MARTIN WOOD was set to sign for Workington last night in what was billed as the biggest signing in 10-years for the Cumbrian club.

The were delighted to get their hands on the former Cougar star, who topped the Northern Ford Premiership's points scoring league for much of the early part of last season. Wood then suffered a knee injury which put him out of action despite a fight to regain fitness in time for the end of the season.

He had planned to get back in action if the club made the play-offs, but financial problems and the departure of most of the club's senior players left them with little hope of making progress in t he competition.

At the time he told KN Sport: "I had hoped to be back for the play-offs, but there is little point in risking further injury. I want to make sure I recover completely before starting to play again."

He joined Keighley in 1992 from the ill-fated Scarborough Pirates for his first term at Cougar Park, and was soon an influential member of the team. Following the club's first financial crisis he was snapped up by Sheffield Eagles -- then a Super League team -- and played a vital part in their surprise Challenge Cup final victory over Wigan.

He was with Cougars when they won both the third and second division titles and played in two Old Trafford Premiership finals.

Coach Steve Deakin said: Obviously I am disappointed that he won't be with us this season, he is a very influential player, but he has been a superb servant for the Cougars.

"He returned from Sheffield and did a magnificent job, but his injury last year underlined how short a professional sport career can be. I don't blame anyone getting the best deal they can and everyone here wishing him well at Workington."

The coach was this week waiting for word from several players that he hopes to sign for his squad and was also looking at further players to finalise a first team squad.

"We are making good progress, but I had hoped to be a little further down the road at this stage. However, everything is going very well on the training field, the players I am waiting for have promised to give me an answer this week and then we can take another step forward.

"They all want to come to Cougars, but the biggest problems is access to Keighley. It isn't an easy place to get to on the road network and I have told the players to make sure they are happy making the journey - I don't want anyone signing up an then pulling out later," he said.

Director Neil Spencer has called for difficulties with the Cougar lottery to be resolved.

"We haven't had a reply to our letter to those running the lottery at the moment, but frankly the situation needs to be resolved soon. We have been managing without the money, but I have been contacted by several people who have pulled out because of the uncertainty and this cannot go on," he said.