PICTURE: PRELUDE to the glory years... back in 1995, David Howes (centre) was welcomed to Saints by the then chairman Eric Ashton (left) and former coach Eric Hughes who is set to return to Knowsley Road as football operations manager.

WITH two years of his contract still left to run, the man who steered Saints to new heights - on and off the pitch - has stepped down at Knowsley Road, leaving many fans stunned and bewildered by the bombshell news, writes Dennis Whittle.

Saints' chief executive David Howes has left the club by "mutual agreement". His future at Knowsley Road had been the subject of considerable speculation since last month's appointment of former coach Eric Hughes as football operations manager.

It was stated then that Mr Hughes would report only to the board. Saints, however, deny Mr Hughes' impending arrival triggered David Howes' departure.

And on Tuesday, chairman Tom Ellard said: "Saints wish to place on record their appreciation of the contribution Mr Howes made to the recent successes of the club. The parting is amicable and David will work with existing staff to ensure continuity of arrangements for the time being. Saints wish him well in the future."

Said David Howes: "Saints has provided a memorable chapter in my Rugby League career, and I would like to pay tribute to the comradeship of all at the club, including the loyal supporters and sponsors. I intend to have a few weeks rest before considering my options." When I asked Mr Ellard if Mr Howes had been 'paid up' they said he had not, and also refuted suggestions that he tendered his resignation several weeks ago on learning that, as chief executive, neither he nor coach Shaun McRae were consulted regarding the appointment of Mr Hughes.

A former journalist and public relations officer with the Rugby League, David Howes joined Saints on a five-year contract in 1995, and among his briefs was to attract new sponsorship and prepare the club for the challenge of Super League and summer rugby.

Since that time the club enjoyed an average gate of more than 10,000 in 1996, along with a Superstore turn-over of £700,000 and record profit of £300,000 in 1997, while computer giants Hewlett Packard, Wish FM radio and kit suppliers Mizuno were among sponsors who pledged their support to Saints.

The 'Anfield connection' was forged; the Pilkington Foundation and Network St Helens became involved in the grass-roots rugby operation at Knowsley Road, while a novel feature was the introduction of 'St Bernard', who has become something of a cult figure on match days.

On-field, Saints enjoyed a period of unparallelled success by achieving their first double for 30 years in lifting the Challenge Cup and first Super League title in 1996 and, as such, were European champions. They were also runners-up in the Regal Trophy and Premiership competitions.

In 1997 Saints won the Challenge Cup for a second successive time for the first time in their history, and were again defeated finalists in the Premiership Trophy.

Saints' financial controller Nigel Hansford has been appointed successor to David Howes, and he said: "I am looking forward to my new role. Now we have to re-group and go forward at Saints."

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