Salford City Reds: Dr Marwan Koukash wants stake in stadium

Dr Marwan Koukash, who became the new owner of Salford City Reds on Thursday, is keen for the Super League club to claim ownership of their home ground.

The Salford City Stadium is co-owned by Salford City Council and property investment firm Peel Holdings.

Koukash said it is vital for the club's future to buy a stake in their home.

"Part of the (takeover) discussions were that I'll be given an opportunity for the club to buy into the stadium," he told BBC Radio Manchester.

"I think both do realise the importance of the Reds either being a partner or a complete owner of the stadium."

The 54-year-old revealed that time constraints prevented him from concluding a deal to become a part-owner of the ground before his takeover was completed, with securing the future of the ailing club his primary aim.

Salford share the stadium in Barton, which opened in 2012 at a cost of £26m, with rugby union outfit Sale Sharks.

Speaking to Rugby League Extra, millionaire racehorse owner Koukash also confirmed that director of football Steve Simms had left the Reds.

"We always said that it's going to be a new era and I thank the previous board for the work they've done," he added.

Salford, who begin the Super League season at home to Wigan Warriors on Friday, were able to announce a number of new signings in the build-up to the match.

Luke Foran and Vic Mauro have joined from NRL club Manly, while unattached duo Ryan McGoldrick and Martin Gleeson signed two-year deals with the Reds.

Ambitious Koukash has already targeted trophies with Salford, but head coach Phil Veivers has warned that it will take time for his new-look team to gel.

"Marwan wants to win every game, as I do. I never go onto a field without wanting to win," said the Australian.

"But the reality is that these boys need to learn how each other play, and the new boys need to learn how we play as a team."

Dr Marwan Koukash was the studio guest on BBC Radio Manchester's Rugby League Extra on 31 January - you can listen to the full programme again via the BBC iPlayer for the subsequent seven days.