Salford owners say club 'will not close'

Salford Red Devils have lost 19 out of 21 Super League games this season and conceded 940 points so far

Salford Red Devils' ownership group have said the beleaguered Super League club "will not close" despite their perilous financial state.

A consortium led by businessman Dario Berta bought the club on the eve of the season, but frequent late wage payments, mass player exits, and a bruising season of defeats have overshadowed their 2025 campaign.

Sunday's defeat at Hull FC followed a chaotic week in which Chris Hankinson, Chris Hill, Jack Ormondroyd and Ryan Brierley left the club, while a patchwork team of loanees was eventually beaten 80-6, conceding 14 tries in the process.

In a statement issued late on Monday evening, the group said that bridge funding would be "available and settled" by the end of August, and that they remained "fully committed" to supporting the club sustainably.

"We understand the frustration many fans feel. But we want to be clear: Salford Red Devils will not close," they added.

"We have consistently met wage obligations under difficult conditions and continue to tackle over £3 million in inherited debt. Your patience and support are deeply appreciated as we work to return SRD to its rightful position in the sport."

The statement also said that "an essential £1.8m investment" from an external backer, which had been anticipated for November 2024 had failed to materialise in the lead up to their takeover.

They also claimed that matters worsened when Salford City Council "unexpectedly withdrew" from negotiations to purchase the Salford Community Stadium home they share with rugby union side Sale Sharks.

At the time, the council cut ties with Jacobson Management, a group who had been introduced to the stadium by representatives of the Red Devils' owners, as they were unable to carry out the required due diligence.

Despite this, the consortium said they were still willing to resume discussions with the council over a possible purchase of the stadium.

Salford, who have lost all but two of their 21 Super League games this season - conceding 940 points in the process - have six games of the campaign remaining.

They also face a rearranged winding-up petition from His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on 3 September, having previously owed £500,000 before it was adjourned in June.