AN irate Independent Saints' Supporters Association has slammed the club for refusing cut-price admission to the World Club decider versus Melbourne Storm at Wigan on January 22.

Said press officer Russ Fairclough: "We understand the reasons for switching the game to the JJB stadium, but are dismayed that ticket concessions are not available.

"With the cheapest seat costing £15 this effectively means that, taking travel and other expenses into account, an outlay of about £90 for a family of four.

This is obviously out of their reach.

"These are the same families Saints expect to buy Boxing Day tickets, season tickets, two new strips, all around the expensive Christmas period," went on Mr. Fairclough.

"The club argue that these prices are needed to ensure the game's financial viability, but we pointed out that a full stadium paying £10 to £20 was better than one half-empty.

"Once again the ordinary fan is being squeezed finacially in the furtherance of the game's image. Come on Saints, let's start by looking after our own," added Russ Fairclough.

No one was available for comment at Saints as the Star went to press.

Orders are being taken for tickets for the World Club Challenge game against Melbourne Storm at Wigan on January 22.

Saints have denied that chairman Howard Morris has resigned. The misunderstanding arose because vice-chairman Malcolm Kay was referred to as chairman in sections of the media last week.

Saints have signed Darrell 'Tricky' Trindell, a scrum-half from South Sydney, and Auckland Warriors forward Bryan Henare. Work permits have yet be be obtained.

Paul Atcheson and Kevin Iro (groins) and Paul Newlove (thumb) have undergone surgery. Keiron Cunningham (elbow) and Anthony Sullivan (shoulder) are expected to enter hospital shortly. Saints are seeking to recruit ground stewards who should be physically fit and aged 55 and under. Applications to security officer Max Woosey on St. Helens 23697.

Tickets for the game at Wigan on Boxing Day are available at Knowsley Road price £14, £12 (concession £8), £10 (£6).

Saints record scorer Kel Coslett will join the club's promotions staff on December 1.

Season tickets are now on sale and concessions will apply if bought before December 20.

Lot 101 in the auction of the late Lady Pilkington's effects at Windle Hall was the subject of fierce bidding and resulted in a number of limited edition Saints' glasses being snapped up by an anonymous buyer. He promptly donated them to the club museum through director Joe Spencer, with his only stipulation being that the gesture was in memory of his late father-in-law and local publican Samuel Saxon.

Saints have signed Liam McGovern from Halton Hornets on a four-year contract.

Former Saints' Test centre Paul Loughlin has signed for Swinton on a one-year deal.

The Rugby League Supporters Association will hold an open meeting entitled 'What's the RL's Going On' at the Willows, Salford, on Sunday, November 21, at 1pm. Speakers are Neil Tunnicliffe, Nigel Wood, Graeme Bradley and Kevin Ashcroft. Details from Geoff Lee 01274-594913.

Saints will hold a fund-raising dinner at Knowsley Road on Friday, January 21. Chairman is Ray French, speaker Peter Fox and comedian Mike King. Tickets price £20 from Jimmy O'Sullivan, Joe Spencer and John and Mary Dixon.

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