SAINTS assistant coach Richard Marshall is the new Salford Red Devils head coach.

Marshall, who has been assistant to Justin Holbrook and Kristian Woolf for back-to-back Super League titles, replaces Ian Watson in the top job at Salford.

He joined the Saints part way though the 2019 season as Assistant Coach following the departure of Sean Long.

He had previously spent time as assistant under Tony Smith at Warrington Wolves, before moving on to Halifax as Head Coach where he took the part-timers to three top-four finishes in his four seasons.

Marshall said: "I would like to thank everyone at the Club including all the players and staff.

"I have had a great time working at St Helens and to be part of a successful period which saw us reach a Challenge Cup Final before two Grand Final successes was brilliant.

"The players have been an outstanding bunch to work with and the Coaching staff have been really supportive and it was great to finish the season in such a memorable way.

"I have made no secret that I wanted, one day, to be Head Coach at a Super League Club and I am now looking forward to the next chapter at Salford."

Marshall was one of three assistant coaches at Saints, the others being Paul Wellens and Ian Talbot, the latter who was also reserves head coach.

However, with there being no reserves until 2022 the club can go forward with two assistants - Wellens and Talbot - for 2021.

Marshall departs with the well wishes of Saints coach Kristian Woolf, who said: "I am really happy for Rich.

"He has worked hard over the last few years and has been part of a Grand Final winning team under two coaches.

"He has played his part in our success and although I will now come up against him in Super League next season I am really happy for him and wish him the best of luck at Salford."

Those thanks were also passed on by the club's chief executive, Mike Rush.

"A big thanks to Richard for the last 18 months.

"He has been a great to work with and has been part of two Super League Grand Final wins.

"Everyone at the Saints wishes him well at Salford," he said.