Salford Red Devils rugby league club has gone bust, according to a club statement, bringing to an end 152 years. The club was officially wound up on Wednesday (December 3) as Salford City Reds (2013) was ordered to be liquidated with debts of around £4m in a hearing that lasted just one minute.
Club Statement
“We regret to inform stakeholders, supporters and partners that Salford Red Devils and its operating company, Salford City Reds (2013) Limited, have been subject to a winding-up petition filed by HMRC, and liquidation proceedings have now commenced.
“We understand the gravity of this situation and the uncertainty this creates for everyone connected with the club.
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“For the original club staff that remained up until this point, this is an incredibly emotional moment. Whilst there is sadness in seeing things come to this point, there is also a sense of relief that an extremely challenging period for the club has finally come to an end. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to all the fans who have stood by us through everything. Your passion and loyalty have meant the world to us. More than anything, we hope that the club’s proud name and history can live on and continue to represent the people of Salford.”
Earlier troubles
Salford Red Devils have been on thin ice for a while now, with a fair few statements having been released. On October 29 this year, The Ownership Group put out the following statement:
“We are pleased to confirm that our new funding has been formally secured and is expected to be received within the next twelve days. Once received, these funds will be immediately allocated to:
- Settling all outstanding debts with our local creditors
- Clearing our balance with HMRC
- Facilitating the formal withdrawal of the winding-up petition
“While winding up may have presented a simpler financial solution, it would have come at a significant cost to the local businesses, many of which are owned and operated by our loyal supporters, who have stood by us through challenging times. We have chosen the more difficult path to protect these vital pillars of our community, ensuring they can continue to trade and thrive alongside us.
“This decision secures the future of our 152-year-old institution, safeguards the community we proudly serve, strengthens our ability to build a competitive team both on and off the field, and preserves our strategic plan for a return to the Super League in 2027.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to our creditors, fans, and partners for their unwavering patience. Your continued support has been instrumental in securing the future of our club.”
History of Salford Red Devils
Salford Red Devils traces its origins to Cavendish Football Club, founded in Manchester in 1875 before moving to Salford and adopting the name in 1879. After joining the Northern Union (later the RFL), the club settled at The Willows stadium in 1901. The club’s golden age began with coach Lance Todd in 1928, who built a star team, earning them the nickname Les Diables Rouges (The Red Devils) on a 1934 tour of France. The team dominated the 1930s, winning three League Championships and the 1938 Challenge Cup.
Following WWII, the team was revitalized in the 1960s under Chairman G Brian Snape, achieving consistent success, including two First Division Championships in the 1970s. In 1982, Dr. John Wilkinson OBE began a three-decade tenure as Chairman, guiding the club through major changes in the sport, with a standout moment being the 1996 Challenge Cup upset of dominant Wigan at The Willows. After a period of flux, the club moved to the Salford Stadium in 2012.
The modern era saw a dramatic turning point in 2016 when the club survived relegation via the “Million Pound Game.” This moment boosted the club, and with a change to community ownership, they embarked on a remarkable run. Against the odds, Salford reached the Super League Grand Final in 2019 and followed this by making the Challenge Cup Final in 2020, signalling a strong and successful return to the sport’s highest echelons.
What can supporters do?
Per the club statement, supporters are encouraged to keep the Red Devils name alive. Some have already been showing their support, with a desire to resurrect Salford Red Devils, whatever form that may take.
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