ST HELENS Town have announced big changes on and off the pitch as they chart a fresh beginning following last year’s tough and challenging season which ended with relegation from the North West Counties League.

Town have secured ownership of the club from Saints after being tied in with Sporting Club St Helens for 20 years.

Although the club say this link up has provided continuity and stability, they felt it clear that Town needed active and engaged owners if they are to achieve their potential.

And one of their core aims now is to strengthen the links between the Club and its youth teams and the wider St Helens community.

They have also appointed a new manager with Paul Piert taking over the reins.

Town spokesman Ste Lingard said: “We have been Town fans since we were kids and were gutted by the relegation.

"We know there is a lot of work to do off-the-pitch to generate success on the pitch and addressing some of that has been our immediate priority.

“We thank the staff at Saints who have made this possible, and those on the previous Town committee who have worked hard in the club’s best interests during this time of change.”

Clone Roses frontman Gav Scott is also part of the new ownership group looking to take the club forward with a fresh start.

Scott said: “This is a new start for the club and we are determined to make the most of it.

"One of our top priorities was to fill the vacant first-team manager’s job, as though all of our teams are important, the senior side is the most prominent and sets a direction for the rest of the club.

“We are really pleased to announce that the club has appointed Paul Piert to the role – he’s an experienced manager and a proud Sintelliner.”

Piert has more than 10 years of experience as an adult and junior football coach.

He was Assistant Coach at Town in 2011-12, before moving to Ashton Athletic as joint first team manager, where he remained for 10 years. He is originally from Thatto Heath, and now lives in Sutton.

He expressed his pride in taking over the challenge of managing his home town club.

“I’m proud to have the job, managing my town’s football club is a special thing,” Piert said.

“I’m excited by everything that’s going on off the field and know it will help us build a successful team.

“We’re at the start of something special.”

Town will be hosting Atherton LR this Saturday (16 July) at Ruskin Drive, for a pre-season friendly.

The game will kick off at 3pm and admission will be free, so come along and support the team.

There will also be an open training session this Thursday evening (14 July - 7pm).

Any prospective players are invited to attend and try out for the club.