WE shall not be moved!

That is the unequivocal statement from Saints to allay supporters' fears that the club will ultimately flit lock, stock and barrel to Anfield.

Rumours of a switch from Knowsley Road -regarded as treason by many - have been rife since chief executive David Howes was quoted as saying the once-a-year venture was something to build on for the future.

Opinions have been sharply divided on the merits of playing at the home of Liverpool Football Club, with some supporters asking if such a move was the thin ede of the wedge before a complete transition.

Said Mr. Howes: "I can categorically deny there is any hidden agenda between us and Liverpool, and the Anfield venture was, is, and will remain a one-off arrangement, with the plan being to review it each season.

"Sunday's game against Warrington was a qualified success both financially and otherwise, for although the 10,000 gate was 2,000 down on last year, Saints could have expected only 7,000 had the match been staged at Knowsley Road.

"We have ticket stubs which indicate that upwards of 1,500 soccer fans were at Anfield, which was the whole point of the exercise, although I concede that 71 Saints' season ticket holders demanded a refund because they objected to travelling to Liverpool.

"A firm decision on what happens in 1999 will be made by Saints' board in due course and, if given the green light, I would ideally like Saints to face Wigan at Anfield when _ unlike this year and last _ the soccer season is over, and feel sure that would attract a 20,000 crowd.

"I fully understand that would mean surrendering home advantage, but I think it has to be said that our players have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of twice appearing at such a superb stadium.

"And our supporters tell me a similar story, including being transported to Anfield by double-decker bus along the A580!" added David Howes.

The Academy team defeated Warrington 32-4 at Knowsley Road on Friday night. Tries were scored by Mark McCully (2), Gareth Price, John Hamilton and Nick Cammann.

Saints' Past Players Association will hold their 19th annual dinner in the cabaret lounge, Knowsley Road, on Friday, June 5, from 7.15pm. Speaker is John Stopford, chairman Ray French and comedian Don Reid. Tickets price £17 are available from PPA secretary Geoff Pimblett on St. Helens 24611.

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