Barry Eaton, whose Select XIII take on Keighley Cougars in his testimonial match at Cougar Park on Sunday (2.00), is delighted about the club’s promotion back to the Co-operative Championship.

Eaton, who played for Widnes Vikings in Super League, and also Batley Bulldogs and Dewsbury in the level below, took charge at Keighley in 2007, having earlier joined as player-coach under Peter Roe.

He led them into the Championship but a points deduction due to Cougars entering administration saw them come back down before Eaton left to become an assistant at Crusaders.

He recently left the cash-stricken Welsh outfit to take the reins at Hunslet but his affection for the Cougars is enduring.

Eaton said: “I was delighted to see them beat Workington and win promotion last weekend.

"To be fair, they were pretty dominant from the first minute to the last.

“Obviously I’m no longer connected with the club but I had a fantastic five-and-a-half years there.

“We had some very difficult times with the administration and nine-point deduction but a lot of the players that I coached are still there.

“So when Jason took over there was already a decent squad in place.

“He’s also brought in a few players, and Jason and the lads deserve huge credit for taking the club back into the Championship at the first time of asking.

“I played with Jason at Widnes and know him well. I’m delighted to see him bring such great success to Keighley Cougars.”