Owners of Salford Red Devils promise stability amid a challenging period for the Super League club.
Salford Red Devils has told fans it “will not close” as the club continues to navigate a turbulent period marked by the sale of its captain and a growing reliance on weekly loan signings from across the Super League.
In a statement published by its owners on August 11, the rugby union club has outlined efforts to stabilise operations by forming a new team and securing bridge funding to restore immediate financial stability and lay the groundwork for a sustainable future.
“This marks a turning point and underscores the consortium’s long-term commitment to the Red Devils,” the statement read.
“Salford’s proud legacy remains one of its greatest strengths. As recent uncertainty subsides, the club is confident it will attract fresh talent inspired to contribute to the rebuilding of a storied institution. We are committed to creating an environment where players, staff, and supporters can thrive.”
A “challenging” period
The statement followed Salford’s 19th defeat of the season, an 80-6 loss to Hull FC, leaving the club bottom of the Betfred Super League table with just two wins and a point difference of -777.
In some cultures, the number 777 is seen as an angel number, symbolising alignment and fulfilment. For Salford, however, it represents the product of a season stained by a series of nightmare scenarios.
A key blow came when a pledged £1.8m investment, expected by November 2024, failed to materialise, a setback the club says significantly disrupted its financial planning.
In February, Salford was purchased by a consortium led by businessman Dario Berta. Shortly before, the Rugby Football League imposed a £1.2m sustainability salary cap on the club.
Then in May, Salford City Council withdrew from negotiations to purchase the AJ Bell Stadium, a move the club described as a breach of non-disclosure agreements and a major hit to its investment strategy.
Further instability followed with the departure of CEO Chris Irwin in May. Irwin, a lifelong Salford fan, had rejoined the club in February but struggled to steady the ship amid late payments to players and staff.
When will it end?
Despite relying on external funding from WeDo Finance while its accounts remain frozen and facing a winding-up petition with a hearing adjourned until September 3, Salford Red Devils have reassured supporters the club “will not close”.
“The bridge funding will be fully available and settled by the end of August, to be repaid by the club’s ownership group as part of their long-term investment,” the statement read.
Salford also expressed willingness to resume talks with Salford City Council over stadium ownership, despite what it described as “misleading comments from certain council staff on social media”.
Attention now turns to whether Salford can field a team for the remainder of the season, however. In its recent defeat to Hull FC, the Red Devils relied heavily on short-term loan signings from across the league.
“While some player departures have occurred due to ongoing financial uncertainty, even after sharing full funding documentation, we respect those decisions and remain committed to transparent operations and a strong team culture,” the club said.
Even if Salford endures to the end of the season, its Super League status remains uncertain.
The Betfred Super League is set to expand to 14 clubs by 2026, following a vote by all 12 current teams. While Salford isn’t at risk of relegation based on league position, its future in the top flight could hinge on the Club Grading System introduced in 2022 as part of the sport’s strategic partnership with IMG.
Under this system, clubs are assessed on performance, financial health, infrastructure, fan engagement and community impact.
“We understand the frustration many fans feel. But we want to be clear: Salford Red Devils will not close. We have consistently met wage obligations under difficult conditions and continue to tackle over £3 million in inherited debt. Your patience and support are deeply appreciated as we work to return SRD to its rightful position in the sport,” the statement concluded.
