COUGARS are searching the world for new talent as coach Peter Roe races to build a team to take the club back to the top of the LHF National Leagues.

Alongside new player-coach Barry Eaton he is working to identify a squad with the ability to make the club a fighting force in National League 2 and his first target is to make the play-offs next season.

The coaching team was given a major boost when last year's Player of the Year, Matt Bramald, confirmed he would be back with the club in 2006.

However, Roe still has a hole to fill in his squad with Richard Mervill and Matthew Steel heading for Australia and due to be joined by Danny Ekis.

Danny Murgatroyd has already signed for Dewsbury and Andy Robinson has made the move to Batley.

"We are spreading the net far and wide, but we want to make sure we get the right players. We want players who are committed to playing for Keighley.

"There were 37 players at our first training session and to be fair about 25 of them are capable of playing first team rugby so we are not desperate for players. However, we do want to strengthen the squad and Barry Eaton and myself, together with the directors, are looking to see who we can bring in."

He added: "I have been in touch with people in Australia because it looks like the overseas quota for LHF National League 2 clubs could be increased to two players, and several players have been in contact with me."

But the first priority of the new coaching team has been to take a close look at the young talent at the club.

"There are some very exciting young players, and it is our job to help them make the most of their ability. They have tremendous potential," Barry Eaton said.

The club has also reached an agreement with Fitness First to use the club's facilities for conditioning and providing taylor-made fitness programmes for the squad

"We want the players to fast, strong and athletic and Fitness First have superb facilities."

Former club chairman, Howard Carter, has also reached an agreement to be the club's shirt supplier and negotiations are underway to sign deals with several sponsors.

As well as working to build up a playing squad Roe is also adopting a 'chief executive' role and is meeting sponsors who have supported the club over the years.

"Many individuals and organisations have given their support to the club over the years in many ways and I want them to feel part of the club, to know what we are already doing - and what we aim to achieve," Peter said.

He added: "This week has been very positive and even Barry Eaton's persons sponsor from Batley has agreed to get involved with the club.

n The latest event in the Phil Stephenson Testimonial programme is an evening with the group China Sky at the New Variety Club in Russell Street, Keighley, tonight (Friday).

The event begins at 8pm and tickets cost £5.