28 April 2008
Salford City Reds today announced plans to designate an area of the new City of Salford Stadium as a Memorial Garden, to mark the passing of the fans that have had their ashes spread on the pitch at The Willows over the past century.
Hundreds of families have said a final goodbye to their loved ones on the famous old halfway line and the Reds feel it is fitting that this is marked in a special way when they move to their new home at the start of 2010.
Plans for a garden area set aside from the main thoroughfare are being discussed and it is envisaged that it will be a peaceful, benched area where fans can sit in reflection.
The garden will be grown from the soil removed from The Willows and this is seen as the correct way to remember those who have had their ashes spread there.
Reds’ Chief Executive David Tarry said: “Salford has been a very family-orientated club for a long time and it is important that we take special notice of the loss of friends, family and fans that devoted their lives to following the club.
“By using the soil from The Willows we believe we will be taking them all with us and paying our respects to families who saw us as important enough in their loved ones lives to say their farewells on our playing field. We will be leaving nobody behind when we move.”
The Memorial Garden at the City of Salford Stadium will be an important location at the new site and one where future ashes may be spread and the Reds will be inviting fans to suggest how the club can best mark the area, be it with a floral tribute, a stone, a statue or any other fitting memorial.
