Heroes to millions of fans around the world, ex-Manchester United stars Ryan Giggs, Phil and Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, known collectively as the Class of 92, earned their places in the footballing hall of fame after achieving unrivalled success during their extraordinary careers.
Having hung up their boots and called time on their playing careers they’re now in search of a different kind of success, as owners of a lower league football club.
Now a new three part documentary, Class Of 92: Out Of Their League,narrated by Bafta winning actress Sarah Lancashire is coming to our screens next month.
The series captures the humour and drama, both on and off the pitch, as the ex-players start their first season in charge of Salford City FC – a club seven tiers down from the Premier League and normally run by local volunteers. The programme has been produced by Electric Ray for BBC One.
Throughout the series we meet everyone involved in running a lower league club, from players to committee members, the groundsman to the Chairwoman and not forgetting the all-important Babs who makes the teas! Although not everyone is happy about the new owners…
The series begins as the season is about to start and their dreams of taking Salford City FC to the top begin. They soon learn that life as owners of a football club isn’t without its troubles – the stadium is falling apart, the toilets are a health hazard and both of their managers have holidays during the important pre-season. It’s clear that these five ex-professionals have a lot to learn about life in the amateur league!
Nicky Butt said: “Football is massive for all of us. It’s our life, and Salford is very close to all our hearts – it’s where we grew up and learnt our trade. Gary and Ryan first came up with the idea on the train, one thing led to another and we found ourselves as owners of a football club. We want to take Salford City FC as high as we can and who knows where we can go?”
With the same passion that drove them to great success on the pitch, the Class of 92 set about the task in hand. Player Gareth Seddon drops down four leagues to join the club and play for his heroes and he’s soon delivering results as the team’s star striker (and resident male model!). The season gets off to a flying start but just as it seems all the hard work was worth it – the bubble bursts!
Tempers flare, points are lost and loyalties are tested. They may have been top of their class on the pitch, but can the Class of 92 bring out the pride and passion of their Salford City FC team and get the promotion dream back on track,or is the dream really Out of their League?
Maxine Watson, BBC’s Head of Documentary Commissioning says: “I’m delighted to bring to a BBC One audience such a close-up and intimate look into the life of a lower league football club. We’ve had extraordinary access into Board meetings, the changing rooms and life at home for all involved in Salford City FC. The journey the club goes on in this series is one full of passion and pride and with the Class of 92 at the helm – anything really is possible.”
