Was rather concerned to see a short article in 'League Weekly' (page 11 )about a rumour apparently 'going around' of Financial difficulties of Gary Fawcett and the keighley Cougars......

Hopefully Gary Fawcett will quash and put an end to these 'rumours' at the Pride in the red and green First meeting tomorrow night (Tuesday) at Cougar Park.

I urge everyone to attend as this could give us all chance to Voice our thoughts and maybe worries directly to the club via a united front.

I'll be there and I hope many of you will be too.

Oh , Please don't shoot the messenger , only passing on what I saw in the League Weekly.

Please put an update on here for us exiles that can't attend. Ta.

Lets just say the Cougars are in financial trouble AGAIN !! Do you really think Mr Fawcett will stand up and admit it Unfortunately Im unable to make it tommorow either ... but would have loved to.
I think this is a case of "wheres theres smoke" and not just an idle rumour, And I dont think a rugby league paper would start speculating had they not a bit of info, after the recent B***s debacle.
I can just picture certain fans sharpening their knives
But please Mr Fawcett IF we are in the mire at least have the decency to not treat us fans like mushrooms,

Ok I'll now chip in.

I actually heard this before last weekend, very close to admin was what I was told.

Really hope not.

Won't be able to attend Tuesday - so please update and let us know what's said and planned.
Maybe Gary Fawcett has financial difficulties but we do have more than one director so surely that doesn't really matter- I know someone who knows the other 2 directors down at cougar park and they arnt short of a few quid - 1 as I understand as fingers in many pies as they say.
I hope the questions are asked to Gary on Tuesday and we get a straight answer

I just love how rumours get around so fast, a couple of longtime cougar season ticket holders asked me about this at Sunday's match.

I personally telephoned one of the directors this morning to discuss the rumours, he informed me there was no issues. The rumours seem to be circulating because the players were late in being paid.

He confirmed to me that the players had been paid, it's the old usual cash flow issue, we all suffer it. I'm sure Gary fawcett will confirm all this at tonight's meeting.

And I repeat ... do you really think they would tell you or anyone else for that matter ??

Hope your right.

If we are in the crapolla again, im walking,simple as.

Anyone got any updates on the meeting ..

Hope everything is alright with the club. Good luck.

The meeting went well tonight, it was very well presented throughout and there was lots of chances for people to ask questions and voice their concerns. Gary spoke and answered questions about the rumors and said article. He explained that he believed it had come from a certain player posting on twitter that he had not been paid on the 31st July - Gary said that was the payday that month. He then said it was due to the rfl giving backword on an agreed payment of £14,000. Gary said they received an email on the 30th July to say the money would not be paid to Cougars. The directors got the money together and paid everyone by 2nd August, he said JD was the last to be paid on that date which JD acknowledged. This was accepted by people there as the reason behind the rumor and no-one questioned it.
As I left tonight I know that over 25 people signed up to it and I took with me 4 forms to fill out. All money goes direct to squad builder, no director will have access to this money. It is a yearly subscription of £10 per person, I urge everyone to get a form on thursday, fill it in and pledge their £10, its all for the team, which in turn benefits the fans, and the club.

Was disturbed to hear that we only receive a 1 off payment of 20 grand from premier sports. If you're only on tv once then fair enough but any more than that then you lose money as we are, on lost attendances.

Would we complain if we hadnt been on TV this year, answer no.
Cant have it both ways im afraid.

Personally would rather we weren't on telly, we'll be lucky to get 400 tonight, probably at least half as much as if it was on a Sunday. Each to their own though, would much rather be at the game than watching it on the telly.