ST HELENS Town will play their first game today since announcing big changes on and off the pitch.

They are charting a fresh beginning following last year’s tough and challenging season which ended with relegation from the North West Counties League.

Town have appointed Paul Piert to the role of manager and he has more than 10 years of experience as an adult and junior football coach.

He was Assistant Coach at Town in 2011-12, before moving to Ashton Athletic as joint first team manager, where he remained for 10 years. He is originally from Thatto Heath, and now lives in Sutton.

He expressed his pride in taking over the challenge of managing his home town club.

“I’m proud to have the job, managing my town’s football club is a special thing,” Piert said.

“I’m excited by everything that’s going on off the field and know it will help us build a successful team.

“We’re at the start of something special.”

Town will be hosting Atherton LR today Saturday (16 July) at Ruskin Drive, for a pre-season friendly.

The game will kick off at 3pm and admission will be free, and townsfolk are asked to come along and support the team.

The club has received plenty of well wishes from the community, including vide meaages from Joe Batchelor and James Roby.