Eaton in line for coaching honour

9:00am Thursday 11th September 2008

Promotion-chasing Cougars boss Barry Eaton is in the running for the prestigious Co-operative National League Two coach of the year award.

Eaton is one of three contenders for the gong alongside Dave Woods of champions Gateshead Thunder and Blackpool Panthers’ Martin Crompton.

Keighley host Rochdale Hornets in a sudden death play-off on Sunday as they continue their march towards the Grand Final following an excellent campaign under Eaton.

They finished the regular season with 15 wins from 22 games, coming in joint-fourth and just four points off automatic promotion.

It has been a major turnaround since last year, when the Cougars managed only six victories and rolled in third from bottom.

With the continued development of the club’s impressive youngsters alongside some astute signings, Eaton has moulded a dangerous side.

Cougars chairman Neil Spencer said: “Barry turned down an opportunity to coach Dewsbury earlier this year, deciding to keep faith with us here at Cougar Park.

“He has worked hard with limited funds to create a competitive Keighley team and that has been reflected in their performances this year.

“The future looks really exciting for Cougars and we’re very proud that Barry’s hard work has been recognised by his nomination for the coach of the year award.”

Eaton, 34, originally joined the Keighley coaching staff as player-coach in 2006 working under Peter Roe before taking complete control last year.

The winner will be revealed at the Co-operative National League’s awards dinner at Elland Road in Leeds on Tuesday, September 23.

Meanwhile, Cougars prop Andy Shickell – whose first-ever senior hat-trick helped beat Workington 32-14 in Sunday’s elimination play-off – is in confident mood ahead of this weekend.

“We’ve beaten Rochdale twice already this season so we know we can beat them,” said Shickell, who spends his working days joining cables throughout the Keighley and Halifax regions.

“I watched them play against Doncaster recently and they’re a decent side. Their new coach Darren Shaw has clearly worked hard with them so we know what we have to do.

“We’ve worked hard throughout the season and feel we’re making progress as a team. We’re still in the play-offs with a great chance and just two games away from making Grand Final day at Warrington.

“There’s no doubt we have a real opportunity of taking that step and it’s going to be a great occasion when we meet Rochdale down at Cougar Park.”