After Salford Red Devils provided a statement confirming the severity of their financial situation, the City Council have now responded.
All eyes have been on the Red Devils throughout the off-season given their well-documented financial issues which saw them receive a £500,000 advance on their central funding.
The stated reason for Salford’s financial disarray was the failure to complete their stadium deal and secure a billboard advertisement, both things that the City Council were involved in and that would bring money into the Super League club.
It was confirmed in a statement by the club earlier this week that a firesale of their players would begin as they looked to start trimming £800,000 from their overheads, as directed by the RFL.
That statement was titled ‘The truth behind the rumours’ and saw the club reveal that public comment had been limited due to Non-Disclosure Agreements and to protect the club.
Within the statement they outlined the near-12 month delay over the acquisition of the stadium, claiming that they have been “in a holding pattern” and that they wish to convene with the council “sooner rather than later”.
The council have now issued their response.
Salford Council respond to Red Devils’ financial woes
Credit: Paul Currie/SWpix.com
In a statement shared online, Salford City Council addressed the ‘challenging circumstances’ that the club had faced in an update that perhaps raised more questions than answers.
The statement read: “Salford City Council is aware of current difficult financial position of Salford Red Devils RLFC. Salford Red Devils have faced challenging circumstances in the tough environment which Rugby League finds itself across the country. Yesterday’s statement from Salford Red Devils will be a great disappointment to fans and residents of the City of Salford. We share the sadness of Reds fans and the concerns of Rugby League fans across the country.
“As a council we have built up a strong, close relationship with the club over recent years. Elected members and officers have worked tirelessly with the club to find solutions to the issues they were facing. This work has included direct financial support, promoting sponsorship and the acquisition of the remaining 50% in the City of Salford Community Stadium Limited (COSCOS). The acquisition was subject to essential and detailed due diligence but was a necessary step to secure our sports and regeneration aspirations for the land surrounding the Stadium. Our continued ambition for the Salford Community Stadium is to support grassroots rugby and safeguard Salford Red Devils.
“We share the club and the fans ambition to see a Salford Red Devils which is financially sustainable and can continue to compete in the Super League. We will continue to support, engage and work with Salford Red Devils, the RFL and any potential investors in the club.”
Alec
January 17, 2025 at 8:29 pm
As a Salford Reds Supporter since the 1950,s and like all our fans have been so proud in recent years of the achievements that the team management and players have given their supporters, in fact, unbelievable achievements from a team of players who without doubt love playing not only for Salford but are also a group of players who have become a team of friends.
The vultures are now waiting at the door and if as appears most likely Salford must sell the players then l am sure like most fans be devastated as this could be the beginning of the end for our beloved team. Times are difficult at the moment but l plead with Salford City Council to pull out all the stops and pursue whatever cash injection possible to stop the inevitable happening before it is to late. Is it possible that the proud people of our city would pay a couple of pounds extra council tax to save our club? Even if you are not a rugby league fan please remember that Salford Reds represent the city of Salford and they have done us proud over the years. Come on then proud Salfordians if any of you can suggest anything that can be done to save our club please give us your suggestions. Alec. “Salford through and through”