KEIRON Cunnigham has been appointed the new head coach of Saints.

The club has acted swiftly to promote the former Great Britain hooker as Nathan Brown's successor after the 14-6 Grand Final triumph over Wigan last weekend.

There had been interest in the job from this country and Down Under but chairman Eamonn McManus felt Cunningham, who has effectively served a coaching apprentieship since retiring in 2010, was ready to step up.

Speaking at a Langtree Park press conference today, Cunningham said: "I know what this place is about. I know the heartbeat of the club. I'm a local boy and know what it is like to play here.

"Rugby league is all I have known since I was seven years of age."

The former Saints captain, who was part of a stellar Saints side that enjoyed vast success in the Super League era, said being named coach was "pinnacle of a fantastic year" after assisting Brown to the Grand Final triumph.

He added that will the foundations in place at the club he would have been a fool to turn down the job and let someone else take on a team brimming with young talent.

Cunningham becomes the club's first British head coach since Ellery Hanley held the reins from 1998 to 2000, since when Australians Ian Millward, Daniel Anderson, Mick Potter and Simmons held the position.

He will also be the first man to coach his home-town club since Alex Murphy held the reins from 1985-90.

Jamahl Lolesi, a former New Zealand international centre who followed Brown from Huddersfield two years ago, will remain part of the coaching set up, with  the staff set to bolstered by a promotion from within.

Cunningham is a legend at the club. In 2010 Saints fans voted overwhelmingly to immortalise him with a bronze, life-size statue, which was erected in the town centre and later moved to Langtree Park when St Helens moved into their new stadium three years ago.

Cunningham, who turns 38 next week, made 419 appearances for his home-town club from 1993 to 2010.

In a statement chairman Eamonn McManus stated: "Keiron is ready for this professionally and totally committed to the task ahead of him.

"He has been heavily involved in the success of this season and is ideally placed to carry it on for years to come.

"He is highly respected by the players. Not only does he understand our culture, he has been instrumental in its development since the inception of Super League. Everyone at the club is totally behind his appointment and enthused by it.

"The challenge ahead is an extremely one since the competition will be stronger next season and beyond. Keiron has the experience, ability and strength of personality to readily deal with it and will receive all of our support in so doing.

"His appointment will result in both continuity and stability within the Club. We have a strong, young and exciting playing squad and are well placed to compete at the highest level for many years ahead.

"CEO Mike Rush, Keiron and myself have now worked together at the Club in one form or another for fourteen years. We understand the town and the Club and their highest expectations. We will together continue to do our very best to meet them.

"The identity of his coaching assistants will separately be announced in due course."