Keighley Cougars can today announce Lisa Gill has resigned as Managing Director of the club to pursue opportunities in the television industry.

Lisa has managed the club since 2019 and has taken the club from the doldrums of League One, to promotion to the Championship.

Cougars co-owner Ryan O’Neill has thanked Lisa for her valuable contribution to the club.

“Lisa has been by our side, our confidante, and an incredible leader of this unique rugby league club,” said O’Neill.

“Lisa brought a fresh approach to club management, working with Rhys Lovegrove and Andrew Henderson to successfully deliver the incredible 2022 season.

“Lisa was instrumental in successfully obtaining the £2.25m funding for the new Cougar stand.

“In 2019 the club was rudderless, when Lisa joined her enthusiasm and hard work was transformative in making Cougars a modern, progressive club.

“We are sorry to see Lisa leave, however we understand that she has exciting opportunities ahead of her.

“We wish Lisa and her family, Joe, Lola, Taro and Harley, the very best wishes for the future.

“Lisa and her family will always be welcome guests at Cougar Park.

“On behalf of the club, we thank her for being our rock.”

As a result of Lisa leaving, the board have restructured the business management of the club.

Kaue Garcia is stepping into the role as Managing Director.

Lynne Conlin, who joined the club as administration manager, is promoted to General Manager and Jake Webster is appointed as Commercial Executive.

A new commercial department has been created, made up of an executive committee of Ryan O’Neill, Kaue Garcia, Lynne Conlin and Jake Webster.

Tim Wood, who worked to ensure the takeover of the club by the O’Neill family from Austria Holdings in 2019, has been appointed as the club’s representative to the RFL and the RFL Council member.

The board thanks Tim for taking on this responsibility.

By Joshua Chapman