WARRINGTON'S want-away stand-off star Lestyn Harris is not set to become a Saints' player - for the time being at least!

That was the message from Knowsley Road yesterday, Wednesday, as speculation mounted that the player on offer at a record £1.35 million had already signed for the club, despite competition for his signature from Wigan

Said Saints' chief executive David Howes: "Vice-chairman Tom Ellard and director Malcolm Kay met Warrington chairman Peter Higham on Monday in a bid to establish an initial price benchmark, but protracted negotiations seem likely.

"Dialogue will be maintained with Warrington until Harris returns from the New Zealand tour on November 3, and if and when a deal goes through Saints will be looking for sponsorship as we are still in a 'pay-back' situation with regard to recent outlay. Contrary to rumour, I can deny any suggestion of player-exchange at this stage, and although we are in constant touch with coach Shaun McRae on team strengthening matters and are keen to put a talent such as Iestyn in a Saints' shirt there is a long way to go yet," added Mr. Howes.

More than 300 supporters attended Saints' celebration dinner at Haydock Park on Thursday. Skipper Bobbie Goulding was absent due to domestic reasons. The following awards were made: Super League Saint and players' player-of-the-year Keiron Cunningham. Alliance: Paul Anderson. Academy: John Hamilton. Super League medals: Eric Ashton, Shaun McRae. Magnum of champagne for 'that' tackle at Castleford: Steve Prescott and Joey Hayes. Bouquet: Lady Pilkington.

Saints' Academy side will meet Leeds in the Challenge Cup semi-final at Moss Lane this weekend. Arrangements had not been finalised as the Star went to press and these may be obtained by telephoning St. Helens 23697.

Keiron Cunningham has withdrawn his request for a transfer, while talks are being held to secure Apollo Perelini's future at Knowsley Road.

The benefit match for Phil Veivers will be held at Knowsley Road on Sunday, October 27, kick-off 3pm, and will be preceded by a curtain-raiser.

Forthcoming events in the Gus O'Donnell kidney machine appeal fund are: Golf Day at Walton Hall, Friday, September 20. Race afternoon at Swan, Newton, Sunday, September 29. Sportsman's dinners at Golden Lion, Rainford, Wednesday, October 16, and at Sprayhurst, Friday, November 1. Details St. Helens 758152 and 28148.

Answer to correspondent Richard Bebbington of Haresfinch: Gerards Bridge-born centre Ted Forshaw made six appearances and scored three tries and kicked 13 goals for Saints in season 1957/58. Team on his debut against Huddersfield was Moses; Johnson, Greenall, Forshaw, Carlton: Rhodes, Murphy; Prescott, McKinney, Terry, Silcock, Delves, Karalius. Forshaw was also on Everton's books.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.