Saints confirm Wellens to go as head coach

CLUB LEGEND DEPARTS AFTER 28 YEARS

- BY MATT SHAW

ST Helens have confirmed the departure of head coach Paul Wellens after three seasons in charge.

Wellens, who has spent the last 28 years at the club as player and coach, has been informed that the club will not be renewing his contract following their playoff semifinal defeat to Hull KR last weekend.

All Out Rugby League revealed on Sunday that the club were not intending to renew Wellens’ deal, having internally decided that only a return to the Super League Grand Final would be enough to convince the club’s decision-makers to offer him a new contract.

They are now on the lookout for a new head coach, with that process now under way.

Chairman Eamonn McManus stated: “Paul's contribution to the history of our club has been without equal.

“As a player, he won every honour available in our sport and was at the epicentre of our incredible success story during his 17-year playing career at the Saints.

“Who can ever forget his on-field reaction as our captain at the end of our 2014 Grand Final victory over Wigan. It epitomised his devotion to the Saints and encapsulated his lifelong passion and dedication to our club and to this town.