TWENTY seasons ago an ex-Saints' star was the driving force behind the launch of an organisation that still thrives - now he has received its ultimate accolade.

For full-back Geoff Pimblett (54) became the 28th entry into the Past Players' Association Hall of Fame at the annual dinner held at Knowsley Road on Friday.

"And not before time!'"was the consensus among the 200-strong gathering for gentleman Geoff, who continues to serve as PPA secretary and, as a retired teacher, is involved in Saints' Smart School for children.

A study of Pimblett's oval-ball career leaves no question as to his pedigree for, after joining Saints from St. Helens Rugby Union Club in 1971, he made 365 appearances, scored 48 tries, 606 goals, and 28 drop goals for a total of 1,384 points

Geoff played in 13 finals for Saints and earned winners medals at Wembley (1972 and 1972), Premiership (1971, 1976 and !977), Floodlit Trophy (1971 and 1975) and a League Championship 'gong' in 1975.

Popularly known as 'Plum' to his friends, Geoff became the first player to win the Lance Todd Trophy (1976) and Harry Sunderland accolade (1977); he captained Saints at Wembley in 1978, and is the only man to skipper his town team at both codes.

He kicked more than 100 goals in a season four times, including a chart-topping 178 and 381 points in 1978,with Geoff's best single-match return being 13 versus Bramley at Knowsley Road.

Married to Merle (daughter of late Supporter's Club secretary Len Kilshaw), family man Pimblett expressed his delight on receiving his coveted portrait from ex-team-mate and close friend Kel Coslett. He joins an exclusive clique ie: Alf Ellaby, Jack Arkwright, Jim Sullivan, Harry Cook, Alan Prescott, Glyn Moses, Steve Llewellyn, Austin Rhodes, Stan McCormick, Duggie Greenall, Kel Coslett, John Mantle, Jimmy Stott, George Nicholls, Alex Murphy, Tom Van Vollenhoven, Vince Karalius, Billy Benyon, Eric Chisnall, Cliff Watson, Tommy Bishop, Len Killeen, Les Jones, Frank Carlton, Leslie Fairclough and Bob Dagnall.

A minute's silence was observed for past players who died during the previous year namely: Stan McCormick, Bob Dagnall, Roy Robinson, Tom McKinney, John Cunliffe and Don Gullick, plus Saints' chairman Harry Cook.

An evening of good-humoured banter when great games and tries were relived was awash with Knowsley Road heroes of an earlier era, including Josh Gaskell (two tries in the victory over Australia in 1956), goalkicking sensation Sean Day, and 79-year-old Oldham-based Tommy Leyland.

Other Past Players' Associations at this nostalgia-soaked get-together were first-timers Wigan, (octogenerian Johnny Lawrenson and all!) Widnes, Warrington, Huddersfield and Leigh.

Thanks were expressed to sponsors Airtec, Burtonwood Plastics, Ellison Travel, Expressions printers, Gavin's butchers, Grundy Haulage, Horton's carpets, Howard Joinery, Derek Wilton builders, Stirling PVC, Silk Cut, Jeff Heaton, Les Jones, Terry Loughlin, Roy Mathias, Alan Gwilliam, Alan Bishop and Frank Connolly.

And, last but certainly not least, a vote of thanks to Saints' restaurant managers John and Mary Dixon and their catering team.