3 days Ago
DIRECTOR of rugby and head coach Dan McGee admits his last home league game at Keighley was more emotional than he could have imagined. He is leaving the club after over a decade on the coaching staff , while he first got involved there at the age of just six. His final league game in charge of the club is this Saturday at Hullensians, where a victory would see Keighley finish third in Counties One Yorkshire.
But it was the home win against Harrogate Pythons last time out where no expense was spared, with McGee and his fellow head coach James Cunliffe both leaving at the end of the season, while the club also mourned the passing of long-serving president Joe McDowell. McGee told the Keighley News: “It was surreal really the other Saturday. “I knew it was going to be an emotional day, but I don’t think I realised how much of an impact it would have on me.
“The club pulled together with a minute’s silence for Joe, the tunnel coming out, and there were lots of little things that made the day really poignant. “It just showed me how fantastic this club is and how everyone thinks about all those who are part of the set up. “It was nice to go on the pitch with my two kids and there was a celebration in the clubhouse afterwards.
“There’s always the danger of the occasion being ruined by a poor game of rugby, but that was good too. “The lads put on a show for the fans, which made things even better.” Keighley have scored over 100 points combined in their last two home games against Harrogate Pythons, and the North Yorkshire side will have to face that daunting trip to Rose Cottage again next season.
(Image: John Ashton) Cunliffe and McGee have been instrumental in Keighley's rise to become one of the best teams in the Yorkshire leagues over the last few years, so both of them departing at the same time is undoubtedly a blow. Asked how he thinks and hopes Keighley will cope next season without the pair of them, McGee said: “On paper, it’s never good for two coaches to go at once, but then again it might help the club to have a clean slate. “I see it as a positive with regards to the club being a really good position with its infrastructure and its junior set up.
“New players coming in and other lads leaving are always challenges a new coach has to look at, but it’s a good transition. “Clubs always go through those but they always keep going and we’re in a good position moving forward.” Dan McGee (right) and James Cunliffe will leave a huge hole at Keighley with their departure, but the club are in a good position to cope.
(Image: John Ashton) But it will be surreal and sad for Keighley to move forward without McDowell, who gave decades of his life to the club before dying last month at the age of 96. McGee paid tribute, saying: “Joe was Mr Keighley and he’s a massive loss for the club. “He was always there, even when I was young, and he seemed to just stay the same age.
“He’d always have a laugh with you, he’d always have a story to tell and he’d always ask you questions too. “I’ve been down at Keighley since I was six years old and I’ve always remembered Joe being there too. “He was a massive part of the fabric of the club and it’s going to be strange for a while, him not being around.
“He’ll be sadly missed by everyone, as he touched the lives of so many with his character and influence on the club.”.
