Rugby league fans have been reacting in unison following the announcement Salford Red Devils made on Tuesday night. In a short and succinct statement, the club confirmed that chief executive Chris Irwin has resigned from his position at the club after just a few short months in the role.
Irwin returned to Salford in February following the takeover led by businessman Dario Berta. However, since the takeover, which was formally approved by the RFL, the club has been in a constant state of financial hardship.
Funds from the new ownership have not arrived and wages have consistently been paid late. Six players have so far left the club, too, with Marc Sneyd, Brad Singleton, Tim Lafai, Deon Cross, Chris Atkin and Kallum Watkins moving on and there have been suggestions that other key names could leave, too, with the future of Nene Macdonald still very much up in the air.
Irwin has become the latest to leave, though, with his second stint at the Salford Community Stadium coming to an end after just three months. The statement released by the club claimed the CEO tendered his resignation ahead of an immediate departure.
The statement went on to outline a focus on the future and on the back of the last few months, it’s fair to say most Super League fans read that with more than a degree of scepticism.
The statement read: “Salford Red Devils can confirm that Chris Irwin has stepped down from his role as Chief Executive Officer, having formally tendered his resignation. The club has accepted his decision, and his departure is effective immediately.
“We would like to thank Chris for his contribution during his time at Salford and wish him and his family all the very best in their future endeavours.
“Our focus remains firmly on the future as we continue to build on the progress made both on and off the field. The journey ahead is an exciting one, and we remain committed to our vision for growth, community engagement, and long-term success. Reds Rise Together.”
The tone and manner of the statement upset many rugby league fans and we’ve collated several social media posts below, to underline the feeling of anger and exasperation around the club at present, with many fans urging the RFL to take action.
Rugby League fans react as Chris Irwin leaves Salford Red Devils
Gatts: I’m so sorry for all the good people at the club and genuinely hope that from the mess, something good arises
Matt Gregson: As a fan of RL, this saga is dreadful to watch. Just how has it got to this point? Disgraceful. Have to feel for the fans.
Pauline Hough: We are not rising together we are sinking together, it’s about time we changed that LOGO
John Cross: Who is now responsible for running Salford and representing its interests?
Alan Dawson: A shocking state of affairs
Paul Wilkinson: Last one out turn the lights off. What a shambles.
Brian Barton: Time the RFL took total control of the club now in some capacity and put someone in charge to run the club until the end of the season. Then demote them to the championship so they can start to rebuild the club
Ellen Marie Dogus: They deserve better hope Roosters can take them over feel for the players and fans. Wire fan
John Berry: The RL need to get tough here. Feel sorry for the players and fans!
Martin Howarth: Time RL stepped in here, they created the mess allowing the new owners to purchase the club. The Salford fans deserve better! Wigan fan.
Anonymous
May 7, 2025 at 1:26 pm
This is obviously the end. They reduced their wages so much that they’re not a professional club anymore. They should be forfeit for the remainnig of season.
Anonymous
May 7, 2025 at 1:30 pm
Irwin was the link between Salford RL club and so called “new owners” which effectively now means there is no link and these “new owners” can and will do exactly as they please which means lack of wages will be the least of their problems.
The apparent level of naivety amongst the club officials is staggering, perhaps they will understand in a couple of years whe the stadium is flattened and Salford RL are confined to the history books.