DURING their recent gig at a packed Totally Wicked Stadium Paul Heaton announced to the 20,000 crowd that Jacqui Abbott has been a St Helens Town fan for the past five years.

Town were delighted to hear this being announced and subsequently asked the St Helens-born singer if she could become a patron of the club.

Town were delighted to hear that Jacqui has not only agreed - but have praised the humble manner in which she accepted the honour.

Blue is the Colour was the name of the Beautiful South's fifth studio album - with Jacqui on vocals for classics such as Don't Marry Her and Rotterdam.

But now that album title as a different sporty meaning - and that has thrilled the boys in blue at Town. 

Mike Bagshaw, Town Media Manager, who is also Clone Mani from Clone Roses, said: “I was aware that Jacqui had a soft spot for Town from interacting with her on Twitter.

"We were absolutely thrilled when Paul Heaton announced her support of the club to a packed Langtree.

"I got in contact with Jacqui to ask if she would become a patron for the club.

"Not only was I pleased that she agreed but she was so humble about it and was genuinely really honoured by our offer.

"She’s busy with her own life and we certainly won’t be pestering her all the time but to have her support the club in this way really means a lot to us, especially as we embark on rebuilding such an historic sporting institution of our town.”

Town are plotting their way back under new management.

Their first home game of the 2022/23 season is against Sefton Athletic at Ruskin Drive on Saturday, 20 August with a 3pm kick off.