MPs in Salford have called for urgent action to protect the future of Salford Red Devils, the city’s crisis-hit rugby league club.
Worsley and Eccles MP Michael Wheeler and Salford MP Rebecca Long-Bailey have written to the Rugby Football League (RFL) and culture secretary Lisa Nandy outlining their concerns over the club’s future.
It follows a letter from Salford Red Devils supporters’ trust chairman Shirley Bradshaw accusing the RFL and club’s owners of a ‘dereliction of duty’ to its future survival.
Salford mayor Paul Dennett and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham have also spoken out about the club’s situation.
The owners of Salford Red Devils said in a statement last week that the club is in a ‘state of prolonged financial stress’, but added that they ‘understand the frustration many fans feel.’
Mr Wheeler said a meeting is scheduled with the RFL to discuss the situation.
The MP wrote in his letter: “I share the concerns of Ms Bradshaw and the club’s supporters about the financial management of the club.
“Reports that the club has not been making pension contributions for staff and players are deeply concerning, as is the level of debt the club is carrying, including to HMRC.
“I agree with Ms Bradshaw that this must be having a very negative impact on the health and wellbeing of all involved with the club.”
He went on to say that the current situation is ‘untenable’ and ‘urged everyone involved to put the interests of the fans of this proud club first, they deserve better.’
Ms Long-Bailey said: “I back Michael Wheeler MP and mayor Paul Dennett’s and fans’ calls to support and save the club. The club needs urgent action, investment and support.”
Salford Red Devils and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport were approached for comment.
The RFL said it shares the MPs’ concerns, and welcomes their interest and the chance to update them.
Tony Sutton, chief executive at the RFL, said earlier in August: “It has been a damaging and draining episode for the sport, and lessons have already been learned – the key one being the need for clubs to have the necessary resources to sustain a club in the elite competition and the ability and options for us to assess this prior to any change of ownership of clubs.
“I attended a meeting of players and staff last month, with colleagues, the main aim of which was for us to answer as many of their questions as we could, many of which have been unanswered for too long.
“We have deep sympathy for all who have been involved in Salford’s extended battle for survival this season, and for the club’s supporters.
“The courage and commitment shown by the players and other staff who have stuck with the club has been remarkable, and the loyalty of their supporters is the main reason to hope for a brighter future.”
Last weekend, Salford Red Devils’ game against Wakefield was cancelled due to ‘significant concerns regarding player welfare’, with the club saying it has only two senior players who have featured at Super-League level over the last 12 months, with academy products making up the rest of the current playing squad.
Despite the cancellation, fan group The 1873 went ahead with a protest march from Salford City Roosters to Salford Community Stadium, where the Red Devils play.
Hundreds turned out for the march to share their anger at the situation and the club’s ownership.
Salford Red Devils were taken over by a consortium in February who at the time promised major investment into the team.
