Koukash presented with opportunities to relocate

After opting to keep the Salford Red Devils franchise, Marwan Koukash has revealed he had the opportunity to move the club to a new city.

Rumours were circulating yesterday that Salford’s owner was about to relocate the Super League side because of their continued poor attendances.

However after the club conducted a thorough market research, Koukash announced they would be staying put and that a new crest will be released to include the word Salford.

“I was presented with a number of alternatives, including financial incentives to move to other cities,” Koukash told sportinglife.

“But I bought the club as Salford and I have no authority to change it. I am only the custodian of the club and the club will always belong to the fans and the community.”

Koukash came under scrutiny when he re-branded to become the Red Devils in 2014, with the word Salford absent from the crest.

However since then he has managed to win over many of the supporters and this latest announcement could help the club attract more fans.

After surviving relegation by the skin of their teeth in 2016, the Red Devils finished in the top eight this campaign but their form has deteriorated in the Super 8s.

Despite this, the improvement on the pitch this season has helped to cut their losses and Koukash says he hopes to break even next year.

“The losses are 15 per cent of what they were in 2014 so we have come a long way from those dark days,” said Koukash.

“The new access road to the stadium will be open soon and there are sponsorship deals in the pipeline which will mean the club will not lose money next year as long as we can average crowds of around 4,500.

“If that happens, Ian Watson will be able to spend the full salary cap and we will be able to build on this season’s progress.”