SIGNS for the renamed St Helens Linkway as James Roby Way have been installed.

The A570 has had its name changed in honour of the legendary former Saints skipper who retired last season after 18 years in the red vee.

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

James Roby, pictured last year, during his final season as a player at SaintsJames Roby, pictured last year, during his final season as a player at Saints (Image: SWPix.com)

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.

Installation of the signs, bearing the road's new name, was completed on Tuesday, June 11, St Helens Council said.

 

Speaking of his pride at the recognition, James 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.”

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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.

James RobyJames Roby (Image: SWPix.com)

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 comes from English Cities Fund, the council’s strategic regeneration partner.

Saints chairman Eamonn McManus said after the announcement: “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.

James Roby, with the Challenge Cup at Wembley, in 2021James Roby, with the Challenge Cup at Wembley, in 2021 (Image: SWPix.com)

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.”