ALAN KILSHAW has left his role as head coach of Keighley Cougars, just two weeks before the Championship season begins.
He was only in charge for 14 matches, winning six of them in the old League One, having taken charge of the club last March.
Keighley said he had requested a release to take up a “significant opportunity” elsewhere.
Assistant coach Danny Burton has been placed in interim charge, with the Cougars hosting London Broncos for a pre-season game this Saturday before starting their second-tier campaign at home to Goole Vikings eight days later.
“This wasn’t an easy decision for me to make, but I feel the club is in a really good place,” said former Rochdale Hornets, Hunslet and Swinton Lions coach Kilshaw.
“A lot of good work has been done throughout pre-season which I’m confident will be evident in the performances this season.
“It’s been a privilege to coach this group of players and work with the staff, and I’m excited to watch how the next generation of Cougars continue to develop.
“I’d like to thank everyone at the club for the opportunity and support during my time here and wish the club nothing but success moving forward.”
Co-owner Ryan O’Neill said: “It is with real sadness that we see Killer leave the club. We could not have been happier with how he was performing as head coach.
“In life, opportunities come along that are too good to turn down, and I don’t for one moment blame Killer for following something that is right for him.
“I genuinely wish him every bit of luck and success for the future.”
Burton, who joined Keighley shortly after Kilshaw’s appointment having previously worked with the academy and reserves sides at Leeds Rhinos, said: “I’m excited to accept the interim head coach position at Keighley.
“Working alongside (assistants) Craig McDowell and Adam Mitchell, we have a strong coaching group in place, and continuity is key as we move forward together.”