COUGAR coach Gary Moorby was sacked after a meeting with club officials - and Chairman Neil Spencer has offered to sell the club.

At a meeting with their head coach on Tuesday evening Mr Spencer and club Chief Executive, Colin Farrar, warned that cuts would have to made to both the coaching and playing budgets after a dramatic drop in support, and they wanted a new head coach.

"After winning five league games in two seasons there had to be changes, both Colin and I have a considerable amount invested in the club and could not walk away.

"There is no one coming forward to take over the running of the club, but I'm sure we would both be happy to step aside if someone came in to buy the club," Neil Spencer said.

After winning promotion the NL1 with a spectacular play-off victory in 2003 Moorby had been looking forward to getting his team back on track, but felt he needed financial backing from the board.

"After winning the Grand Final we knew we had to invest, but we lost Jason Ramshaw and Oliver Wilkes, among others, and they were not replaced. Instead of going forward we were going backwards," Moorby said.

Following Tuesday's meeting Mr Spencer issued a statement to fans.

He said: "After a full and all embracing discussion on the financial implications of losing so many matches in the last two seasons, causing crowds to fall off in the region of 500-600, plus the threat of losing major sponsorship. It was agreed the club was in need of another re-launch (we seem to have had a few of those in the last 15 years).

"We are not laying blame at any one person's feet. All the reasons are being banded about at the various levels of supporter. The board probably at fault for not being able to finance the coaches ambitions. The coach for his coaching techniques. The players for their inability to perform to a winning and entertaining standard.

"Whatever the true reason, action had to be taken.

"It was agreed that Gary Moorby and his coaching staff would not be retained for a further season. The board would therefore advertise for a new coach forthwith.

"Gary accepted our decision and we all departed on friendly terms in the circumstances.

"For me the Chairman, it was particularly sad because I brought Gary to the club, and two seasons ago, a little too soon perhaps, as it turned out, he got us to a wonderful Grand Final win over Sheffield Eagles at Widnes for which we will be forever grateful. Also Gary has been a friend of my family for many years and is godfather to one of my granddaughters.

"Other than the change of coach nothing else can change without the help of sponsors and supporters. We can only work with the money available, and we, together with a new team of fundraisers and with everyone's help, will be doing our utmost to field the most competitive team available to us.

"A major saving would be a body of volunteers willing to take on various roles needed to cover for match days and various events. If you are interested and willing to help we need you to let Lynda Brunning in the club office have your contact number and we will be in touch.

"That means - yes - Neil and Colin are still here, we have to be. We also have the same ambitions of success at the highest level and we will not be walking away."

Gary Moorby was saddened to leave a job he believes is not finished. In a statement he said: "It is with great disappointment that I have left the club which has meant so much to me as a player and a coach, I fully accept my share of responsibility for our disappointing season. As Head coach the buck stops with you, however, working with several behind the scene 'undercurrents' has created several unhelpful distractions.

"The coaching staff and myself have always given our best with the resources made available to us.

"I firmly believe that we have been two key players away from being promotion contenders this season and it has been a pleasure to work with a great set of players who I also believe have given their best.

"I leave with the knowledge that I have played a hands-on pro-active part in the building of our junior development structure with 40 youngsters taking part in our scholarship scheme which should form a solid foundation of young talent for the future, something never before set up at the club.

"As always there have been ups and downs but the 2003 Grand Final victory in my first full season in the hot seat will be among my most treasured memories.

"I have to say that I feel the club failed to build on that success which was a golden opportunity to take things forward. I have to be honest and say I felt let let down that players left the club and the finances were not generated to replace them, consequently we have never been in a position to bring in the quality to help us step up to the next level.

"Gaining promotion, yet having a smaller , weaker squad in the higher division obviously does not equate. It has not been for the want of trying with the likes of Aaron Smith (Bulls) Neil Roden (Oldham) Willie Swann (Leigh), Tommy Haughy (Wakefield) all approached but out of the clubs budget, obviously there is a vicious circle, quality players cost money but hopefully they bring you success and that in turn brings in the crowds and sponsors that in their turn bring in the cash.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank my good friends and coaching staff, Paul Royston, Ian Fairhurst , Paul Moses, Keith Reeves and the development officers Matt Foster and Jeremy Crowther together with all the playing staff for their hard work and support.

"I would also like to thank the supporters and sponsors who have stood by me with their words of encouragement throughout the difficult times. I wish the club all the very best for the future and hope that somehow the fortunes can be turned around."