Link Telecom’s managing director Gary Fawcett has officially thrust his business know-how into Keighley Cougars.

He becomes the third member of the club’s board, joining chairman Neil Spencer and chief executive Colin Farrar.

Spencer said: “It is particularly pleasing to welcome Gary to our board of directors.

“He has a proven record as a businessman and his skills will undoubtedly come in useful as we drive the club forward.

“We have established a good relationship with Gary and Link Telecom during their time as club sponsors and this has enabled us to become accustomed to each other’s methods and approach to business.”

Fawcett, 44, joined Link Telecom nearly five years ago having established a reputation of being a business leader in engineering, food processing, financial services, business consulting, IT services, call centre outsourcing and the telecommunications industry.

Since his arrival, their senior leadership team has increased annual sales by more than 200 per cent.

One of the factors in this has been the company’s commitment to their local community and supporting the Cougars is a key aspect of this.

“I’m really excited about the pros-pect of myself and Link Telecom fully being part of the Cougars experience,” said Ingrow-born Fawcett.

“They are an ambitious club and have an exciting future.

“The head coach Barry Eaton has created a team capable of challenging for promotion to the Co-operative Championship and if the club is to fully support that level of challenge, we need to further develop the business as a whole. Professional sports clubs are going to be challenged in the months to come.

“Because the Cougars are able to offer hospitality facilities at Cougar Park, have established a robust community involvement programme and share their facilities with other sports, we are in a better position than most to thrive as we develop the business.”

Fawcett has a wide rugby knowledge as Link Telecom sponsor Bradford Bulls and Halifax, as well as Cougars, and also back rugby union sides Worcester Warriors and Llanelli Scarlets.

He is an avid five-a-side soccer player and a medium-distance runner who takes part in the Leeds Half Marathon.