KEIGHLEY COUGARS have followed up the appointment of former player Matt Bramald as coach by bringing in a new head of rugby operations in Richard Dibbin.
Like Bramald, who has been in charge of Dewsbury side Shaw Cross Sharks, Dibbin has been recruited from the community game.
He will relinquish his role as chairman of Keighley Albion, with whom the Cougars have forged a strong relationship, to focus on his new position.
Dibbin is tasked with supporting recruitment, helping assemble the backroom team and overseeing the organisation of the Cougars’ rugby set-up.
He will provide key support for Bramald, who as well as playing as a fullback or centre for Keighley between 2004 and 2006, has led the old Reserves team and been assistant coach.
Dibbin has helped revive Albion, who last year returned to what was then the National Conference League after a 23-year absence and have this year competed strongly in the Yorkshire A section of the National League, making the Cross Conference Play-offs.
“I’m really excited about this opportunity and determined to make a positive contribution to Keighley Cougars,” he said.
“It’s already been great chatting with Matt and helping get him on board. His enthusiasm has really come across, and we’re already bringing together a backroom team to support him and the players.
“My role is to make sure the support and organisation are there behind the scenes.
“Matt and his staff will lead the coaching, and I’ll be working alongside them to help give the team the best possible chance.
“We want passion and hunger throughout this team. We want players who genuinely want to be at Keighley, who are prepared to work hard for each other and who understand how much this club means to the supporters.”