SAINTS' long-serving Australian utility player Phil Veivers has expressed his 'shock and disappointment' that the club has transfer-listed him in his testimonial season.

Veivers completed a Centenary League contract and was placed on offer at £25,000 on Monday after rejecting a one-season Super League deal.

Said Phil: "Although Huddersfield, Workington and Hull have all expressed an interest in me, the truth is that I have no wish to leave Saints, and I was astounded when the news was broken to me by David Howes.

"I have been very happy at Knowsley Road since I came here with Mal Meninga in 1984 and my testimonial is going very well, but Saints have made their decision and there seems little I can do about it."

Something of a cult figure with the fans, 31-year-old Phil's versatility has been byword at Knowsley Road, for he has played in every position for Saints, and has scored 97 tries in 379 appearances.

Said Mr. Howes: "We are very aware of Phil Veivers' magnificent service to Saints, and are giving him the chance to extend his career elsewhere, and he will receive a handsome donation and the use of the ground for a benefit match."

Other forthcoming testimonial events include: Race nights at Swan, Newton (March 1), Princess Royal (March 8). Sportsman's dinners at Parr Labour Club (March 12) and Birchley St. Mary's (March 13). Further details from 892919.

Stand tickets for the Cup semi-final against Widnes at Wigan will be on sale price £12 to season-ticket holders on Friday (9am-7pm) and Saturday (10am-noon). General sale times are Sunday (10am-noon) and Monday and Tuesday (9am-7pm).

Super League season tickets will also be available on Friday price £115 (stand) and £65 (ground).

Financial controller Stephen White has left Saints by mutual agreement and a replacement is to be appointed in the near future. Saints Alliance team won 28-22 in a third round Challenge Cup tie at Halifax on Monday, when Ian Pickavance and Jonathan Neill had outstanding games. Saints now visit Warrington on Friday in a quarter-final clash.

Saints have applied for a work permit for Australian forward Derek McVey and are now awaiting a reply from the appropriate Government department.

The 'meet the fans' night organised by David Howes at the Town Hall on Monday attracted a bumper attendance of more than 300, when the Saints' chief executive answered questions on progress at the club since he took office last summer.

Saints' board have confirmed the appointments of both assistant first-team and Academy coaches and their names will be announced in the next few days.

Contractors who have also worked at the Manchester United and Liverpool stadiums are currently revamping the Saints' shop, and the work is expected to be completed by the launch of the Super League.

Answer to correspondent Eddie Fildes of Shaw Street Social Club: Les Greenall was hooker in the Saints' team which defeated Leeds at Wembley in 1972. The side was; Pimblett; Jones, Benyon, Walsh, Wilson; Kelly, Heaton; Rees, Greenall, Stephens, Mantle, Chisnall, Coslett. Substitutes Whittle, Earl.

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