PAUL MARCH hailed his new squad as the strongest since he began coaching as he prepares for his fourth season at the Cougars helm.

The former York and Hunslet player-boss took the reins at Keighley when Jason Demetriou headed home to Australia at the end of the 2012 campaign.

March has endured a turbulent ride in the hot-seat after narrowly keeping the club in the Championship in 2013 before they were relegated in controversial fashion in 2014 and then fell agonisingly short in their bid to make an immediate return last term.

But the former Super League star, who enjoys an excellent working relationship with chairman Gary Fawcett, chief executive Neil Cullen and key sponsor Simon Harrison, is determined to take Cougars back to the second tier in 2016.

The squad he has assembled with the backing of the club’s board has encouraged hopes of achieving their goal in the coming season.

March, who retired from playing at the end of last season, has signed a handful of players with Super League experience, such as Hull KR duo Aaron Ollett and Sonny Esslemont, and seasoned campaigners such as brothers Darren and Ritchie Hawkyard.

March, who initially joined Cougars as a player at the end of 2011, said: “Is this the strongest squad I’ve had as Cougars head coach? Definitely.

“We’re spending the same amount as before, which is not massive, but the players who have come in will strengthen us significantly.

“John Oakes will add a lot of experience to the pack, as will the likes of Sonny Esslemont, Aaron Ollett, Charlie Martin and Darren Hawkyard.

“Every player who has come in have added to what we already have.

“They are not like for like and have added something special to us, so yes, this is the strongest squad I’ve had since I’ve been here.

“In fact, I would probably have to say it’s the strongest squad I’ve had at my disposal since I’ve been coaching.

“In 2010, I won a championship at Hunslet with a very good side.

“I believe this Cougars side is even better than that, so there is only one goal for us and hopefully only one outcome.

“Obviously we had the disappointment of last season and it was one hurdle too far for us.

“I’m grateful to Neil, Gary and Simon for allowing us to have the budget once again to put another very good team together.

“They are working hard off the field and the lads are working hard in training, so once the season starts then everyone will see all that hard work coming together.”

March is hoping for greater support through the turnstiles at Cougar Park in 2016 as his side bid to realise their promotion dream.

He added: “Hopefully we can get more people through the gate to support a winning side.

“It was tough last year and we fell at the final hurdle. This season we need to make sure we’re in a position not to do that.

“I think we’ve got the players to go through the season and have a really good year by taking all silverware available to us.”