Sale Sharks to ‘play an active role’ in securing Salford’s future

Salford Red Devils have been hankering after a stadium move for some time.

With rugby union side Sale Sharks wanting to buy the AJ Bell Stadium instead of continuing to rent from the Salford Council, it has left the future of the Red Devils up in the air – where will they now play?

Speculation that Salford will move to local football side Salford City FC’s Moor Lane has gathered pace in recent months and this would perhaps be the most sensible.

However, Sale have reiterated their desire and determination to ensure the Red Devils are not left out in the cold.

Sharks’ CEO Sid Sutton said: “Owning our own stadium is so, so important, but we have said that we won’t put in an official bid until Salford Red Devils are being looked after or until they have been consulted and have found a place to go. That question has been a huge factor in the negotiations so far for me. We’re a community club and we have a good relationship with Salford Red Devils. We want to play an active role in securing their future and we’re doing everything we can to do that.

“During the due diligence process, it became apparent that financially remaining at the AJ Bell Stadium wasn’t an option for Salford Red Devils. In addition, they openly said that they couldn’t afford to either buy the AJ Bell Stadium or stay there as a tenant so we actively sought a second party to buy the stadium with us.

“Salford City FC are a willing party with huge ambition and a need for a new home, they have also the financial ability to be a joint owner of the AJ Bell. Both Salford City and ourselves are completely aligned that Salford Reds need to be catered for before any deal is done on the stadium. Several joint fans forums have been held to ensure all parties are being open, honest and crystal clear with their own fan base.

“Commercially it makes sense to us, but the most important thing to say is that the council and Salford Red Devils are still looking at other possibilities and we won’t be pushing forward until this is resolved.”

Salford currently sit in the bottom half of Super League after a mixed first season under Richard Marshall.