LOYAL Saints' fans understandably furious by the fielding of an under-strength team at Wigan on Boxing Day have been given an explanation by chief executive David Howes.

"Their disappointment is fully understood,' said Mr Howes, " but no attempt was made to con our fans and I ask them to consider the following facts:

Saints' side was the strongest available, with the 14 missing players and their reasons for absence being: Davidson (suspended), Goldspink, Ojelnik (no work permit), Sculthorpe (unregistered), Joynt (tonsil operation), Goulding (flu), Atcheson, Hayes, Long, Newlove, Martyn, Cunningham, Busby, Matautia (all injured).

The problems surrounding Goulding and Joynt were not known in full until 48 hours before the game, and reasons for the absence of the others was given to the local media on December 19.

The St. Helens Star carried this information in its Christmas edition.

The team was released to the media on Tuesday, December 23 and Goulding was included, but he failed a medical on the day of the match.

Both the Saints Newsline and provincial press featured the starting line-up, albeit briefly due to space limitation and early deadlines due to the Christmas holiday.

Saints medical staff are totally committed to re-introducing the injured players for the friendly match against Swinton Lions at Knowsley Road on Sunday, January 25.'

Emphasising the importance of communication with supporters David Howes added: 'We appreciate our fans desire to be fully informed and will be aiming to stay in touch throughout the 1998 Super League campaign.

'Saints are the first to acknowledge that loyal fans are the backbone of any club, and we are anxious to foster top-class relations in a bid to attract regular five-five attendances.

'There are host of positive vibes within the club after the success of the last two seasons and the recent team rebuilding, which was highlighted by the capture of Great Britain forward Paul Sculthorpe,' ended Mr. Howes.

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