St Helens legend James Roby is set to be honoured in the renaming of a major Merseyside road.

The A570 St Helens Linkway, that spans 5km from Junction 7 of the M62 to Cannington Roundabout in St Helens, is to be renamed.

The road will be named “James Roby Way” in honour of the Saints legend who retired last year after 18 years at the club.

“James Roby Way” will lead Saints fans directly to the Totally Wicked Stadium from the motorway.

Roby, from Whiston, has stayed with his home-town side since his retirement and is currently part of the Super League club’s coaching team.

Meanwhile, the plan to rename the major road was set up in partnership by St Helens Borough Council and the English Cities Fund.

James Roby – legend of St Helens

St Helens Borough Council dedicated the renaming of the major Merseyside road in honour of the Saints 150th anniversary.

St Helens Linkway.Image courtesy of Google Maps
St Helens Linkway to be renamed James Roby Way. Image courtesy of Google Maps

However, it is unsurprising Roby is the chosen individual for the road to take its name from.

Previously, Roby had been granted freedom of St Helens Borough for his home-town heroics.

In his playing career, Roby won six Super League Championships as well as winning the Challenge Cup four times.

He also won the League Leaders Shield eight times and two World Club Challenge.

Roby made a historic 551 appearances for St Helens, the most ever by a Saints player.

St Helens Borough Council Leader Councillor David Baines spoke on the significance of the council’s decision to rename the road.

Cllr Baines said to MerseySportLive: “We wanted to give the Linkway a name which is synonymous with St Helens, and more importantly one which celebrates the rugby league club.

“They’ve been part of the fabric of the community now for 151 years and who better to choose to represent them and what they mean to us than their greatest ever player.

“James Roby is the club’s record appearance holder – a record that will very likely never be broken – and in a glittering 20 year career with Saints he won every possible trophy, and lifted them all as captain.

“He’s St Helens born and bred, and now, when people come into St Helens on the linkway, everyone will know how proud we are of him, our rugby league club and the community.”

The borough council even took to TikTok to celebrate the renaming of the linkway.

@sthelenscouncil

That’s right, we’re renaming St Helens Linkway ‘James Roby Way’ in honour of the @St.Helens R.F.C legend. The 🐐 spent 18 seasons with the club and won 20 major honours along the way so it’s only fitting we commemorate those achievements in this way. 🛣️ Road sign sponsorship is coming from English Cities Fund, the council’s strategic regeneration partner. #JamesRoby #Saints #StHelens #RugbyLeague #GOAT

♬ original sound – highfy.pk

10 minute drive from Roby’s old primary school

“James Roby Way” will only be a 10-minute drive away from Roby’s old primary school.

Andrew Howard, headteacher from Roby’s former primary school, spoke to MerseySportLive.

Mr Howard spoke on the significance of renaming of the road only 10 minutes from Legh Vale Primary School.

Mr Howard also spoke on the message it carried to current pupils at the school in what they can achieve in the future.

He said: “It doesn’t have to be about sport, but the it’s about the person you are and the way you carry yourself.

“I think the fact he worked hard and did well at school and has gone onto university.

“I mean that’s something we always try and raise aspiration of the children. That is something we have to look to and celebrate.”

Fan Reaction

Following the announcement several Saints and James Roby fans have shared their reaction in anticipation for the road renaming.

Connor Jones a fan of St Helens for over 20 years was one of the fans eager for Roby’s latest honour.

He added: “I know he only retired last season but that man [Roby] needs honouring. This is only right.

“He’s done so much for the club and the town. He’s a legend.

“I grew up on his career. I was really lucky in that.

“He’s a once in a lifetime player and deserves such an honour if you ask me.”

Whilst the announcement to rename the road is official, it is unknown when the linkway becomes “James Roby Way”.

(Featured Image courtesy of Alamy under agreed licence)

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR