AN accountant holds the key to Saints' Super League team-building plans

He's David Wood -the Rugby League's first salary cap officer, who starts works on Monday.

He's responsible for ensuring that clubs spend no more than 50 per cent of their gross income on paying players.

And that means that more than ever clubs have to be careful they balance the books when they sign new players.

The salary cap figured largely at Knowsley Road when Saints' officials spoke to Warrington's transfer-listed Great Britain star Paul Sculthorpe on Monday.

Sculthorpe brought his agent, David McKnight, with him to the talks over the player's personal terms for a move to Saints.

The club will now have to consider how Sculthorpe's proposed signing will affect their current wage structure and the effects of the salary cap before making a concrete offer to Warrington. Wigan are also keen to recruit him.

Meanwhile, Saints are determined to ensure Anthony Sullivan does not follow fellow Great Britain star Alan Hunte out of Knowsley Road.

Sullivan has asked for a transfer, but chief executive David Howes said: "The football committee will be meeting him with a view to keeping him at Knowsley Road.

"We are also pursuing a new three-quarter to replace Alan Hunte."

Meanwhile, Saints are set to serve up a Christmas treat for their fans.

They are set to take on Wigan at Central Park in a special challenge match being billed as "The Full Monty. Seat prices are £12, with admission to the terraces £8. Tickets will be available at Knowsley Road from the middle of next week.

Saints players, in conjunction with the Pilkington Foundation, are to visit the town's amateur clubs to conduct special coaching sessions. Details will be released shortly.

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