Major Merseyside road renamed in honour of sporting hero

A major Merseyside road has been renamed to honour a sporting hero.

The A570 St Helens Linkway, which runs from junction 7 of the M62 (Rainhill Stoops) to Cannington Roundabout in St Helens, has been renamed James Roby Way after the legendary St Helens Rugby League player.

Roby, who was born in Whiston, won 20 major honours during his 18 years with Saints. He also won a number of personal accolades including the Man of Steel and the Harry Sunderland Trophy twice.

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The renaming of the road is the latest tribute St Helens Borough Council has paid to the club's former captain, who holds most appearance records for both Saints and the whole of Super League. He was officially granted Freedom of the Borough - the highest honour a council can bestow - at the end of last year.

St Helens Borough Council Leader, Councillor David Baines, said: "Saints hold a special place in the history and hearts of our community. For 150 years they have been part of the fabric of St Helens and it is absolutely right that we recognise their importance in any way we can. Renaming the main linkway from the motorway to the ground is a great way to do that.

“In deciding on a name, who better than the greatest of all time. I know there will always be a debate about who that is but, in my mind, it's settled - it's James Roby. He is the club's all-time record appearance maker and in a career spanning two decades he won every trophy possible and lifted them all as captain. His achievements will be remembered for as long as the club and the town exist.

“James is extremely humble but his influence on St Helens as a place, the club and the game of rugby league deserves nothing but the highest praise which is why we’re delighted to honour him in such a way – the James Roby Way. I'd like to thank Saints, the Saints Heritage Society, local businesses and the ward councillors for their backing with this, and also English Cities Fund for their kind sponsorship of the new road signs.

“This is an opportunity to recognise one of our most famous residents who has set a tremendous example for two decades, and to let everyone know that we are proud of our rugby league club and proud of our community."

James Roby said: “I am hugely humbled and proud to receive such an accolade from my hometown. I have been overwhelmed by the response of everyone following my final season in the Red Vee.

“I would like to thank St Helens Borough Council for this honour, it is something I will cherish for a long time into the future.”

St Helens R.F.C. Chairman Eamonn McManus added: “It is more than appropriate that the St Helens Linkway is forthwith named James Roby Way.

“It constitutes due and permanent recognition of his unparalleled contribution to our club, our sport and our town.

“His achievements will never be matched and should never be forgotten. To name the principal route into the town and into the stadium after him will now ensure that."

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