KEIGHLEY Cougars' new general manager Steve Gill did not shy away from his positive views on dual registration despite opposition at a recent fans forum.

Many of those who gathered at Cougar Park to listen to Gill appeared disenchanted with the "unfair" advantages that their fellow dual-registered Betfred League One clubs receive.

However, the former Castleford man insisted a partnership with a stronger club would provide a major boost to Cougars if they were to embrace the idea.

He said: "I'm open to anything that helps this club, including dual registration. It does have its merits.

"Your club can bring in 19 and 20-year-olds that are fit, agile and can play. If we can have some top Super League players from a top Super League club, we'll have a top-four squad next year."

Gill, who was appointed following the takeover at Keighley by Austria Holdings, was also keen to support the women and children who want to play in their own successful Cougars sides, saying: "We need an influx of kids watching the game.

"I'm visiting Keighley Albion on August 14 but I also want to meet businesses and schools to help promote the youth aspect.

"As for our women's side, they should be down here playing curtain-raisers before the first-team games. It's a new outfit so we need to promote them on social media and get players in."

He wants to ensure the club is all-inclusive too, saying: "Our doors are always open because it's your club and we want you to be involved.

"Supporters nights, members nights, Q&A nights, we can do all of those. This club has drawn me back because the fans care. There's a lot of love for Keighley Cougars."

Meanwhile, major shareholders Austria Holdings confirmed that the club are stopping their Just Giving fundraising page.

The fund – which has seen over £3,000 donated – was set up initially to raise £50,000 to ensure the club's survival before the new owners came on board.

Their representative, Shane Spencer, also said: "We'll release our statement of intent in the next three or four weeks.

"It's been a big learning curve but we have a clear vision of where we want to go, starting by creating community links.

"Right now though, we have to get behind Craig Lingard. Don't get behind us off the pitch, support the team and help steer the ship."