Salford City Reds to be known as Salford Red Devils from 2014

Salford City Reds will change their name to Salford Red Devils from the start of the 2014 season, according to owner Dr Marwan Koukash.

The millionaire racehorse owner took control of the club in January.

And he hopes the rebranding will give Salford, who currently lie bottom of Super League, a stronger identity.

"This is all part of a major plan to rebrand the club, make a new start and make more people aware of who we are," said 54-year-old Koukash.

He told the Manchester Evening News: "I feel it is far better for us to be known from next season as the Red Devils. It is a far stronger and appealing title and I am sure the fans will be excited by it.

"We are up against teams in Super League who are known as the Bulls and the Warriors and I want us to be seen as the Red Devils. Warriors playing the Red Devils sounds so much better.

"Our traditional red home kit next season will carry a bold distinctive Red Devils logo and be easily identifiable, and I also want us to play in my racing colours of grey and gold away from home."

Salford were on the brink of administration before Koukash completed his takeover of the financially-troubled club and he has already made his presence felt during his short involvement in domestic rugby league.

He after five matches of the 2013 campaign and replaced him with ex-Great Britain supremo Brian Noble, while also calling for the Rugby Football League to increase the current salary cap of £1.8m.

Koukash has also outlined his intention to bring star names to Salford, but failed with ambitious bids for England trio Sam Tomkins, Adrian Morley and Rangi Chase in the opening weeks of the season.