SEAN Long, Tommy Martyn and Paul Wellens were already celebrating before the Grand Final victory.

For Sean became the first Saints' player since George Nicholls in 1978 to be chosen Man of Steel, while Tommy picked up the Player of the Year accolade, at the Tetley Bitter awards ceremony In Manchester. The Saints' half-back pair also scored 20 tries apiece to share top spot with Darren Rogers (Castleford).

Local lad and full-back Wellens has received a belated but deserved call to join the England World Cup squad.

Just 20 years of age, Paul burst onto the first team scene only last year, and made 30 appearances in which he scored 13 tries in the Millennium campaign.

Saints' director Eric Ashton joined the elite company of Colin Hutton, Trevor Foster, Tom Smith and Harry Jepson in being appointed an honorary vice president of the Rugby Football League. Eric was created a life member of the RFL in January.

Answer to correspondent David Matthews, of Marshalls Cross: Saints signed Tommy Bishop from Barrow just before the Challenge Cup deadline in January1966. The transfer fee was £5,500. Tommy made135 appearances and scored 47 tries and 17 goals while at Knowsley Road. 'Bish' also played for Blackpool Borough and now lives in Australia.

Albert Gee, of Whiston. Harry Pinner holds Saints' record of drop goals in a match with four against Hull at Knowsley Road in 1984.