SAINTS have confirmed that the curtain will come down on 120 years of history and next season will be their final one at their historic, atmospheric but antiquated Knowsley Road home.

The club will ground into their plush new home on the outskirts of the town centre during 2011 – and if the new stadium is not ready for the start of that season Saints will play some of their early home games on the road, possibly at Widnes.

Supporters will be kept in the picture about developments, with fans forums scheduled to take place in February, which will allow fans to view the layout of the new ground and reserve their seats.

The confirmation means that Saints and their fans can now spend a year reminiscing and commemorating the ground that has been graced by the game’s greats before the bulldozers move in and raze it to the ground.

Saints chief executive Tony Colquitt said: “As everyone knows all relevant bodies have been working together to finalise the new stadium scheme.

“It’s been an incredibly complex process, accentuated by the wider economic climate. We will be moving into the new stadium in 2011 and consequently 2010 will be our last season at Knowsley Road.

“Whilst it’s exciting times, we also acknowledge that it’s only fitting that we celebrate 120 years at Knowsley Road. The ground’s history is interwoven with that of the town, its people and the game. We will announce a whole series of events early in the New Year that will allow all our fans to participate.”

The club will discuss planned celebrations with the Past Players Association, supporters groups and the Saints Heritage Society.

Colquitt added: “The activities are likely to include a special farewell game, gala dinners, the nomination of Saints’ greatest ever 17 and a whole range of memorabilia.

“There is no better time to become a season ticket holder. It’s only right that our season ticket holders receive priority in the new stadium.”

The club is in talks with the RFL with a view to scheduling the majority of the games at the start of 2011 away from home.

But the club accept that any early home games may be played on the road.

Saints Chairman Eamonn McManus, added: “Our dream of a new stadium is fast becoming a reality and years of hard work, and overcoming sometimes seemingly insurmountable problems, are now taking on a real and physical manifestation.

“All I can do is encourage you to take stock of the momentous time now unfolding in the history of the club and enjoy your last season at our world famous old ground as much as we will at our new stadium in 2011.”