Mason Caton-Brown speaks out on Salford Red Devils push as bid details revealed

Former Salford Red Devils winger Mason Caton-Brown has spoken as he prepares to launch a bid to lead a phoenix Salford rugby league club.

Salford were officially liquidated on Wednesday after its owners failed to find the funds required to settle rising debts and keep the club afloat. As such, all contracts have been cancelled, the club’s RFL membership has been terminated and the trading name has been written off at Companies House.

There are thought to be three consortiums pushing to take on a professional rugby league club in Salford in the former organisation’s place, though.

Ex-Salford CEO Chris Irwin is leading one and has outlined his plans to revive the club in the press over the last 24 hours. Tracy Atiga is believed to the face of another group, while Caton-Brown is heading up the consortium calling themselves ‘The Phoenix Bid’.

Caton-Brown spent two and a half seasons as a player at Salford, joining the club in 2014 before leaving to join Wakefield Trinity ahead of the 2017 season. The 32-year-old left rugby league in July 2019 and is now an investor and entrepreneur.

He is supported in his push to take Salford on by Malcolm Crompton, the former chairman of the Forever Reds Supporters Trust, Paul Hancock, businessman, sponsor and Salford fan, and local tech entrepreneur Ashley Washington.

The quartet have spent weeks putting their proposal together and they have already secured an agreement in principle to play out of the Salford Community Stadium, or the CorpAcq Stadium, as it is known for sponsorship purposes.

The consortium has also secured significant six-figure investment, guaranteed annually for at least the next three years. A kit supplier, sponsorship agreement and a recruitment plan is ready to go as well, should they be granted a licence by the RFL, with positive discussions taking place between The Phoenix Bid and Salford City Council.

Mason Caton-Brown on his Salford Red Devils bid

“This isn’t just about rebuilding a club, it’s about rebuilding belief,” said Caton-Brown. “Salford means everything to me as a club and is part of my story. We want to create something the city can be proud of again; a club that stands for honesty, sustainability, and genuine community connection.”

He added: “We’re inviting the people of Salford to stand with us.

“Together we can rise again, not just to bring rugby league back to this city, but to make sure it thrives for generations to come.”

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