ALL the talking and hard work behind the scenes is over at last - and now we can put it all to work on the field.

Above all I'm looking forward to seeing a match get underway and hearing a good old Cougar Roar.

It seems an awful long time since our last match, but I'm sure that after 90-minutes of action it will seem as if we have never been away.

I expect to see hundreds of children down, and hope they bring their mums and dads along for a bit of Cougar action, and I can't wait to see the Cougar banners which have been made in a number of schools. Freddy Cougar will be selecting the best at half-time.

The lads who have been at the club before are also looking forward to getting back into action in front of a bumper crowd. Those who have just joined us have heard so much about the support we get from our fans that I don't think they really believe you can be so good - come down and give them a really warm welcome to Cougar Park.

THE bookies have made Cougars favourites to top the division this year - but I think they must be mad.

Only a few weeks ago others had us odds-on to go out of business completely and now the bookmakers have us at odds of 3/1 to win the title.

Fortunately I don't bet, never have, and never will. But I don't understand why someone hasn't been keeping an eye on what has been happening in the world of rugby league in the closed season.

I presume we are favourites because we finished third last season and both Hull and Huddersfield have found their way into the Super League.

In fact a lot of clubs have strengthened their squads considerably. I think it will be one of the most open competitions ever - and every team will feel capable of beating anyone else in the division.

It should make for a cracking season with the final placings going all the way down to the wire.

JASON RAMSHAW and his squad of junior level players are getting their schools coaching programme under way next week and there looks to be more interest than ever.

The present programme will see them working at eight schools every day, five days a week helping with skills coaching at all levels.

The schools programme is one of the things this club has always been proud of, we were the first with the idea and a lot of other clubs have followed us, but I'm certain ours will still be among the best.

MATT FOSTER has also been working hard and making plans in his role at community liaison officer and more details of his projects will be announced in the next week or two.

AND last - but certainly not least - we came out of administration this week. It has lifted a cloud and the sun even shone out of a cloudless sky as the chairman, Howard Carter made the announcement on Wednesday.

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