Well, as it says, Hello!

This account has been set up in order to provide answers to the questions of you, the supports of Keighley Cougars.

Whilst this account is being manned by an outside party, all questions asked will go straight to the chairman, Mr Gary Fawcett, who has asked for this account to be set up.

As well as this account, the clubs new media personnel will also be joining us under the name of 'Hello Trouble!' and he like Gary on this account, will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Regards,

TheClubsVoice

When will the link up with Cas be severed ?

Seconded.

Not like we are using the players is it ?

Time to get shut i.m.o.

Are there any plans to exploit the ' crossbar challenge ' a bit more ?
A few volunteers walking around selling tje tickets would make a huge
difference and sell a lot more tickets.
It should be easy money with minimal risk.

The voice

Do you sit in a big bucket seat then press a button that spins the chair to face the front



Only joking - this is potentially a good idea, but I suspect you may get asked questions you don't want to answer.

Here goes -

1. baring in mind the clubs stated ambition of SL by 2015, how likely in percentage terms is a new stadium.

2. Failing that are there contingency plans to replace the wooden stand and provide SL appropriate seating, access/egress, turnstiles, toilets, eating facilities etc.

3. What strategy have we identified to raise the crowd to a sufficient level.

4. What strategy have we identified to raise the team to a sufficient strength to win competitions.

5. If we get a new stadium will we own the facilities or will it be a Stadium Management Company?

Hello Trouble! Here,

Just like TheClubsVoice popping on to say hello and reiterate that I will be also happy to answer any questions you may have.

See above

The agreement with Cas lasts until the end of the year but it can be terminated with 1 months notice from either party at any time. However, the point of this particular question appears to be more aggressive than that - certainly with the use of the word "severed". There have been a number of comments to me that the dual registration agreement between us and Cas is not something we'd want as a club and it renders us to a status of feeder club to Cas. The agreement with Cas is clearly nothing of the sort and it would have been very silly not to take up Cas's offer of a partnership agreement in the light of the considerable movements and upheavals running across Super League and the Championship, once the Under 23 competition had been abandoned this season. As an aside, our club was committed to the Under 23 competition and stated that it wished for this competition to run indefinitely and for the Cougars to always be a part of it. I certainly feel that the loss of the Under 23 competition has weakened the game as it was a strategic part of the game. In any event, Super League teams had nowhere for their first teamers to get game time so the obvious route was partnerships with Championship clubs. With virtually all the Championship clubs signing up (even Leigh after they had said they wouldn't!) the club had to make a decision (for example, Whitehaven fielded Ade Gardner in our home game! Would any of our fans complained if Rangi Chase appeared on our side for a game or two?!). The obvious route was an agreement with Cas. The agreement is loose and not binding for both parties and has helped us in the past when we had injury issues. Further, we are not forced to field any Cas players so it's a matter of choice by our Head Coach whether or not he wishes to play anyone from Cas. Clearly, Marchy will make that decision based on performance reasons and nothing else. The reason why is that every time Marchy picks a team he wants to win the game so he will pick the best team to accomplish the task. Finally, and most importantly, people do seem to be hung up about this agreement which is tantamount to a loan deal only. And, interestingly, we have loaned players in the last 2 seasons without anyone raising any concerns. George Elliott and Jake Normington from the Rhinos (and Jake was a key player in our win over Workington so where would we have been without him?). And James Davey from Wakefield last year. Further, we have loaned Elliott Cosgrove from Dewsbury Rams this year and he contributed very well whilst we had him. Partnerships like the Cas partnership are nothing new and do not betray the fabric and essence of what makes Keighley Cougars the club it is. The critical issue in all of this is that we stay in the Championship this season, ideally getting into a play off position, and then we push on next season to become a top 6 Championship team. Given the change in the coach,our playing personnel and the structure of the game at the start of this season we had significant issues to face but we have faced them, the team is gelling and I feel we can go far this season (reference the good performance against Sheffield this weekend - not perfect because we started slowly but the performance showed that we should be nearer the top of the table rather than where we are)



We sold 12 tickets on Sunday 21st April. I would like the Crossbar Challenge to be a part of the match day experience but clearly, at 12 tickets per game, the club cannot afford to pay someone to walk around selling them. If someone, or a group, wishes to volunteer to sell them them they will get my full support. We have plenty of pre-printed tickets to sell and I feel that the Crossbar Challenge could contribute anything between £50 and £100 per match to the club (that is, of course, unless someone finally hits the Crossbar!)



Our stated ambition is to achieve SL status by 2018, not 2015. We are working on the new stadium process at the moment but it is early days. I would say to achieve an entirely new stadium is a 20% likelihood but a much higher degree of likelihood is that development will be underway with completion of the first 2 or 3 stages of the development having been achieved prior to entry into Super League, e.g. new stand and new gym at the Hard Ings end of the stadium and a proper seated area and media centre on the TV gantry side.




Again, as per previous question, if we can't get the total budget to completely re-develop the stadium we will look to secure the money for a staged implementation that will progressively give our club what it needs.



We are moving forward on a range of fronts to gradually raise the crowd to sufficient levels. For example, offline we need to win more games (which is gradually coming together), we have had our first go at distributing 20,000 free junior season tickets and we have learnt some interesting things from this so we will be better at it next season where we will be distributing 40,000. Further, we have built good relationships with a range of schools and this will bear fruit in the coming years. We have finally got some budget to promote now and again so you will see adverts in the KN and T&A raising the profile of the club and fixture lists were distributed in the KN a few weeks ago. We will do a season ticket offer prior to Christmas this year in much the same vein as Christmas 2011 and we are in conversation with Keighley Town Council to try to get signs on the Keighley boundary signs which state "Welcome to Keighley. The home of Keighley Cougars." and similarly, we intend to have a conversation with Bradford Council to have brown signs indicating where the ground is. Online our Twitter following has passed 2,200 and is increasing at a rate of 150 per month, our Facebook has over 700 Likes and our new website (to be implemented very soon) will be kept up to date in a way that makes it very attractive for people to come and visit it. We have also just signed up for Welcome to Yorkshire which will help promote the club online and offline. Bear in mind, this list is a tiny part of the things we are doing and we are doing it in a sustainable way that does not de-stabilise the club financially unlike various attempts in the past.



We have the club financially stable. As the seasons progress we will gradually strengthen the team in much the same way as Featherstone have. The race to Super League and staying in Super League is a marathon, not a sprint. The club will continue developing its young players and it hopes for a powerful partnership between the club and Craven College whereby the young academy players end up almost being developed full time and provide coaching services back to our children in the community to further develop rugby league in the area.



I'm not sure how it will pan out at the moment. Bear in mind we don't own the facilities at the moment. The RFL lease them from the Co-op and we lease them from the RFL. It may continue to be the same arrangement.

The matchday experience is a hot topic at the moment. You speak about building the support base gradually etc. It's one thing getting people down with promotions etc, but to keep them coming down takes a bit more effort. Without being rude, the matchday experience is at times flat with little to no attractions for kids. Some games we don't even see Freddy?!. Do you have plans to improve this area?

I can't speak for Obeone but it is quite clear that there are powerful movers within RL (Gary Heatherington for one) who have stated for several years that the lower divisions should be feeder teams to SL (as per the nirvana that is Australia). Whilst the current agreements between clubs are not yet quite at that stage, it's what might happen next that worries many within the game.


That is only your opinion - many would disagree.



NO! The obvious route was not to do it at all.

It has the potential to significantly reduce the amount of young players in RL, shreds the progression path for homegrown hopefuls, and was soley devised as a means of saving SL clubs money. That it might help lower division clubs was a smoke screen made of mustard gas. It undermines the spirit of our competition



Yes, quite a lot would complain. In my opinion it goes against the spirit of the competition, in the same way as Hunslet suddenly fielding Richard Moore, Rob Burrow etc in a critical game against us would be. I would sooner see Young Ben Stead.



As I understand it that is not strictly true - unless the rules have changed recently. There is a significant advantage to entering into a partnership rather than a straight forward loan deal. Some would say that this was the bait on the hook.


I beg to differ, they are new and they ruin the integrity of our game - just look at whats happening at Swinton.

,
Agreed, but clubs have become fearful and seem prepared to sell the future for short term gain.

When the new board took over the Chairman said, at a speech in the HOF bar, our ambition was SL by 2015. Now, it may have been a slip of the tongue or one pint too many but I clearly remember it being said because I, and those around me, were gobsmacked to say the least.

As for the "clubs stated ambitions" what are they and where can we see them? The website has not been the best over the last few years.

I want to make it clear that I am not "having a go at you" or anyone else at the club, just expressing an opinion.

It [isounds like [/ithe directors are doing plenty of good work behind the scenes. It would seem to be a big task though with only 3 directors, very few employed staff and apparently very few volunteers mobilsed just at present.

Financial stability is good if the club can gradually increase its level of expenditure whilst still breaking even.

But getting the crowds up is a bit of a chicken and egg thing. What comes first? The crowds and then the money and then the quality players? Or money first? It's right to put in place a sustainable business model - but those putting themselves forward as rugby league club directors have also traditionally put their hands in their pockets to finance one or two top signings to really fire up the other good work that lays a firm foundation.

In Keighley's case, periods of success and fervour have been kick-started by a signing of a high profile player that's fired up people's support and team performances:-

Ted Spillane (NZ) in the 1930's (leading to Keighley getting to Wembley)
Mick Clark (GB-from Leeds) in the 1960's
Trevor Skerrett (GB-from Hull) in the 1980's
Joe Grima (NZ-from Widnes) in the 1990's.

What is the chance of the directors making a one-off personal financial commitment to sign that calibre of player today to leverage up on all the other good work and kick-start the road to Super League in 2018 in a big way?

The new club website should be up and running at some point this week I'm lead to understand. The clubs ambition and any information in regards to Super League will most possibly be on the page dedicated to a new stadium/upgrade of Cougar Park.

If I came across aggressive I apologise but the link up with Cas just twangs me.As I've said before on here I don't want to see Chase etc at CP,£uper League does not interest me.By the way,if Rangi Chase was in the team which poor soul would be the water carrier?

The lads who pull on a Keighley shirt will give total commitment ,but the Cas players will not as they are just here to get back to match fitness or need game time etc.

For the last two seasons I held a season ticket,but this time round I have not stepped foot into CP,and will not until we are an independent club again,and I might also add its not just me who has stopped going to CP for the reasons I have put.

Just to highlight this sad situation ,Lee Briers will play for Swinton in their next game .

Oh dear,what is happening to the game ?

In the hypothetical instance that a quarter of the free season ticket holders decide to show up for a game next season what procedures does the club:

1. Have in place to ensure that those who have paid for tickets in advance ie Season Ticket holders, don't get turned away from the ground when it's full.

2. Have to ensure that there is a satisfactory ratio of safety staff in relation to customers so that if an incident occurs we don't have another Hillsborough on our hands?

As an aside is there anything in the Rugby League Rulebook that forbids clubs from producing more tickets for a game than a grounds capacity? The reason I ask is Elgin City in Scottish Football were hit with a huge fine for [url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20520382over selling tickets for a game against Glasgow Rangers.[/url

What is the club's strategy as regards retaining young fans when they make the transition into adulthood? In my opinion this is a far bigger threat to the clubs long term future than not having enough kids going.

Have you got a message for the stay away supporters and can you explain the harm this is doing to the club?

Are the club struggling to pay the bills at the present time?

Look at Cougarmania version 1 (I'm sure had it's downsides, but I'll use it as a referral point here). The directors went to press with their plans and backed it up with something tangible the fans could relate to and bought into the process. Examples being, the signing of Grima, development of the ground, albeit that function area was put in the wrong place. They followed Grima with a host of signings thereafter. It was done with a purpose and in line with the plan. A new coach then arrived (Larder) making RL sit up and take note. Then followed big name signings and the rest is history.

I'm not saying that model should be followed as the game has moved on since then, but other than saying we aim for SL in 2015 or 2018 what else is there? What is the plan? Do you have one?

Without wanting to be disrespectful to the current directors, i think the SL dream is seen by many as a bit of a joke. What is being done to support this plan and make supporters believe and buy into the journey?

We've lost several big names I assume to cut costs. The model has been cut to it's lowest possible point, what now.

I just think the club has to work on it's PR because at the moment, without wanting to be cynical, the mention of a new stadium, players added over a period of time is just words and I'll believe it when I see it.

I'm sure I remember our Chairman mentioning SL in 2015 and running round naked if that wasn't achieved? Did I dream that?

Had these sent to me over e-mail from Gary. Unfortunately, I can't quote due to me being on a mobile phone. So, I've labeled them by topic.

MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE:
The match day experience is a very interesting topic and people will have different views. For one thing I visit all the Championship clubs for our away games and, in general, none of them have a match day experience as good as the Cougars....and some Super League match day experiences are little better.

However, having said this it is our desire to entertain but never forgetting that the centrepiece of the match day is the first team performance against the opposition. Around this centrepiece we are currently delivering the following each match day:

- in the Hall of Fame bar and Executive Suitea DVD of a previous game against the opposition of the day or, failing that, sport on the TVs or, failing that, music
- music from around 215pm in the stadium (the non-working speakers are due to be fixed before the next match)
- pre-match speech and excellent food in the Executive Suite
- an outside organisation at the Royd Ings Avenue end showcasing something, E.g. The fire brigade at the last match and Airedale Hospital at the match before
- Freddie there all the time. Freddie has been ever present all the way through March and April and will be through the season. He has instructions to be at the Royd Ings Avenue end from 220pm until 250pm whereupon he waves and performs in front of the main stand until the end of the match
- Half Time draw
- Music per player every time they score
- Post match speeches and post match raffle
- a pre-match and half time singer whenever one's available (the young lady for the Warrington match was superb)
- sponsor events such as Colin Appleyards cars at the Warrington match
- burger van and ice cream van (when the weather's better) plus the Project 6 cafe and Freddie's grill

Last year and the year before we delivered Piccolo's nursery for kids to be looked after pre-match. This was delivered FREE by Piccolo's which was incredibly kind of Lisa and Pete and at no small cost to them. It has been withdrawn this season because there was little or no feedback as to whether this service was good or wanted. Although positive comments have been made since it was withdrawn.

On top of this what we would like to deliver is:

- Cross bar Challenge
- Cheerleaders (we are looking for someone to lead this initiative and create a great cheerleading troop for the Cougars - can anyone help us with this?)
- an entertainment event before the match and at half time - e.g. Zumba or similar group dance, singer, acrobats, etc
- a warm up match or a warm down match to extend the day from either a local amateur side or our reserves (changing room logistics is the only thing that makes this difficult)
- speakers piped to each entrance so that the music can be heard as people approach the ground

I think this would fill the day once implement but if there are any other suggestions we are happy to consider them.

CLUB SHOP:
At the moment the club shop is open on match days between 130pm and 3pm. At all other times you can contact the club via phone or email and organise to come down to try on or purchase items when convenient for both parties. We are carrying some stock but probably 50% of the items will be to order with a maximum 2 week turnaround. Further, anyone can order replica tops from the online shop and directly call/email the club if they desire to order some merchandise for pick up or delivery.

Going forward we are close to agreeing a deal on 29 Brunswick arcade so we should be back there soon with a date TBA. However, to keep costs down we do need this staffing with club volunteers so if anyone is interested in helping out please contact the club. Further going forward the new online shop on the new website will have more product to purchase.

Briers scored the winning try in the game against Whitehaven and had a hand in three others.

Swinton now move above us in the table an drop us back into a relegation position.

Whilst there is still a long way to go, and we have matches in hand, it just shows what absolute nonsense the D/R system is.

Where is Rangi Chase when we need him?

The directors have loaned the club just over £150k to date. Whereas we are always on the look out for good players virtually all of them are tied up in contracts at this point in time. We will keep reviewing this and support our Head Coach in whatever way he sees fit within the boundaries of the salary cap the club has imposed on it via the RFL. Making a one off personal financial commitment to sign a calibre of player might seem straight forward but it isn't. The club has to stay within the salary cap imposed upon it. The salary cap is limited to the lower of £300k or 40% of turnover. Currently, our club does not turn over enough to achieve a salary cap at the £300k level. The maximum budget we'd be able to achieve based on turnover is much less than that. If the directors were to make a one off personal financial commitment to sign a high calibre player next year, that player would probably cost, say, £40k contract monies (assume he's a big star who really wants to play for Cougars!). All other things being equal the directors would have to loan the club £100k to sign the player (given the 40% restriction) and then immediately write off the loan to revenue so that the club stays within salary cap.

In reality wanting the club to do well on the back of signing stars is not sustainable. Building from the roots up and signing players with potential from the surrounding area and wider (which is very similar to what Marchy is doing) is the strategy. The situation is all about the strategy around the player pathway whilst growing the club's revenues to over £1m. If we turnover over £1m we can get dispensation from the RFL for a £400k salary cap which will enable to have the best of our local talent playing with the best of international talent on OUR pitch. Growing the club's revenues to over £1m is entirely feasible and it requires the fans to bring another person or two with them (each!) every game, for the club to sign more and more commercial sponsorship revenues (which is happening with 8 new sponsors signed over the past 3 weeks), for the fans and inhabitants of Keighley to book the function suites for their personal and business events whenever they have them and, when the club organises quality regular events like comedy nights, for the fans to come down en mass (for only a tenner each) and support it whilst having a good night (and not making some clever online comment about there only being 8 people there so there's no point in attending!). The dynamics are simple. More people down at the Cougars supporting and using the Cougar facilities = strong club = strong team).

That response is to me indicative of my perception of the how the directors think. There is an element of apathy in relation to attendances and an expectancy that fans will just turn up.

What have the club done to entice my mate to come down? Have they offered any incentive to entice a new supporter.

You've offered 20K of free season tickets, great idea in principle but it hasn't worked. Maybe entice Mum or Dad to come down and child will follow? New fans will not turn up on mass without marketing. Yes, we as fans can play our part, but what has the club done? You give me x amount of discounted tickets and I will happily distribute at work. I'm sure others would too.

Look at Swinton as a casing point. They were averaging around 500 in the first few games. They got over 1,172 against Leigh which probably was due to the travelling support. They have a £5 entry and get 1411 of a televised game, on a Thursday night against Haven. I accept they may not have hit the forecasted turnover through the gate that day (not far off though), but what about bar takings, food etc. They also posted a win so how many of those will convert to the next home game. Point is, they tried something and it got people down.

We all want success and all play our part, but the club need to do a hell of lot more in my view.

I like the idea about junior development. We have a very encouraging under 20's team, some of who I would like to see given some first team exposure. Dean looks like a very competent coach. My only point to that answer from the club is what has changed in 12 months? JD brought some marquee signings with him, but we've moved away from that model. Is that due to cost or Marchy's policy?

As for available players, from what I hear Cosgrove wanted to stay, but his loan deal came to an end. I think he did more than enough to warrant a contract. Was it a case of we couldn't get him permanently or didn't try?

Regarding comedy nights, IMO give them a miss. It's been tried and didn't work. Again, credit for the idea. What about trying it on a game day, say an hour or so before kick off. It might get people down earlier and then there's a potential increased spend behind the bar. Bar staff will be on duty anyway so no additional wages etc to cover.

I have given up sorry.................................................................................

I hear the team now travel to away games in the minibus, or in their own cars. Is this true and if so what is the justification for this? Surely professional players deserve to be given the use of a coach?