A SAINTS fan has launched a petition to have the West Stand at Saints’ stadium named after the club’s record-breaking appearance maker James Roby.
Gaz Hockenhull, from Parr, has started the effort to get the Totally Wicked Stadium’s home terrace end named after the Saints number nine.
Gaz, who has been a Saints fan since he was a five-year-old when he was taken during the 1984/85 season when Aussie centre Mal Meninga was at the club, has launched the petition online, which has gathered more than 500 signatures at the time of writing.
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Roby, 37, surpassed Kel Coslett’s record for most Saints club appearances earlier this month when he played in his 532nd game for the club against Salford.
'He epitomises the town'
And Gaz, 44, who stands in the western terrace with daughters Keira, 16, and Annie, 11, believed naming the stand after Roby would be a fitting gesture to a man who “epitomises the town”.
“He is St Helens born and bred, if you cut him he’s going to bleed red and white.
“He just epitomises the town, he’s hardworking and really down to earth. I remember a couple of years ago the day after we got through to a cup semi and I was doing some decorating and headed to the tip and James Roby was there and I spoke to him.
“He’s just so down to earth. He stayed with the club, he could have gone to Australia. I think he was better than Josh Hodgson, the English hooker who went.
“He stayed and we’ve been through good times, and some bad times. We never thought we could replace Keiron Cunningham but Roby never lets the team down.
"I can’t remember a bad game, so he goes unnoticed when he has a seven out of 10 game because that’s what he does every single game, I think that’s why he’s only won the Man of Steel once.
“Saints are littered superstars. He’s got good players with him and he’s always there or thereabouts."
Senior support worker Gaz added: “Mal Meninga was always my favourite player but it’s rare you see somebody like James Roby, a one-club man.
“He’s a down to earth family man and you never see him get into trouble. He’s hard-working, honest and loves the club.
“The James Roby West Stand, it just sounds amazing.”
- Click on Gaz's petition here to sign.
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