CHAIRMAN Eamonn McManus says Saints have never been better positioned commercially and financially following the announcement of trading results.

ST.HELENS R.F.C. have made major improvements in its trading performance for the financial year ended 31 October 2014.

And they are projecting further material improvements for 2015 and beyond.

The Club's turnover increased from £5.3 million in 2013 to £7.1 million in 2014 and its underlying trading profit (before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation and exceptional items) reached break even for the first time since the commencement of Super League nearly twenty years ago.

Current projections for 2015 indicate continued material improvements.

McManus stated: "The major capital investment which the Club committed to its new stadium, which it owns outright and free of bank or other third party debt, combined with the commensurate improvement in the professional management of the Club, is now beginning to produce the anticipated returns. This position is likely to strengthen year on year going forward.

“The Club has never in its history been better positioned commercially and financially for its long term future than it is today.

"We are expecting further revenue, profit and balance sheet improvements in 2015 and in the years ahead.

"The long term strategic commercial plan and the significant capital investment programme which the Club adopted during the previous decade has produced a very strong and stable foundation for continued future commercial and sporting success.

“Super League and rugby league generally have experienced major commercial and financial improvements in the last two years.

"St Helens can now confidently expect to be at the forefront of the impressively strengthening business sector of professional club rugby league in this country and worldwide."