KEIGHLEY COUGARS coach Matt Bramald has brought former Hunslet and Rochdale Hornets assistant Ryan Jackson onto his backroom team.
Jackson will be number two to new boss Bramald just as he was to Gary Thornton, Alan Kilshaw and Dean Muir at Hunslet then Thornton again over the past year and a half at Rochdale.
Bramald will look to call upon that experience as he prepares for his first head coach role in the professional game, following two seasons at the helm of Shaw Cross Sharks in the second tier of the community game.
In turn, Danny Burton has departed the club after almost two years on the coaching staff working under Kilshaw and, for most of last season, Ian Hardman.
“I’m really pleased to welcome Ryan to the coaching team,” said Bramald.
“His experience will be valuable as we bring this group together and get to work on the training field.
“Having a strong coaching partnership is important, and I’m looking forward to working with Ryan to help our players develop and get the best out of the squad.”
Jackson has brought forward Jay Scriven along with him from Rochdale, where he made three appearances this year after a one-game stint at Batley Bulldogs.
Scriven, a Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity product, spent four years playing in Australia for Cairns-based Tully Tigers and Southern Suburbs prior to that and Bramald said: “Jay is a welcome addition to the squad.
“He’s gained experience here and in Australia, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the group.
“We want players who are ready to compete, keep improving and contribute to the team, and I’m pleased Jay will be joining us.”
