ANGRY coach Gary Moorby told his players they must do better -- despite bringing him his first victory since taking charge of the club in December.

Last weekend's 32-10 victory over struggling Gateshead Thunder gave hardened fans something to celebrate but Moorby and his coaching partner Paul Moses made it clear they expected a more professional approach.

This week Moorby said: "It is no secret that Paul and I were not too pleased with our performance, particulary in the first half. Having said that in the second half we showed signs of what we are capable of with some nice touches. More importantly it gave the supporters something to cheer about and I thought a crowd of over 1000 for a bottom of the table game was excellent."

Despite securing victory over the young Thunder team the Cougar performance lacked the discipline of their previous game at Whitehaven.

Moorby added: "I feel that we are moving in the right direction but if we are to climb the table - and I think we are capable of doing so - we need to be a little smarter and play to our game plan.

"Defensively we have tightened up pretty well, but our attack is all over the place at times. We have been working hard this week in training and hopefully we will see an improvement against Barrow at the weekend."

Promising youngster Simeon Hoyle singed a full professional contract with the club this week. He had previously been playing as an amateur and wanted to keep open the chance of taking part in BARLA's next amateur tour, but has decided to pledge himself to the professional game.

Following Jason Ramshaw's testimonial game against Leeds Rhinos the two clubs have been forging closer links. Rhinos coach Daryl Powell enjoyed his return to Cougar Park and owner Gary Hetherington has invited Keighley's coaching team to Headingley to see how the Super League club operates.

"Leeds are one of the biggest clubs in the game and I believe a 'friendship' between them and the Cougars could be greatly beneficial to us," Gar Moorby said.

Two promising young Rhinos players that impressed in the testimonial game are set to join Cougars on a month's loan.

Winger/centre Craig Stanly and forward Tommy Gallagher are both full time with the Headingley club.

Richard Moore is also to continue his loan period with Keighley with the agreement being renewed every two weeks.

The club is also involved in talks to bring soccer to Cougar Park to ensure the ground is used throughout the winter months when the NFP returns to summer rugby.

Representatives of Guiseley FC, who have been involved in previous talks, were at the ground last week.

"We need to make sure the facilities are used to their maximum and it would be good to see a semi-professional football club alongside the Cougars," said chairman Neil Spencer.

In another move rugby league legend Maurice Bamford has joined the club as commercial manager. He was Great Britain coach and also a former coach at eight clubs including Wigan and Leeds, which he forged a close friendship with Gary Moorby.

He has taken on the job on a voluntary basis and is to hold a series of Rugby League Forums with guests joining him to talk about the game. The series starts on Friday March 15 when he will be joined by former Cougar player and coach Peter Roe, who is now with Wakefield Trinity and one of only two English coaches in Super League. Present coach Gary Moorby will also be in the line-up.

Mr Bamford has also launched a 'Grand National Draw'