FORMER Saints skipper and second row man Eric Chisnall celebrated a remarkable long service anniversary just before Christmas – marking 50 years since signing for his home town club.

Not content with a drawer full of medals from his 523 matches in the red vee, Chisnall has been doing his bit since hanging up his boots to nurture the next generation as a valued mentor to the club’s juniors.

And that role, which has included joining all six of the Academy’s bi-annual tour of Australia to date, has maintained his service at the Saints.

One of a band of sporting brothers, with Dave and Les also donning the rugby boots while elder sibling John was a master in the boxing ring, Eric signed for Saints from Pilkington Recs in December 22, 1966.

A shrewd footballer and a naturally big man, Chisnall could turn in the tackle and get the ball out despite having one player round his legs and another around his body.

As a ball player in the middle he could also throw an accurate long pass – or sell the dummy and pierce the line with a deceptive turn of pace from a long stride.

The reason why he was such a potent attacking threat under the old five-yard rule was because defenders never knew whether to take the man or his runners and there was always enough doubt created for Chisnall to conjure something in a tight space.

He made his full debut three months later against Huddersfield, while his first try was an important one in December 1967 – scoring the winning points in the Lancashire Cup final replay against Warrington.

More medals followed with back-to-back Championship success in 1970 and 71, scoring at try in the first of those, followed by the first of his two Wembley wins — against Leeds in 1972.

After being capped by Lancashire, Chisnall’s skills and resolute defence took him up another representative notch earning him a place on Great Britain’s 1974 tour to Australia and New Zealand.

Chisnall played in all three Ashes tests against Australia, scoring a crucial try in the second test win at Sydney Cricket Ground, and gained his fourth Lions cap in the final test win over New Zealand.

The following season, partnering fellow tourist George Nicholls in the second row, Chisnall helped Saints to top spot in the First Division Championship, 11 points clear of second placed Wigan.

And the following year the Dad’s Army side delivered more Wembley glory, this time against Widnes with the BBC2 Floodlit and Premiership Trophy completing a treble, scoring against Salford in the latter.

His next medal was his first and only one won alongside his brother Dave – another Premiership Final success, this time against Warrington.

Unfortunately a broken arm saw him miss a lengthy spell, including the 1978 Wembley defeat by Leeds.

What followed was a testing period for all involved with the club with a cluster of star names growing old and moving on, with the finances not being there to replace them.

At this time Chisnall took the skipper’s role and sought to develop the team alongside quality young players Harry Pinner, Graham Liptrot and Neil Holding.

Chisnall moved to Leigh during a troubled 1982 campaign, and in his swansong he helped guide Alex Murphy’s Hilton Parkers to a Championship success.

But his heart was still at Knowsley Road and remained involved in helping the coaches of the B and C teams.

His role as a mentor has proved invaluable, and the imparting of his nous and know-how going way beyond his prowess at making porridge for the hungry juniors on the tour.

With such a long record of service to the club it is no wonder Eric Chisnall is held in such high regard by all those who have come through the ranks and made it to the top under his watchful eye.