AUSTRIA Holdings, who are the new majority shareholders at Keighley Cougars, hope to announce a new general manager at the club by next weekend.

A deal has been concluded between the new owners and former Cougars chairman Gary Fawcett, and the latter confirmed in a statement on the club website: "I met with a representative of Austria Holdings to finalise the deal and I'm very happy about the plans they have for developing the club.

"They see this as a long-term investment and I am pleased that my stepping down in May has created such an opportunity for the club.

"I will be leaving knowing that the club's in good hands."

Austria Holdings said: "First of all, we (Austria Holdings) would like to thank the outgoing chairman for all the work he has done and achieved over the last eight years at Cougar Park.

"We would like to extend a warm welcome to both Gary and his family to come and join us anytime at Cougar Park and we hope to see you soon!

"We are extremely pleased to be a part of such a long-standing club, with a history of 118 years in rugby league.

"We would like to thank everyone concerned with the Cougars and we look forward to many years of continued growth and success with Keighley Cougars.

"Austria Holdings are currently in negotiations with a new general manager and we hope that we can conclude this by the next home game on July 29, where we will hopefully be able announce his appointment.

"We at Austria Holdings would like to thank all the volunteers, players, coaching staff, supporters and members, sponsors and The Keighley Cougars Foundation for all your continued support."