Keighley Cougars' poor start to the new season - which has seen them lose their first four league games - has resulted in coach John Kain being replaced.

Sunday's 50-12 defeat by Dewsbury Rams persuaded the board to act.

And after a meeting last night they decided to relieve Kain of his coaching duties and offer him another role at the club as a football development officer.

Cougars are keeping tight-lipped about their new man but the two favourites to take over are former Castleford coach John Joyner or his old Wheldon Road prop Lee Crooks.

Cougars will also announce the appointment of a chief executive with football secretary Ray Garlick lined up for the position.

Kain, who guided the troubled Cougars during the period they were in administration was refusing to comment on the developments.

But director Alan Clarkson said: "We felt it was time for a change. This season is not irretreivable but something had to be done.

"John Kain has worked wonders in difficult circumstances.

"Obviously he is upset but this move was necessary and we are delighted he is staying at the club."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.