A MAGNIFICENT travelling red and white army of 2,000 plus swelled yesterday's gate at Castleford to five figures.

Although away clubs' coffers are certainly seeing a financial bonanza off the back of the Saints' bounce - that crowd benefit is appreciated most strongly among the players and coach.

And it was quite a sight to see the hordes, packed into the open Railway End, wait to not only cheer the team off at the end but serenade fledgling coach Paul Wellens as he walked over for his TV interview.

An appreciative Wellens said: "it was absolutely amazing and it made me so proud to be part of this club, this team and this town.

"I get a feeling of what it means to the fans and how excited they are to watch these guys play.

"But credit to the players, because not only are they great with what they do on the field but they are wonderful people off it.

"And our supporters get a sense of that - and that is why they come out and support us and I could not be prouder, as a St Helens boy, to see our passionately the team is supported at this point in time."

Wellens was personally serenaded, with fans digging out the noughties anthem based on the Andy Williams classic 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' as he walked over for his post match media duties. 

He was delighted to hear that endorsement and encouragement so early on in his life as the club's head coach. 

"I probably know a lot of people in the crowd personally and see them day to day and week to week, but it is really heartening to know that I have got their backing and their support," he said.

"I am very new in this role and that is not lost on me, but I am feeling a lot heartened by the fact that I do have the support of the town and the team.

"And with a lot of important games to come down the track, their support means a lot to me."