Desperate Barry Eaton is urging Cougars fans to dig deep to help their cash-strapped club sign new players.

The player-coach has launched the Barry Eaton Players' Fund in a bid to improve chances of bringing fresh faces to Cougar Park.

The Squadbuilder organisation set up last year has now folded, leaving Keighley having to pay the wages for winter recruits Greg Nicholson and Chris Redfearn.

With the Cougars winning just one of their opening seven National League Two fixtures, Eaton is striving to strengthen his struggling squad.

But attempts have failed recently with rival clubs out-bidding them for the likes of Neil Lowe, Adam Hughes and other targets.

Cougars, who visit York on Sunday, are trying to bring in new sponsors and increase match attendances, which enable the club to run, but the introduction of the Barry Eaton Players' Fund means the boss will have a set budget to finance much-needed recruitment.

Eaton, who was involved in the Squadbuilder at Batley Bulldogs, said: "Having seen the success of their Squadbuilder and other major signings at other clubs being funded in this way, I feel it is imperative that we try to maximise the benefits of such a fund.

"Most National League clubs use it to attract over 50 per cent of their signings each season and, although we secured the signatures of Greg and Chris through Squadbuilder, the club are now having to take over these payments in order to keep them - otherwise they would become free agents.

"This means the club are again solely funding all players' contracts here.

"The public support through the turnstiles and through such initiatives as players' funds are what keep clubs going at this level. Your support is always the most important thing to the Cougars."

The club cannot access the fund account and monies raised will only be used to capture new players, their wages and fees.

Members are asked to make monthly subscriptions or donations and the fund will officially be launched at a Players' Night at Cougar Park on Friday June 22 (8.00).

Supporters will have the chance to meet players and Eaton also plans to hold a question and ans-wer session.

He will be holding fund-raising events such as golf days and race nights as well, while members will receive incentives, prizes, regular newsletters and updates, with Eaton to explain where the cash is going.

For more information or to request a standing order form contact Eaton on 01535-606044.

Anybody paying into any other Squadbuilder funds set up for the Cougars should cancel their standing orders as they are no longer active.