COUGARS’ management team are expected to clarify the future direction of the club next week following the resignation of several key figures.

Uncertainty currently surrounds Keighley after Neil Cullen and Simon Harrison left their posts as club directors, though the former will remain as chief executive officer.

Club ambassador, former Great Britain and Leeds player Garry Schofield, also left his post at Cougar Park last week.

Online speculation among fans has risen in the absence of recent communication from owners Austria Holdings, who did not wish to comment when approached by the T&A earlier this week.

But it is thought they will elaborate on their plans next week when representatives are available.

In a statement announcing his resignation along with Cullen last week, Harrison said: “We will always give the club our continued support going forward under the new management, which we are sure will continue to go from strength to strength.

“I believe that a new management team will run the club as a business in order to become sustainable in the future.”

Andy Gabriel's move to Dewsbury was confirmed last night following the departure of Mike Emmett to Hunslet last week.

The Cougars, who have been under a transfer embargo following financial problems in the summer, have yet to announce new additions.

Meanwhile, it is understood that Keighley players are due to be paid overdue wages by the club today.

The club’s annual presentation night, which was called off at short notice earlier this month, is due to be held tomorrow night.

The Betfred League One club were taken over by Austria Holdings, an off-shore investment company/portfolio, in July and are the club’s major shareholders.

This followed Cougars revealing their financial crisis earlier that month. Keighley stated they just avoided going out of business after players’ contracts had been met. Their bank balance stood at just £34.23.

They were also looking to raise £45,000 to see the club through for the rest of their season in Betfred League One.

Steve Gill took over the day-to-day running of the club as general manager, in what was a real coup for the club.

The former Castleford Tigers man spent five years at the Super League club.

This followed Gary Fawcett quitting his role as chairman and director of Cougars after 12 years in May.