Mark Flanagan admits Salford’s progress over the last few seasons has been incredible.
The Red Devils were seconds away from relegation and financial meltdown in 2016, with their last-gasp escape kick-starting a run to the Super League Grand Final in the space of just three seasons.
Despite losing a number of key players from the team that appeared in last season’s Old Trafford showpiece, Salford are still in contention for silverware in 2020 as they take on Warrington this weekend for a place in the Challenge Cup Final.
Having played through all the ups and downs of recent times, Flanagan, who will retire at the end of this season, is aware things could have been very different.
“It was four years ago since that Million Pound Game. It was a bit of ‘sliding doors’ potentially for the club,” said the 32-year-old.
“Had we not won that match and Gareth O’Brien not kicked that drop-goal, we would have been relegated and a good chance we would have had massive financial issues as Marwan (Koukash) was going to leave the club.
“It could have ended so differently but on the other side, it did go our way and we have grown steadily year on year and we are in a great position now.
“That is one game I look back on and people say ‘you must have been so chuffed to win’ but it was about relief that day.
“I still had a job for the next season. The club and the fans still had a future and something to support so it was an unbelievable day and something I will never forget.
“I could probably not have imagined the club progressing like it has since the Million Pound Game.
“Especially as the squad has changed a lot since then. I always knew the club had potential with Ian Watson and the backroom staff to grow, but to do it in such a short space of time is great really.”
