.

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