A LOCALLY-born former Test scrum-half who graced the Knowsley Road pitch for 13 seasons, and has tended it ever since, is quitting for pastures new.

For 37-year-old head groundsman Neil Holding has been appointed to a similar post at the Kirkby Centre of Excellence, where he will be employed by Liverpool FC.

A member of the Institute of Groundsmen, Neil will have overall rsponsibility for upwards of 14 pitches, including artificial surfaces and those classed as being of stadium standard.

'Part of the furniture' at Saints for 21 years, ex-Rivington Road school pupil Neil was told he had landed the job on returning from holiday with his wife, Kate, and children Matthew (8) and Olivia (5).

A Knowsley Road playing surface regarded as the best in Super League is testimony to Holding's green-fingered skills, a point which was no doubt not lost on Anfield manager Roy Evans when he paid a visit to the ground recently.

Pewfall-based Neil said: "I will still be cheering the lads on when my new duties permit, and it also my intention to continue with the mini-rugby venture at Saints in which my son Matthew is involved,' added Neil,' and I wish to thank many people at Knowsley Road for their help with the pitch, in particular Joe Pickavance and Eric Edwards.'

A reserve for Saints at Wembley in 1978, Holding was a Great Britain tourist in 1984; a member of Saints' team which won the Lancashire Cup and Premiership in 1985; he earned a John Player winner's medal in 1988, and was included in the sides losing at Wembley in 1987 and 1989.

On leaving the Knowsley Road playing staff in 1990 Neil later enjoyed spells with Rochdale, Oldham, Widnes and Saints again, before finally hanging up his boots following a two-season stint at Bradford.

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