From bad to worse for Salford Red Devils as COO Claire Bradbury resigns, citing a serious allegation against club ownership.
Salford Red Devils’ Chief Operating Officer Claire Bradbury has resigned from her role, alleging that club ownership used “misogynistic, inappropriate language”.
In one instance she claims senior management suggested she sleep with an individual at the Rugby Football League to “smooth things over.”
Following Bradbury’s shocking comments, a spokesperson for the team revealed the club would be launching a full investigation into the incident. “It has been alleged by a former member of the Salford Red Devils staff, who departed the club on 12 August 2025, that she was subjected to inappropriate verbal conduct by the owners of the club,” a club spokesperson told Insider Sport.
“Salford Red Devils unequivocally condemns any and all forms of inappropriate language and behaviour. We treat such allegations with the utmost seriousness and are committed to ensuring that our club environment remains respectful, professional, and safe for all members of staff.
“In response to these allegations, we will be conducting a thorough internal investigation. We are determined to establish the facts and take any necessary action to address the situation. We will provide a detailed report of our findings as soon as the investigation is concluded.”
Allegations galore
In a lengthy statement posted to LinkedIn on August 15, Bradbury, the club’s first female COO and the first to be appointed to the Super League, described her decision to resign as “heartbreaking” but necessary.
Her resignation comes after months of operational and financial instability at the club.
“At the time I stayed quiet because I wanted the Club to succeed. I’m disappointed in myself that I didn’t stand up to it then so I’m voicing it now as it should be heard for the integrity and evolution of rugby league, and for all women who work in sport,” she wrote.
Bradbury said she was “yet to be paid July wages” and detailed “repeated delays in salary payments, an absence of essential operational tools and a lack of agreed structure, strategy, or investment” that she claimed had made it “impossible” to deliver her role to the standards she set for herself and the club.
Despite these challenges, she praised certain colleagues for continuing “to show grace and professionalism, working tirelessly for the benefit of the Club and its supporters.”
Bradbury expressed regret at leaving without being able to implement the growth strategy and brand plans she designed, warning that “a decimated squad and a historic Club with its soul being ripped out” may be the result of recent struggles.
“I care deeply for Salford Red Devils, our supporters, and the people I have worked alongside,” she wrote.
“But I cannot continue in a role where, in my view, the foundations needed for professional success are not in place, and where trust between leadership and staff has been eroded.”
A difficult period
Bradbury’s departure comes amid a period of operational and financial struggle at Salford Red Devils. The Super League club has faced repeated challenges, including a failed £1.8m investment pledge, delayed salaries and reliance on weekly loan signings from across the league to field a team.
Earlier this year, CEO Chris Irwin left the club after struggling to stabilise operations and with a sustainability salary cap imposed by the Rugby Football League financial planning has been complicated.
Salford has relied on bridge funding from WeDo Finance while accounts remain frozen, and a winding-up petition has been adjourned until September 3.
Owners led by Dario Berta have pledged long-term commitment, promising to make bridge funding available by the end of August and to continue talks with Salford City Council over stadium ownership.
Despite these efforts, uncertainty persists. The Red Devils are rebuilding a squad under challenging conditions, tackling over £3m in inherited debt.
Supporters have remained loyal throughout, and this update from Bradbury draws a clear line in the sand, showing who is on their side.
In a recent statement, Salford stressed it “will not close.” However, the club will undoubtedly now face more stringent questioning, particularly ahead of this weekend’s home match against Wakefield Trinity.
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