RITCHIE Hawkyard will decide whether to stay at Cougars once it becomes clear who is in charge next season.

The full back is widely regarded as one of the best players in League One and has proved his worth at Keighley this season after joining the club from Swinton along with brother Darren last winter.

But with head coach Paul March's reign set to end unless Keighley can pull off an unlikely promotion, Hawkyard is remaining open-minded about his own position.

Huddersfield-based Hawkyard has attracted interest from Oldham and Halifax but enjoys life at Cougars and could sign the new deal that chairman Gary Fawcett has offered him.

Hawkyard said: “I've had informal talks with a few clubs but I've said to them that I want to speak to Keighley first because I think that's only right.

“I've had a few Championship clubs come in for me and I've been talking to Oldham and I know the assistant coach at Halifax, who has been pestering me to go there.

“But I'm coming to the back end of my career now and I have work commitments and family, so going into the Championship would be tougher on the body because they train more than we do.

“I only see my little girl twice a week as it is now and, now she's growing up, I don't want to miss out on that for the benefit of me playing Championship rugby."

Hawkyard admits playing at Cougars suits him and he is happy with the new deal offered him – but will wait and see who is coaching the club before making a decision.

He said: “Keighley is ideal, it's about 45 minutes from where I live, and there are a few of us who travel together and we have a laugh.

“It's more than likely I'll stay at Cougars if the terms and conditions are right but it also depends on who is coaching the club next year.

“If Marchy stays, I'm happy to stay. If someone else comes in then we will have to see because I might not be in their plans for next season.

“I've spoken to Gary and we are both happy with the contract we have discussed for next season.

“He said the club are trying to sort the coaching situation out in the next two or three weeks.

“They have had a few people ring up and apply for the job, so it's up to them who they pick now. I’ll make my final decision from there.”

Cougars return to action on Sunday with a trip to Barrow as they bid to keep their fading promotion hopes alive.

March’s men must win their remaining two games and hope results elsewhere involving rivals Hunslet, York City Knights and Doncaster go in their favour if they are to claim a top-five finish.

Hawkyard added: “We just need to get the two wins. It has been a bit of an up and down season but we won the iPro Sport Cup and then have just fallen short in the last few weeks.

“Overall, though, I’ve enjoyed it here and the season isn’t over yet.”