St Helens Linkway renamed James Roby Way after Saints legend

It is yet more recognition for the homegrown Saint, who was last year granted Freedom of the Borough, and that complements his on-field accolades that include a pair of Harry Sunderland trophies and a Steve Prescott Man of Steel award.

St Helens Borough Council have conferred the honour on Saints’ appearance record holder with James Roby Way the new name for the 5km stretch of the A570 linkway between Junction 7 of the M62 at Rainhill Stoops the Cannington Roundabout near to the stadium.

Speaking of his pride at this recognition, Roby said: “I am hugely humbled and proud to receive such an accolade from my hometown.

“I have been overwhelmed by the response of everyone following my final season in the red vee.

“I would like to thank St Helens Borough Council for this honour, it is something I will cherish for a long time into the future.”

In the former Blackbrook junior’s record 551 appearance for his hometown club he collected six Super League Grand Final rings, eight League Leaders’ Shields, four Challenge Cup winners’ medals and two World Club Challenge successes.

The council’s decision to rename the linkway is not simply to mark Roby’s significant contribution to the club but also recognise the importance of Saints to the town during their 150-year history.

The road sign sponsorship for James Roby Way is coming from English Cities Fund, the council’s strategic regeneration partner.

St Helens Borough Council Leader, Councillor David Baines, said: "Saints hold a special place in the history and hearts of our community.

“For 150 years they have been part of the fabric of St Helens and it is absolutely right that we recognise their importance in any way we can.

"Renaming the main linkway from the motorway to the ground is a great way to do that.

“In deciding on a name, who better than the greatest of all time. I know there will always be a debate about who that is but, in my mind, it's settled - it's James Roby.

“He is the club's all-time record appearance maker and in a career spanning two decades he won every trophy possible and lifted them all as captain. His achievements will be remembered for as long as the club and the town exist.

“James is extremely humble but his influence on St Helens as a place, the club and the game of rugby league deserves nothing but the highest praise which is why we’re delighted to honour him in such a way – the James Roby Way.

“I'd like to thank Saints, the Saints Heritage Society, local businesses and the ward councillors for their backing with this, and also English Cities Fund for their kind sponsorship of the new road signs.

“This is an opportunity to recognise one of our most famous residents who has set a tremendous example for two decades, and to let everyone know that we are proud of our rugby league club and proud of our community."

Those sentiments were echoed by St Helens RFC chairman Eamonn McManus, who added: “It is more than appropriate that the St Helens Linkway is forthwith named James Roby Way.

“It constitutes due and permanent recognition of his unparalleled contribution to our club, our sport and our town.

“His achievements will never be matched and should never be forgotten. To name the principal route into the town and into the stadium after him will now ensure that.

“St Helens Borough Council are to be lauded for their judgment and action in ensuring that James is given such deserved prominence.”

Roby will join sporting icons like football’s Sir Matt Busby and rugby league’s Clive Sullivan and Roger Millward in having a major road named after him.

Alex Service of the Saints Heritage Society said: “James Roby is a local born phenomenon, whose achievements for St Helens R.F.C. in one of the toughest contact sports is virtually beyond equal.

“James is held in high regard by the rugby league community; a devoted family man he is the undoubted role model for any young player to aspire to, not just in the red vee of St Helens RFC but at any professional rugby league club.

"He has been a perfect ambassador in a sport that has given our team and our town recognition on the regional, national and world stage.

“It seems fitting that his many achievements will be commemorated for posterity with part of the Linkway being re-named in his honour. A marvellous tribute indeed and richly deserved.”