Coach with Leeds Rhinos connections takes over at Championship club after boss' shock exit
A coach who had a spell in Leeds Rhinos’ system has been placed in charge of Keighley Cougars following Alan Kilshaw’s shock departure less than two weeks before the season kicks off.
Kilshaw, a former Hunslet team boss, was released by Cougars at his own request to take up “a significant opportunity away from the club”. His assistant Danny Burton has been appointed interim-coach of the Betfred Championship outfit, whose season begins at home to Goole Vikings on Sunday, January 18.
Burton joined Cougars last April. He was previously assistant to Kilshaw at Hunslet and had a spell on Rhinos’ academy backroom staff, as well as coaching at National Conference club Oulton Raiders. As a player, his clubs included Oulton, Dewsbury Rams, Halifax, Bradford Northern and Hunslet.
Burton’s sons Joe and Oli both play at semi-professional level, having come through Rhinos’ youth system and daughter Abi is an England rugby union international. Burton said: “I’m excited to accept the interim head-coach position at Keighley.
“Working alongside Craig McDowell and Adam Mitchell, we have a strong coaching group in place and continuity is key as we move forward together. What excites me most is the hard work ethic and attitude the players have shown.
“That’s the foundation everything else is built on. We have a great group of individuals here, both on and off the field and I’m looking forward to continuing to develop and push this team forward during this period.”
Kilshaw coached Hunslet from 2021-23 and joined Cougars midway through last season. He said: “This wasn’t an easy decision for me to make, but I feel the club is in a really good place. There’s a strong structure in place, and a lot of good work has been done throughout pre-season which I’m confident will be evident in the performances this season.
“It has been a privilege to coach this group of players and work with the staff and I’m excited to watch how the next generation of Cougars continue to develop. I’d like to thank everyone at the club for the opportunity and support during my time here and wish the club nothing but success moving forward.”