THE CLOCK is ticking for those looking to save Salford’s name – with paperwork needed TOMORROW.
As SunSport revealed, four groups have come forward looking to keep the Red Devils in rugby league.
Wednesday saw them wound up after 152 years, with many fans relieved as despised owners Isiosaia ‘Sire’ Kailahi were got rid of.
But even though the Rugby Football League stated the deadline for decision is Wednesday, December 17, the first hurdle comes far sooner.
For ‘headline documents’ giving key information on five subjects – ownership, governance and management, finance and sustainability plans, player recruitment, stadium and facilities, community engagement and local support plus proof of funds – by 5pm tomorrow.
More detailed final documentation must be handed in by 5pm on Thursday, with a review done by Monday, December 15 and a binding decision made by the RFL board on December 17.
According to documents seen by SunSport, the RFL is ‘delighted with the level of interest in, and support for, the continuity of professional club rugby league in Salford.’
Former Salford chief executive Chris Irwin is involved with one group and ex-player Mason Caton-Brown another, alongside Australia-based local lad Malcolm Crompton and businessman Paul Hancock.
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Kiwi Tracy Atiga, who formed the company Salford City Reds 2025 Limited before the Red Devils’ holding firm, Salford City Reds (2013) was wound up over unpaid tax, is also mulling a bid.
And a fourth party is believed to have approached the RFL soon after the axe fell on the relegated Super League club.
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Already, the Caton-Brown group has made an error after it asserted it had ‘an agreement in principle for the continued use of the CorpAcq Stadium.’
However, SunSport has been told none of the interested groups have struck terms with Salford City Council, which owns the facility – and it is only called the CorpAcq Stadium when Sale Sharks RU play there.
Other groups, though, also have issues – chiefly Irwin’s links to Kailahi and Brown through his previous employment.
It is expected Salford’s ownership will be discussed at the Rugby Football League’s council meeting – where all clubs get together – on Tuesday.
