SAINTS CEO Mike Rush and club skipper Paul Wellens have expressed their delight after winning the League Leaders' Shield for the first time since 2008.

the success, achieved despite significant injury losses throughout the course of the season, is Saints first piece of silverware since the club left Knowsley Road.

Rush commented that is was a product of the hard work and endeavour put in by all at the club.

Rush said: "The Shield is the culmination of a season where Nathan Brown, his coaching staff and all the players have worked hard often in times of adversity. They came together as a team and deserve all the congratulations that come their way.

"The Academy staff deserve equal thanks too after preparing several players for their first team debuts as well as reaching the semi finals of their playoffs.

"I'd like to thank the Board of Directors and Eamonn McManus for their unwavering backing in not only supporting our fantastic youth development system but also for funding transfers in a difficult market that has seen us secure British based and overseas talent.

"The staff behind the scenes should also be praised. They work long hours and do a lot of things that go un-noticed but are as equally as vital as what goes on on the pitch.

"Finally, I'd like to personally thank the fans who have supported us through thick and thin this year.

"At times it has been difficult but your support has been superb. This was none more so evident than on Friday when, under pressure and a man down, you roared the team to an almost famous win."

 Wellens spoke of the shield being a reward for the players after some tough times over the previous five seasons.

But he also believes that this could be the spark for even bigger things down the line.

He said:  "We are obviously delighted to secure the league leaders shield despite winning it in unfamiliar circumstances.

"It's great reward for our group of players, a lot of whom haven't had the experience of winning a trophy and we hope it can be the catalyst for many more moving forward.

"I would personally like to thank our fantastic supporters who've been right behind us throughout the year, and that great support was no more evident than at Huddersfield on Friday.

"We've now turned our attention to the play offs and look forward to the challenges ahead whilst knowing we can rely on our fans to get behind us on the way.

"Come on you Saints."