“He’s the best” – St Helens chairman and Kristian Woolf have their say on Paul Wellens’ appointment

St Helens confirmed yesterday that Paul Wellens would be taking over as Head Coach in 2023 on a two year deal.

He replaced Kristian Woolf who became the first coach to win three consecutive Super League Grand Finals just over a week ago as the Saints made it four titles in a row – a record.

Now it is Wellens job to continue what was started by former Saints boss Justin Holbrook in 2019 and make it five in a row.

On the appointment, St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus told Saints TV that he has no doubt that Wellens is a top class coach: “Wello has been a part of the club for a long time, I think to those who have observed him, an observed him closely during his coaching career to date, which has been pretty lengthy as an apprentice, we’ve got absolutely no doubt he has all the facets necessary to make a top class coach.”

But what does the man who he succeeds think, perhaps the man who would know best if this is the right appointment?

Well Kristian Woolf has also had his say on Saints TV describing Wellens as the best assistant he’s worked with and he believes he will be a success as a Head Coach: “It’s a great appointment, it’s a great decision, it’s the right decision. First and foremost, he’s a great person and St Helens means so much to him as town, as a club, this playing group and for those reasons you know he’s going to put absolutely everything effort into making sure it’s a success and I’m sure it will be.

“I’d go as far as saying that in terms of people I’ve had the opportunity to work with as assistants, he’s the best that I’ve had the opportunity to work with and the pleasure to work with.

“He’s got his own ideas, he’s strong and very willing to voice those ideas and willing to buy into what you want to give as well.

“I couldn’t recommend him enough and I couldn’t thank him enough, he’s been outstanding for me over here.”

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵! ✍️

We're delighted to confirm that Paul Wellens will succeed Kristian Woolf as the club’s new Head Coach whilst France national team boss Laurent Frayssinous will join him as an Assistant ahead of the 2023 season!#COYS

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) October 5, 2022