KEIGHLEY Cougars head coach Craig Lingard has spoken of his shock following the resignation of the club's chairman.

Gary Fawcett announced he is quitting his role as chairman and director of the Betfred League One club after 12 years on Saturday, May 26.

He announced on Wednesday it was "time for a change" after an "extreme rollercoaster" at Cougar Park. Fawcett continued he would not be able to apply the best of himself to a demanding role and his other commitments outside of the club.

His departure has sent shockwaves through the club, no more so than to its head coach. Lingard paid tribute to Fawcett, highlighting his passion for the club and said he had been supportive of him during his time on the touchline and thanked him for his support during his tenure.

But Lingard did insist it would be business as usual as the Cougars return to league action on Sunday when they host Coventry Bears.

No more details on any future appointments onto the Cougars' board have been announced.

Lingard said running a rugby league club is a thankless task and one which Fawcett had done well at and deserved enormous credit for his work.

Lingard said: "This announcement came as a bit of a shock to everyone this morning when the news came out and I am still processing the news myself.

"Gary has his reasons for the timing of this decision and no doubt there will be some things to sort out behind the scenes as to the new structure of the board but as far as myself and the coaching staff are concerned, it is business as usual regarding preparing for games.

"Running a rugby club is a thankless task and you aren't going to please everyone.

"I know Gary had his critics but he also had his supporters and I judge people based on my dealings with them and not by rumour or hearsay.

"In my dealings with Gary he was very passionate about Keighley Cougars and had been extremely supportive of myself since I arrived at the club and I thank him for this.

"Anyone who has been in charge of a rugby club deserves enormous credit because if they don't do it, who would?"

Meanwhile, Cougars paid tribute to Danny Jones, on the third anniversary of his death today.

The Cougars and Wales half-back collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest on May 3, 2015 while playing against London Skolars.

It was later discovered the 29-year-old had an undetected hereditary heart condition.

The club tweeted: "Forever in our thoughts. Only one Danny Jones."