The Cougars have handed Barry Eaton a new two-year contract, staving off growing interest in their young player-coach.

The fresh deal rewards Eaton's determined efforts during a difficult 18 months since joining from Batley Bulldogs.

He arrived as player-coach under Peter Roe and they finished joint-bottom of National League Two last season. But, having taken over full control this time around, the improving Cougars are now currently on the verge of the play-offs, having recently taken the scalps of high-flying Working-ton and Oldham.

Eaton said: "I'm delighted to have extended my contract with Keighley for a further two years. Over the last 18 months the club has basically started from scratch and are slowly building the right foundations, firstly on, and off the field.

"I hope to be able to achieve success with Keighley as we build on everything that is already in place and growing constantly at the club."

Cougars chief Helen Carter added: "Barry has had a great influence over the players this season and we have seen them grow in confidence.

"Other clubs had been looking at Barry and we wanted to concrete his position with us.

"I feel that having secured Barry will help with securing other signatures for the future and give existing Cougars players confidence in the club's future."