EUROPEAN kings Saints are set to leave Knowsley Road after playing there for more than 100 years - but for one game only!

For the Super League and Challenge Cup winners have switched their home fixture against Castleford Tigers on Sunday, April 27, to Liverpool FC's Anfield ground, kick-off 3pm.

The revolutionary move was announced by Saints' chief executive David Howes (pictured) at a press conference held at the 41,000 capacity all-seater stadium on Tuesday.

Outlining the reasons for change Mr Howes said: "Saints made the first approach and I would emphasise that we have no hidden agenda, at this stage it is a one-off venture in a bid to assess support on Merseyside.

"After increasing our average home gate to a post-war record of 10,200 last season, and being greatly encouraged by our away following in Paris, London and Cardiff, we are seeking to extend our regional support base.

"Choice of date was influenced by several factors, not least that Castleford are attractive opposition, there are no Premier League games that day, and with the end of soccer season in sight the time would be ripe to woo converts to Rugby League.

"Wigan and Penrith enjoyed a 20,000 gate in 1991, and I am hopeful of another five-figure crowd, for which admission is likely to be £13 and £10; season tickets will be valid, and the possibility of running special buses will be considered.

"As the game's top club Saints view the unique Anfield clash as another step to align with the global vision of Super League, and at the end of the day we are only moving 11 miles up the East Lancashire Road," added Mr. Howes.

Saints coach Shaun McRae commented: "I am sure that the players will respond to the big-match atmosphere at Anfield, and I see no problems from a preparation point of view."

Full-back Steve Prescott was in agreement and jocularly added: "The only time I played at Anfield I scored two goals in a seven-a-side soccer match, so I am really looking forward to the clash with Castleford!"

Season tickets are now on sale at the following prices: adult stand £156, ground £96; junior/OAP stand £108; OAP ground £48; junior ground £38; Owens Corning family 'D' stand £110 parent, child under 16 £50. Stand tickets for the game at Wigan on Boxing Day will be on sale from Monday.

Saints have declined an invitation to appear in the Middlesex Sevens. No further progress is reported in talks with Warrington regarding the possible transfer of Iestyn Harris to Knowsley Road.

Test forward Chris Joynt is making a good recovery following knee surgery.

The new away strip is still on sale at the Knowsley Road superstore, which will remain open until 4pm on Saturdays up to Christmas. The home kit will be available from early February.

Answer to correspondent Harry Langtree, of Rivington Road: Club records reveal that Saints' biggest-ever crowd was 35,595 for the game versus Wigan on Boxing Day 1949. Saints won 15-8 with tries from Stan McCormick, Reg Blakemore and Jim Stott, who also kicked four goals.

Team: Lowe; Llewellyn, Stott, Finnan, McCormick; Honey, Beesley; Norris, Blakemore, Whittaker, Parsons, Aston, Prescott.

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