Salford Red Devils’ latest financial update questioned by pundit

Salford Red Devils’ CEO Chris Irwin has provided an update on the club’s finances and that’s seen eyebrows raised from one leading pundit.

There has been more off-field change at Salford this past week with Brad Singleton leaving the club but head coach Paul Rowley labelled it as their “most normal week” and that reflected in their performance as the Red Devils beat Huddersfield 23-10.

That game was broadcast for radio by BBC 5 Live Extra with that broadcast also featuring an interview with CEO Chris Irwin who provided an update on the club’s finances.

Irwin confirmed that money was starting to ‘trickle in’ but accepted that it is a “stark reality” that more player exits could happen, whilst also revealing that centre Tim Lafai has left the club in another major blow.

One of those listening to Irwin was former Super League man Kevin Brown who actually finished his career with Salford Red Devils, but those comments from Irwin saw the ex-England international with more questions than answers.

Salford Red Devils’ latest financial update questioned by pundit

Asked for his immediate reaction, Brown described the situation as a “difficult one” and admitted that whilst he wants to believe Irwin, the proof thus far has not been there when similar statements have been made.

Brown said: “I really want to believe him but I think when things have been going on for so long and you hear deadlines and you hear they’re going to be paid and you hear that they won’t need to get rid of players and then all of a sudden you’re back into it.

“I hope it is the case, I hope money is coming in, I believe that the owners are here today watching a fantastic performance by the way. So let’s hope that they’re true to the word.”

Brown was quick to point out his belief in Irwin but cast doubt over the ownership given their lack of success so far, which has been evident with the unpaid wages and the necessity to sell players – something the club suggested would not happen when they declared that the new ownership had “cleared all current debt”.

“I don’t think Chris is lying, I think he’s hopeful,” Brown said.

“He’s being told from the owners that the money will come in but ultimately no one knows that until that money actually drops in.

“We thought that there was going to be millions of pounds dropped in last month and it never came and the RFL had to bail them out so yeah it’s a difficult one.

“I hope for everyone’s concerned that what Chris is actually saying comes to fruition because everyone wants a good Salford and a real powerhouse at the game in Manchester and let’s hope that that does come to fruition.”