Barry Eaton ---- to Celtic Crusaders : Tue Dec 07, 2010 7:15 pm
Message from Gary FawcettBarry Eaton, the Keighley Cougars coach, has accepted the Assistant Coach role at the Super League team Celtic Crusaders for next season, working directly for Iestyn Harris. Barry has been with the Cougars since 2006 and has transformed the team during his tenure. Barry will join Celtic Crusaders over the Christmas period.
Cougars Chairman Gary Fawcett said “Whereas we are really happy for Barry and the career progression this move brings to him we will be sorry to see him leave. Barry has put a lot into the club and the changes are evident. He evolved the team to a point where it is capable of promotion to the Championship next season and it will do very well there in 2012. My preference would have been to see Barry lead the team for the next 4 years. However, Barry is making a sensible career move and the club supports him in his decision. Thank you Barry and I’m sure all at the club will wish you well in your career.”
Barry Eaton said: “I would like to take this opportunity of thanking everyone connected with Keighley Cougars. The last 5 years at the club have been a memorable part of me and my families life and i feel very privileged to have been involved with this great club. I have been very fortunate to work with such a talented and committed group of players and I thank them all for their efforts over the years. The club is in a fantastic position to really progress and become a real force in the game both on and off the field and I am sure the goal of promotion back to the championship and sustainability there will be achieved".
Barry’s final game in charge will be the Peter Fell Memorial game on 19th December with a kick off at 3.30pm against a Keighley Select side. Everyone is welcome to come down to the ground that day to give a Barry a good send off and to thank him for his time at the club.
The Cougars Board will be meeting with the Management Team later this week to discuss the next steps following this announcement. A clear requirement is for the team to focus as soon as possible on the challenges for next season and to ensure that promotion to the Championship becomes a formality. The foundations that Barry has laid down at the club during his tenure will be a key factor in next season’s anticipated successes.”
