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Salford were in contention to be crowned kings of Europe in rugby league last year. This year, they’ve won two matches and there are real fears they won’t play in the Super League, despite new owners insisting they won’t ‘close’. Ethan Davies reports on the latest twist in the crisis-hit club
With a ‘proud’ 152-year-old history, string of successful seasons, and a secure home, Salford Red Devils’ fans should be excited for the culmination of the rugby league season.
But they are not. In fact, there are real fears 2025 could be Salford’s last in the Betfred Super League, despite owners vowing the club ‘will not close’.
In the mix to be crowned champions of Europe last year, Salford are now rooted to the bottom of the table. They’ve won just two league matches this year.
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And they have routinely been thrashed this summer; with six matches still to play, Salford’s points difference is -777. The next-worst is -284.
Fan fears and concern across Greater Manchester, including from mayor Andy Burnham, stem from a financial crisis which has seen a winding-up petition issued, players and staff being paid late, spending limits imposed by the governing body, and an instruction to sell star players.
Millions have been spent trying to revive the ailing club. Salford council purchased its home ground for £7.7m, the Salford Community Stadium, late last year so the Red Devils kept a home in the city.
The council has also ‘provided financial support through loan and grant support, promoted sponsorship opportunities, [and] facilitated community partnerships’, city mayor Paul Dennett said on Tuesday (August 12), adding ‘we remain committed to the long-term sustainability of professional rugby league in this city’.
Now Andy Burnham, an ex-president of governing body the Rugby Football League and honorary vice-president of Leigh Leopards, says he is aware of developments — and warned it cannot be allowed ‘to rot’.
“I have been watching the situation very closely,” he told BBC Radio Manchester on Thursday (August 14).
“Indeed [Salford head coach] Paul Rowley is someone I know very well as a former coach of Leigh. I have had some contact with him this year and I know how difficult it has been for him and all the staff.
“The question is what can be done to change things. A consortium came in promising to clear the debts and put significant investment in but that clearly has not happened.
“Our commitment is there. We cannot just conjure up the funding and change. But we recognise the role of rugby league in Salford. We cannot let a proud name like this to rot.”
His comments echo the sentiments from the Salford Red Devils’ supporters’ trust, who warned matters had reached ‘crisis point’ last week.
“If we fold it would be devastating for the fans, we’re the only professional sporting rugby league club in the city and we’re just being left to rot,” chair Shirley Bradshaw said. “We just don’t know what to do as fans now.”
Club owners vowed earlier this week it will continue to exist despite the uncertainty.
“We understand the frustration many fans feel. But we want to be clear: Salford Red Devils will not close,” they said.
“We have consistently met wage obligations under difficult conditions and continue to tackle over £3m in inherited debt.
“Your patience and support are deeply appreciated as we work to return SRD to its rightful position in the sport.”
They added: “Chronic underfunding – exacerbated by average attendance figures of approximately 4,000 – has left the club in a state of prolonged financial stress.
“This is not a reflection on any former ownership, but rather a systemic issue we are determined to resolve. Our focus remains firmly on long-term solvency and stability.”
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