In some good news for Salford fans, it was announced today that a new ownership group has had their bid to resurrect the Salford rugby league club approved by the RFL to join the Championship in 2026.
In recent weeks, it was reported that three consortia were bidding to carry on the legacy of rugby league in the city of Salford. Chris Irwin, the former CEO of the now-liquidated club, was a leading force in one such bid. Kiwi businesswoman (with alleged ties to the disgraced former ownership, no less), Tracy Atiga, was another. However, the consortium which has emerged with the playing license for 2026 is the one led by former Salford player Mason-Caton Brown, backed by businessmen Malcolm Crompton and Paul Hancock 1.
In a statement released by the RFL this morning, the governing body had this to say on the approval: “The approval follows a thorough assessment process in which the RFL received three high-quality and extremely well-considered proposals, all focused on ensuring the preservation, continuity and future growth of professional Rugby League in the City of Salford.”
“The successful submission from Salford RLFC Ltd demonstrated a clear commitment to sustainable governance, financial responsibility and long-term stability, aligned with the RFL’s strategic objectives for the professional game.”
“The RFL would also like to formally place on record its appreciation for the exceptional level of engagement and support shown by the Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett, and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. Their personal commitment to ensuring the survival of professional Rugby League in Salford, and their constructive support throughout the RFL’s processes, has been outstanding. The RFL looks forward to continuing this work as it seeks to expand the community and commercial footprint of Rugby League across Greater Manchester.”
The news has seemingly also been warmly received by Salford fans, with fan group The 1873 releasing a statement not long after the announcement, urging supporters to get behind the new ownership group. Their encouragement of fellow fans to go out and buy season tickets to support the new side can only be seen as a positive sign of a relieved fan base hoping their club is back on track.
The question surrounding the Salford club now becomes about whether they will make it to the starting line against Oldham on January 16th, and what sort of team they would have assembled by then. Caton-Brown has assured fans that agreements are in place with players and coaches, but the clock is now ticking to get a squad assembled, and time isn’t on their side. Whatever happens between now and then, we at Gerrim Onside sent our best wishes to the new ownership group and wish the new Salford club every success in their new guise.
Written by Nathan Major (Site editor & Hull KR fan)
- Although at the time of writing, Mason Caton-Brown is the only director named on the Company House website. ↩︎
Gerrim Onside! 
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