A BUZZ of excitement surged through Langtree Park as season ticket holders got their first view of the spectacular £25million stadium earlier this month.

Several thousand supporters went through the turnstiles before taking their seats in the stands or spot on the terraces to gaze around the arena while watching Saints’ squad in an open training session.

Here's what the supporters told the Star's Andrew Kilmurray


Paul Metcalfe with his wife Andrea and their 15-year-old son Jaz, who travelled to the stadium from their Chorley home.

Andrea, 44, said: “It is fantastic and was worth the wait to have a home. Knowsley Road had history and nostalgia – but for the modern game we had to be here.

“The town is excited – you can feel the friendly atmosphere here – and there will be more families down here. The ladies toilets have roofs and handdryers – it is some difference from Knowsley Road.”


Gerry Moore, 78, of the original Saints supporters club, was with John Powell, 73.

Gerry said he would always miss the special atmosphere of Knowsley Road and hoped the new stadium would create the same magic.

He added: “I can’t believe it has happened. We’ve waited 12 years for this. I remember going seeing a small scale model of it all those years ago but never thought it would take this long to happen.

“Eamonn (McManus) should be made a Freeman of the town.”


Nicola Lyon with her partner Adam Swash, 27, and John Cooper, 47, found their spaces on the West Stand terrace.

Adam, from Haresfinch said: “We’ve waited such a long time, so it’s amazing that we’re finally in here. We can’t wait for the first match and can’t believe it is now only six weeks away.

“We thought we’d come in this section and be stood up because it will be a great atmosphere.”


Carmel College students Nathan Coy (16), Eloise Kenneally (16), Lucy Muskett (17) and Matthew Houghton (16). They said: “We’ll be standing here cheering on the Saints. In one word the stadium is Reem.”


Dave Lyon, 27, the founder of the popular RedVee fans website, told the Star: “The stadium is fantastic...it is everything we have wanted and what people have waited for for the last 10 years.

“I’d say to anyone out there who hasn’t got a season ticket: ‘you are going to want to get down here’.

“We’re having a look around and hopefully we can find a place where all our banners can go.”


Up in the West Stand terrace, Bob Kay (left), 71, pictured with Brian Jones, 55 from Parr, said: “It’s fantastic and we’re looking forward to the games starting. It will be nice to see them complete the cladding around the stands.”


Sean Yeates (50) pictured with daughters, Rachel (16) and Ellie (13).

Rachel said: “It’s simply brilliant. It’s everything we expected and more. It feels like home already and we’re just excited about getting things started.”


Joanne Maylor (right) and her children Ethan (two) and Caitlin (four), from Ashton-in-Makerfield with friend Louisa Burns, from Haydock, settled into their seats. Joanne said: “We’re so impressed and have got really good seats. It is so much better for families...superb.”