The Mayor of Salford has released a statement reacting to the news confirming new owners at the city’s rugby league club.
After a turbulent year saw Salford Red Devils wound up by HMRC, the Rugby Football League have confirmed that a licence has been awarded to Salford RLFC Ltd for 2026.
That group is headed up by former Salford winger Mason Caton-Brown who, alongside Malcolm Crompton and Paul Hancock, has just under a month to put together a team ready for the club’s Championship season opener on Friday, January 16th.
The City of Salford Mayor Paul Dennett has now reacted to news of the new ownership, welcoming Caton-Brown and co whilst also praising the RFL for ensuring the process has been done swiftly.
In Dennett’s eyes, the new ownership and the fact the club will be able to play home games at the Salford Community Stadium “draws a clear line under a dark and uncertain chapter”, with Dennett now calling for unity among players, staff and partners.
City of Salford Mayor reacts to new ownership
His statement in full can be seen below with Dennett first praising the RFL those at Salford Community Stadium for working to ensure everything could be signed off on quickly.
The Mayor said: “I want to thank the Rugby Football League for carrying out due diligence on prospective new owners at pace. I also want to thank the Salford Community Stadium Manager, Guy Smith, and the Stadium board of directors for ensuring everything required by the RFL was completed quickly and efficiently.
“In addition to RFL’s kind words about Andy Burnham and myself, I want to thank Councillor Jack Youd who has worked tirelessly with all parties to help ensure a decision could be reached before Christmas.”
Speaking more about the club, Dennett said: “After a prolonged and deeply challenging period for the club, its supporters and the wider rugby league community, this decision finally allows Salford RLFC to move forward after a turbulent time.
“I look forward to working constructively with the new ownership as they begin the task of rebuilding the club on firmer, more sustainable foundations with a recognition of the responsibility they have to fans and the people of Salford.”
He concluded: “The confirmation of new membership, alongside a tenancy at the Salford Community Stadium, draws a clear line under a dark and uncertain chapter and marks a fresh start for the club in the city it belongs to.
“With the RFL Championship season beginning in less than a month, this is now a moment for unity: for supporters, players, staff and partners to come together with renewed pride and purpose.”
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— Salford City Council (@SalfordCouncil) December 22, 2025
