COUGARS stalwart Jeremy Crowther has shelved his retirement plans and will continue as the club’s football manager under new head coach Craig Lingard.

Crowther turned 80 in August and his landmark birthday was also supposed to signal his retirement after over two decades’ service at Cougar Park.

But Sutton-in-Craven resident Crowther says he has been re-energised by the enthusiasm of Lingard following his arrival from Batley, where he had served as assistant coach to John Kear since 2012.

Crowther has worked with a long list of head coaches during his time at the club and admits to being particularly impressed by Lingard, who has succeeded Paul March on a two-year deal.

Crowther, who hails from Bradford originally and was a classmate of David Hockney at Bradford Grammar, will be on duty for every home game as well as working two and a half days a week.

He said: “It has been a funny season this year because we knew all along that Marchy was going to lose his job if we didn't get promoted.

“Therefore I thought it would be a really good time to pack it in because there has been an awful lot of travel involved in this league.

“Although I love Keighley Cougars, I just thought 'this is a right good time to retire', but then the club have appointed a part-time coach for the first time.

“As soon as I met Craig, I thought 'this guy has something about him'.

“He's had a fabulous grounding but he is part-time and he needs help.

“The coach wants to get on with coaching – he doesn't want to get bogged down with administration work.

“Craig has come in on a part-time basis and will take training on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning, so therefore I'm still doing the football manager's job.

“If Craig wants me to do any paperwork then that’s what I’ll do and really I am the go-between man for Craig and chairman Gary Fawcett.

“The away games aren't too bad because you put your 19-man squad into the RFL on a Friday and confirm your matchday 17 for the teamsheets.

“On a home game, though, there is hell on. In a perfect world, you would have one guy with two people under him doing that kind of work.”

Crowther’s 80th birthday party at Cougar Park, which doubled up as his retirement do, was attended by dozens of friends and family.

He laughed: “I had a retirement party and then started work the week after!

“It was a really good do and all my friends and family were there. Next season really will be my last, though.”

In 2012, Crowther was officially recognised by the Rugby Football League with a prestigious Outstanding Contribution to English Schools Rugby League award.

A 20-year career in youth rugby league development has seen Crowther work with a wide range of age groups, both boys and girls, in Keighley schools as well as leading the Cougars scholarship scheme.

He has also led several teams to the prestigious Carnegie Champion Schools finals held on Challenge Cup final weekend.

Crowther is a popular figure with players, staff and supporters and was delighted to meet legendary England coach Wayne Bennett during his recent visit to Cougars.

Former Keighley coach Jason Demetriou has been appointed as Bennett’s assistant at Brisbane Broncos.

Crowther said: “I said to Bennett 'your new assistant, I taught him everything he knows!'.

“He was a lovely bloke, JD, and he was always going to be successful.

“But Marchy is a brilliant coach too and you can see that when he is out coaching in schools.

“I'm definitely on my last season now and I'd like to see Craig through his first year here as head coach. I’m looking forward to the new campaign already.”