Latest Update From Chairman John Wilkinson

"The board and myself were obviously very disappointed to learn the outcome of the vote taken by the City Council’s cabinet yesterday, but we respect and understand the difficult position they were in, given the backdrop of budget cutbacks.

During negotiations the Club has been unable to speak freely and has had to respect the process, and it has been frustrating having to sit back and leave incorrect and at times scurrilous speculation unanswered.

If these negotiations could have been brought to a successful conclusion, as we all expected they would be, it would have secured the future of the Club, however this now opens the door to other opportunities.

The position as it stands is that the Club has a short-term cash flow problem that it needs to overcome, however once that is done the club’s business plan remains solid, viable and independently verified by leading accounting firms such as KPMG.

Salford City Reds remains a great investment opportunity for new blood with an appetite for top level sport and we would urge anyone with an interest to make contact immediately.

The Club has always received exceptional levels of support from the local business community and this spirit remains, with the Club still attracting new sponsors even while recently surrounded by an air of uncertainty.

This gives us great confidence that there is someone out there who can help us take this great club forward and on to successes within Super League.

As a board we were fully committed to the deal on the table as everything had led us to believe that it would be concluded positively. As a result of yesterday’s decision we are forced to reopen investigations into other avenues, and remain confident that with everyone pulling together in the same direction – board members, supporters, players, coaches and staff – that a positive conclusion can still be reached within the required timeframe.

Discussions continue with other interested parties, including Peel, and we are grateful to the RFL for their on-going support in these matters. We will update stakeholders on any progress as soon as we are able.

In addition we are considering a meeting with supporters at a convenient time and location one evening. If you would be interested in attending such a meeting please send an email to admin@reds.co.uk and we will ensure you receive full details in time to attend.”

John A. Wilkinson OBE
Chairman, Salford City Reds