Member Article

Reds from ‘Class of 92’ to take over at Salford City

A consortium made of current and former Manchester United players - the ’Class of ‘92’ - including Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, has confirmed a deal to buy Salford City FC, subject to FA and league approval.

The group has been negotiating with the non-league club – currently playing in the eighth tier of English football - for the past month. The two parties have now reached an agreement, with the purchase set to be complete in the summer.

Former United and England midfielder Paul Scholes is reported to be in line to become manager at Salford, having turned his back on a coaching role at Old Trafford.

Earlier this week, in his role as a television pundit, he offered scathing criticism of United’s recent performances. Now he seems set to face the challenge of trying to raise Salford City to Football League status. The club currently enjoys local rivalries with FC United of Manchester and Irlam.

A statement read: “Salford is close to all their hearts. Manchester United nurtured and developed them but Salford is where it all began so, when the opportunity arose to acquire Salford City FC, it was one they all wished to pursue.

“They want to put back into the community of Salford and surrounding areas, they want to develop and engage especially at grass roots level.” Gary Neville added: “I had my first trial for Manchester United in Salford at age 11 and I will never forget how important that was to me.

“Salford City FC, to me, represents those early years, the commitment, hunger, enthusiasm, desire and spirit of football and I am very excited about this venture.” Paul Scholes said: “We know it will be tough but we will be committed to this from the start and have some very exciting plans going forward.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .