It's official - Keighley Cougars are back in business.

The club were unanimously granted full membership of the RFL yesterday.

Keighley's voting rights were suspended last year after the club went into administration but after a year on probation full status has been returned.

Chairman Neil Spencer was instrumental in bringing the club back from the ashes last September and is delighted they are officially back in the RFL fold.

"The Cougars are back and here to stay," said Spencer after leaving the crucial board meeting in Halifax.

"We have now got voting rights and are eligible to receive funding but the most important thing is we are now officially back in business and raring to go."

After a difficult year which began without pre-season training, the Cougars struggled to find their feet with an inexperienced side failing to make a real impression in the NFP.

But with the league split into two divisions next year, Spencer is confident that his side can turn the corner.

"Next year is crunch time for this club," he added.

"We will be winning games and certainly not losing them in the style we did last year.

"We have a scholarship scheme in place, a strong academy side and coach Gary Moorby has made useful additions on the playing side.

"Our aim is to get back to the days of big crowds cheering on a winning team."