Sky Sports pundit has come out to bat for Salford Red Devils, urging the club’s investors to “do the right thing” as he hits out at their actions, labelling it a “land grab”.
Jon Wilkin has been a vocal commentator on all things Salford since the initial problems started but has sympathy for the club, especially its players and staff.
Wilkin himself went through a similar situation back at Toronto Wolfpack and has urged the Salford senior leadership to sort out the mess sooner rather than later.
The Red Devils found new owners on the eve of the Super League season but since then, there has been very little communication from them about the current state of play at the club.
Speaking on The Bench podcast that he hosts with Jenna Brooks, he said:Â “Selling players in November and December was not an option because they needed to present a competitive squad for the season. Paul King knew that the only way to get investment was to get to the start line of this season. He knew there was value in that for an investor.
“They knew getting to round one was important, why? Because Sky have to show the games, the RFL are duty-bound to the competition to provide a full round of fixtures and it became infinitely more complicated for Salford to get wound up and flicked to one side.
“Paul King did that for a reason. I’m just f***ing bored, I’m bored of it because the people who are really affected are talented athletes and staff who work really hard.”
The Sky Sports pundit criticised the new ownership group following cash flow problems for the past two months.
Questioning the motivation behind the investors, he said: “What for? What they’re essentially in the middle of is a land grab by wealthy real estate people. Nobody is saying it. They’re saying ‘Oh we bought this club for…’, but they’ve no interest in rugby.
“They want to build a hotel, they want to advertise to people driving over Barton Bridge. It’s an embarrassment.
“If it’s about money then just be honest, just say it.
“If the ownership has any decency, just put up the money and cover the costs of the club this year. If you have no interest in doing that, then do the right thing and tell everybody you’re not going to do it.”
Current Salford Red Devils player Ryan Brierley was a guest on their podcast and was grateful for Wilkin’s support.
He added: “He’s said it and it needs saying. To see a senior professional who has won everything come out and back us and it means a lot.”
