RUGBY league legend Garry Schofield will front a fresh commercial drive from Cougars following the formation of a new executive committee.

The former Great Britain captain was unveiled as club ambassador on Monday as Keighley look to raise their profile going into next season.

And commercial director Simon Harrison revealed his appointment was the first decision of a new committee featuring six businessmen who are keen to help push Cougars forward.

Harrison said: "For the last four years, since I’ve been involved as a director, there have been just three of us (himself along with chairman Gary Fawcett and chief executive Neil Cullen).

“We’ve all got full-time jobs so it was almost a hobby. This club is far too big to be run that way.

“There are quite a lot of new faces that have been coming down the past couple of seasons wanting to get involved. So the executive committee was formed with these six businessmen, who all want to be part of it.

“It’s spread the workload out which is great.

“When Garry said he was interested in the job, that was the first decision the executive committee made.

“This is the way forward. We need somebody to spearhead this new beginning.”

Former Leeds and Hull star Schofield, who had already had some involvement at Cougars as a match-day speaker, wants to help make Keighley games 'a great day out'.

He said: "The relationship I’ve had at Keighley for the last three years with the chairman Gary Fawcett, Simon Harrison and also Neil Cullen is one of respect, friendship and enjoyment.

"We all know the important factor is what goes on from 3pm to 4.30 but that’s down to the coaching staff and players to sort out.

"What we want to do at Keighley is bring that matchday experience from 12pm to 7.30-8pm. Make it into the whole day, rather than just the rugby league and turn up at 2.45. Come along and have a great Sunday day out.

“From sponsors, we want everyone, from big or middle-sized companies or just one-man bands, to come along and enjoy the experience. Hopefully watch a quality team in Keighley and go away having enjoyed their day and wanting to come back for more.

“(Coach) Craig Lingard is trying to bring through a youthful team who look to play smart, attractive rugby league."

Never shy of sticking his neck out as a pundit, Schofield has already laid down a challenge at each Cougar Park game next season.

He said: “I liked to play with a smile on my face and I want to bring a bit of fun to it.

“We’ve got 15 home games and people know I like to make predictions. So I’m going to buy 15 rugby balls, personally signed, and whoever’s nearest to what I predict will get it.

"And sometimes I don’t always predict Keighley to win. I said Toronto would beat Keighley 68-10 here – how wrong can I be because the game was 28 apiece and fantastic."

Cougars are hosting their annual sponsors night on Thursday, January 11 (7.30pm in the executive suite) when Schofield hopes to welcome potential new ones and showcase the club. The night will include a presentation and question-and-answer session with the board and players.

He said: "We want to tell you exactly what we’ve got on offer and how good the matchday experience is going to be. All the businesses around should come down, not just from Keighley but the surrounding areas such as Bingley, Shipley, Colne.

"Give us an opportunity to show we can give you a great hospitality experience on a Sunday afternoon."