ST HELENS have received a £1.75million cash boost ahead of work starting on their new stadium.
The extra money is the result of a conversion of £1.35m of directors’ loans into shares and a placement of £400,000 in new shares.
Saints’ chairman Eamonn McManus said: “This is a necessary step to achieve and evidence financial soundness for the club before we contribute to the total project financing cost of the stadium.
“It also illustrates the long-term commitment of the directors to the club as well as our confidence in the continuing progress of the stadium project.”
The club, who have also appointed businessmen Andy Bell and Keith McCormack to their board of directors, say detailed design plans for the new stadium are nearing completion and work will shortly go out to tender.
l Warrington say dual-code international winger Brian Carney will make his debut for them against Super League leaders St Helens tomorrow.
The former Wigan and Great Britain player, who turns 33 later this month, has been named in coach Tony Smith’s 19-man squad for the match at the Halliwell Jones Stadium and the club say he will figure in the final 17.
It is almost two and a half years since his last senior game of rugby league – for Great Britain in the Tri-Nations Series – but he has made two appearances for the Wolves’ reserves since signing a short-term deal last month.
“He certainly needed a couple of runs in reserves,” said Smith. “He had a massive improvement in the second week so he’s better prepared.”
