SAINTS supporters are expected to turn out in force to deliver a rousing send off to the players when they set off for London today (Thursday).

The coach carrying Justin Holbrook and his squad will depart from the Totally Wicked Stadium at 12.30pm to begin preparations for the Challenge Cup final.

Club chiefs are inviting fans to “come down and to send the squad off in style,” as the excitement builds ahead of Saints first Wembley date in 11 years.

Coach Justin Holbrook is fully aware of the buzz surrounding the final and is keen to embrace the atmosphere.

Joining the Saints boss on the trip to London will be chairman Eamonn McManus and chief executive Mike Rush.

Rush, one of only a handful of staff in the club’s ranks to have experience of Saints going to Wembley, admits the level of anticipation is beyond that of 2007 and 2008.

“There’s no doubt the town is really behind us, and it is great to see businesses and residents being encouraged to dress up their shop fronts and houses.

“It’s exciting and a lot of hard work in the offices – we don’t have the biggest back office staff.

“But you’d rather be getting ready for Wembley at this time of year than on holiday somewhere.

“The response from the fans has been outstanding and the merchandise sales have been very strong.

“Now we’re really looking forward to heading down there.”

St Helens Star:

This week's St Helens Star front page

 

St Helens Council, which has placed red and white bunting and a good luck message in Victoria Square, has drawn up provisional plans for a homecoming, should Saints win the cup.

Outline details for the team to tour the town in a open top bus – as is tradition – on Sunday, August 25, have been released, with the route details:

Approximately 3pm start – Mercure Haydock to Penny Lane, Church Road, Clipsley Lane, West End Road, Haydock

Blackbrook Road, Park Road to Fingerpost to Parr Stocks Road, Fleet Lane, Concourse Way, Berrys Lane, Parr

Watery Lane, Junction Lane, Station Road, Robins Lane, Scorecross, Linkway, Sherdley Road, Elton Head Road

Rainhill Road, Nutgrove Road, Thatto Heath Road, Lugsmore Lane

Prescot Road, Dunriding Lane, Knowlsey Road, Mill Brow, Millbrook Lane, Eccleston

Kiln Lane, Greenfield Road, Baldwin Street, Cotham Street, finish at Victoria Square.