ST HELENS Town have received the backing of Saints skipper Paul Wellens in promoting this month’s showpiece game against Manchester City.

Wellens, a life long City fan, knows all about the folklore attached to St Helens Town’s most famous sporting son - Bert Trautmann.

Wellens said: “I’ve heard the stories of Bert Trautmann, particularly playing on with a broken neck at Wembley in 1956. I often think about that when you see modern players rolling around with a little knock.

“The game is a fantastic event for the town of St Helens and I hope the local community get behind the fixture.

“Saints Community Development Foundation are among the charities benefiting and I’ve seen first hand the work they do with young and old alike in the town.”

Bert, who passed away in July, joined Town in 1948.

He signed for City the following year but entered football folklore in 1956 when he played on with a broken neck to help his side to victory against Birmingham City in the FA Cup final.

On Sunday 17 November a galaxy of former City stars will make the journey to Prescot Cables’ Hope Street ground (kick off 2pm) to take on the St Helens side.

Hope Street was the scene of Town’s 1948 George Mahon Trophy triumph in front of 9,000 fans - with Bert in goal – the club’s first silverware after the Second World War.

The trophy will again be present, courtesy of the Liverpool County Premier League.

Admission charges are £5 for adults and £2 for under16s/concessions with proceeds supporting the Mayor’s Appeal, The Trautmann Foundation and Town’s nominated charity - Hearts and Goals, which aims to save thousands of lives each year with greater access to defibrillators and more AED and CPR training.

A souvenir commemorative match programme, costing £2, will be on sale at the game.