SEAN Long bade an emotional farewell to the Saints supporters ahead of Friday night’s game with Huddersfield.

The former scrum half, who went on to become assistant coach, left the club this week to take up a post with Harlequins RU.

St Helens Star:

But he dropped in beforehand to thank the fans for supporting him, through the many good times and the odd bad patch.

The three time Lance Todd Trophy winner said: “The whole community accepted me as one of their own from the first day I walked in in 1997.

“I have had 18 great years here as a player and a coach and have loved every minute of it.

“I love you all – you have been outstanding to me, and backed me through thick and thin.

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“I know it is not ideal to be leaving midway through a season.

“But I just want to say thank you for the memories and wanted to come back to say ta-ra.”