A FOUR-WAY battle to save Salford’s name has broken out after an approach from a mystery bidder.
Leigh owner Derek Beaumont is assisting a consortium involving former player Mason Caton-Brown, Australia-based local lad Malcolm Crompton and businessman Paul Hancock.
A group led by former Red Devils chief executive Chris Irwin is said to be furthest along the path, while Kiwi Tracy Atiga is also keen.
But SunSport understands the Rugby Football League, whose board started the process for a new club yesterday, has been approached by a fourth group.
Little is yet known, other than they are not linked to deposed and despised duo Isiosaia ‘Sire’ Kailahi and Curtiz Brown, whose calamitous reign ended with a 152-year-old institution being wound up on Wednesday over unpaid tax.
And it is understood there is no chance of the Crompton and Irwin groups working together after a meeting between them failed to strike an agreement.
SunSport revealed Caton-Brown is involved with what is termed The Phoenix Bid, while ex-captain Ryan Brierley is said to be on board.
That consortium has secured a six-figure investment, guaranteed annually for at least the next three years and says a comprehensive recruitment plan is ready to go if the RFL accepts its bid, which is being lodged.
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“This isn’t just about rebuilding a club, it’s about rebuilding belief,” said ex-winger Caton-Brown.
“Salford means everything to me as a club and is part of my story.
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“We want to create something the city can be proud of again; a club that stands for honesty, sustainability and genuine community connection.
“We’re inviting the people of Salford to stand with us. Together we can rise again, not just to bring rugby league back to this city, but to make sure it thrives for generations to come.”
The Phoenix Bid says it is endorsed by Salford’s Supporters Trust and Foundation and will retain as many former club employees as possible.
However, rugby league legend and Salford boy Adrian Morley is firmly in the Irwin group’s camp as he will be a club ambassador should they take control.
Beaumont insists he has been advising the Crompton group to develop a plan similar to one he did with Leigh in 2003 and said: “They’re a group of people that have got six figures in the bank and a commitment from the same people to do the same again for at least the next two years.
“They’ve brought some good advisors in, they’ve got all the sponsorship in place, a shirt designed and ready to go.”
Whoever does needs to do so quickly, or Salford will not have a team for their Championship opener against Oldham on Friday, January 16.
Salford’s winding up order is seen as a relief by many as it means Kailahi and Brown no longer have control.
Mayor of Salford Paul Dennett and Greater Manchester colleague Andy Burnham, who back Irwin’s bid, described it as a ‘positive decision and is a step in the right direction.’
The city’s deputy mayor, Cllr Jack Youd – believed to be involved with that group – has pressed the RFL to move sharpish.
He said: “I have written to the interim chief executive Abi Ekoku urging the governing body to move swiftly and decisively through the next steps.
“As a city, we stand ready to work constructively with the RFL, with supporters and with any future ownership structure that can provide long-term stability and success.
“For months, players, staff and supporters have been living under the shadow of financial turmoil, carrying a burden they did not create.
“Because of the actions of the two owners, people will now lose their jobs.
“This is also a turning point. This moment gives us the space to move forward with clarity and resolute ambition.
“It opens the door to rebuild the club on stronger, fairer foundations, grounded in the honesty and passion of Salford people. Our city deserves a club that reflects the best of who we are.”
