Salford Red Devils, based at the purpose built Salford Stadium in Barton, has been placed into special measures following concerns raised regarding the clubs financial sustainability. The Rugby Football League having reasonable cause for concern has seemingly prompted the decision. Earlier in the month Salford Red Devils issued a statement in which it blamed a lack of progress on the councils acquisition of it's partner Peel's half of the stadium, which it is said will put the clubs future in jeopardy. In a statement the club said: "After endless pontification and procrastination by Council officers, we are less than a month away from having no such agreement, and the stark reality now is that without their action in the coming days and weeks, the future of the Club is at risk." A bid by the council to purchase the stadium outright was called in by Conservative councillors who voiced opposition over the move. The club has been forced to sell off key players in recent years in an attempt to balance it's books, whilst a community share campaign raised over £364 thousand pounds. Salford Mayor, Paul Dennett, replied to the clubs statement with one of his own in which he said he was determined to keep it within the boundary of Salford in response to claims that the club may be forced to relocate. The clubs current lease is to expire on the 1st of December. The club has reportedly been in talks with the RFL and hopes to be taken out of special measures once the outcome of discussion between the RFL and Council are completed. Responding the Mayors statement a spokesperson for the club said: "We are optimistic following recent discussions and hope that the meetings this week offer a path to a swift resolution of critical priority, rather than serve as another example of a failed-to-materialise assurance."
