EMBATTLED Saints' turbulent season took a new twist this week with another double dose of shock disclosures.

Just six weeks after Knowsley Road chief executive David Howes left the club 'by mutual agreement', Saints have confirmed that coach Shaun McRae (39) will not be offered a new contract next season 'in view of results over the past 15 months.'

The popular Aussie who came to Saints in 1996 hit the trophy trail almost immediately, picking up the Challenge Cup and Super League titles in his first year and brought the Challenge Cup back to St Helens next year.

And Saints have sensationally suspended Test scrum-half Bobbie Goulding _ and told him to keep away from Knowsley Road until further notice!

The shock move follows an incident in a Swansea hotel after Saints were defeated 36-2 by Wigan on Sunday, when Goulding is understood to have clashed with a team-mate.

A prepared statement issued by the club said: 'It is confirmed that Bobbie Goulding has been suspended indefinitely from the club on full pay, pending further inquiries into allegations of misconduct.

"No further statements will be made until inquiries have been completed.'

Bobbie's ban is the latest development in a troubled year for the record-breaking star who joined Saints from Widnes in 1994, because he was stripped of the captaincy in the close season and was dropped due to loss of form in June.

Goulding was unavailable for comment yesterday, Wednesday.

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