IT is a sign you are getting old when your flat cap smells like your dad’s, you get underpants for Christmas and Saints coaches are ten years younger than you.

New boss Keiron Cunningham takes the helm for his first game in charge as head coach in Sunday’s friendly at home to Widnes.

It really does not seem that long since the then teenage hooker was running out to make his debut at Warrington – but it was 20 years ago!

He certainly has the rugby knowledge, presence and ability to command the respect of the players – key components of a coach’s make up.

Some people probably chart their lives growing up on Prime Ministers or Dr Whos.

In my timeline as a Saints supporter and reporter Cunningham is my 15th head coach – and the rest of them combined would make a tidy team, even if a little top heavy with hookers.

Of those Eric Ashton was my Jon Pertwee. When I first stepped into Knowsley Road there was still graffiti on the Popular Side wall declaring Eric Ashton’s Red and White Army painted in big letters.

Ashton was a man you immediately looked up to – a figure that looked and acted like a leader, whose playing prowess as a prince among centres was demonstrated at Wigan.

He transferred those skills into a top class coach – with his knowledge and insight being widely regarded.

And as the years rolled by Saints routinely dug into the ranks of past players who had done it at the highest level as players – Kel Coslett, Billy Benyon and Alex Murphy – and they had varying levels of success.

New Zealander Mike McClennan’s double act with Frankie Barrow certainly shook things up – even if you did need a dictionary to read his Star column every Thursday.

Although the man who unleashed the innovation of headed tries and royal jelly supplements in a bid to try and compete with Wigan, his demise ultimately came when he tipped a pint over a supporter during a bad defeat.

Eric Hughes did much to invigorate the youth, and give young players their chance and a good framework was in place by the time Shaun McRae came over to turn that team into winners.

It is a label that has stuck through the summer era, with Ellery Hanley, Ian Millward and Daniel Anderson enjoying and developing a golden legacy.

The transition period coinciding with the departure of some playing legends and the move from Knowsley Road made it tougher for Mick Potter, Royce Simmons and able caretaker boss Mike Rush – but all were within inches of success.

Nathan Brown – with Cunningham as his assistant – was able to guide Saints back to the silver polishers.

And now Cunningham is sitting in the big chair, plotting the way forward for his home town club.

Everyone wishes him well.