I recall some stats from the initial planning application for the stadium, which said that a majority of people that attend Saints/St Helens RLFC games travel from outside the borough of St Helens. Cant remember the exact figures and I havent been able to find the link unfortunatley.

Anyway, I believe the reasoning behind the minor rebranding is to attract new supporters and sponsors from outside the borough (specifically Widnes in the next 12 months). The club has reached saturation point in the town, crowds are stagnant, people are apathetic, the club loses vast amounts of cash. A lot of that might change in 2012 with the new stadium and the general excitement and euphoria that will bring along with it, but something has to change if the club is to continue succeeding at the top level.

Personally, I have no links to the town of St Helens, I started supporting Saints in the 80's - and the only reason I have [iever[/i been to the town is for a Saints related event.

And that, in a nutshell, is why we are rebranding.

Unfortunately those who object to it are in no position to throw millions of pounds a year at the club, whereas the man who does exactly that is (understandably) looking to find ways to market and grow the club beyond the town's glass ceiling.

I for one agree that it is the right thing to do, not least due to the club playing out of Widnes next year.

Now thats got a ring to it

The REAL reason for the name change is so the dire fans cant chant sh/t helens anymore.

www.saintsrlfc.com/news/2892 Kit revealed 3rd november and available to pre order in plenty of time for christmas.

www.saintsrlfc.com/news/2892 Kit revealed 3rd november and available to pre order in plenty of time for christmas.

"Pre-order in time for christmas"
does not mean available before christmas, i'd advise caution, we've had what, one? shirt in the last 10 years ready for christmas.

Ive got a feeling this may be the best collection of kits, training wear and leisure wear that we have ever had.

What else would pre order in time for Christmas mean if not they (should!) be available for christmas?

I will be pre ordering one for my son for part of his christmas present (assuming I like it!). There again, he is to young to care if it doesn't arrive anyway!

'pre-order' suggests you are ordering before they are actually ready for collection/delivery. I wouldnt advise anyone to hold their breath if they are expecting to unwrap something on Xmas day.

You'd be surprised. Not sure about those who post on here, still this is only a fraction of the Saints fanbase, but the majority of the people I've stood with over the years aren't from the town and have no ties to the town itself other than the rugby club. They come from southport, wrexham, oldham, birkenhead, wallasey, blackpool. And a lot of the people who say that they're not bothering to go to the games next year because 'it's too far to travel for a home game/ too much hassle' are the ones who live in the town. I think the earlier comments about some, not all might I add, of the St Helens townsfolk becoming apathetic and fickle towards 'their' team somewhat ring true.

Just out of interest aswell, are Medicash and Frontline Bathrooms still Saints' main shirt sponsors?

When is the all important pink away kit being announced?