RFL drop key Salford Red Devils update several expressions of interest received

The RFL have confirmed that three different parties have expressed an interest in taking on a phoenix Salford club.

After months of financial uncertainty, unpaid bills, late wages and HMRC hearing adjournments, Salford Red Devils were officially wound up on Wednesday morning. The decision was made by the High Court and as the liquidation process got underway, the RFL terminated the club’s membership to the league.

However, there is a huge amount of optimism that a phoenix club can take Salford’s place in the Championship with two consortiums publicly expressing their interest in getting the Red Devils back off the ground.

Mason Caton-Brown, who spoke to Serious About Rugby League on Friday, is leading one consortium. The former Salford winger has been working in business since stepping away from the sport in 2019 and he has put together a consortium of Salford fans and local businessman in an attempt to take on the club.

He has also secured agreements in principle with the council for use of the stadium, kit suppliers and sponsors, with the hope being that, if he gets the green light, he can push the button quickly to get Salford up and running in time for January 16, when the Championship season starts.

Former Salford CEO Chris Irwin is leading another consortium and he has been outspoken in the media about his plans, too. Irwin knows what it takes to run a rugby league club and having had two spells at Salford already, he knows all about the club and the community.

A third party has also expressed an interest, the RFL has confirmed, and while Tracy Atiga has been linked, the identity of the person behind that bid hasn’t been officially confirmed.

The parties have until 5pm on December 11 to make their final submissions to the RFL, with the governing body expecting to make a final decision on December 17.

“The RFL can confirm that it has received three expressions of interest in relation to Salford Red Devils,” a statement released by the RFL read.

“The deadline for final submissions is 5pm on Thursday 11th December, with a final decision set for Wednesday 17th December.”

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