Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett has responded to concerns about the future of the Red Devils Rugby League team after a statement by the club last week
The club said that its future was in jeopardy over the continued wrangling over the AJ Bell stadium which is jointly owned by the Council and Peel Holdings
Major Dennett said that he was greatly concerned by the contents of Salford Red Devils recent public statement to fans, and I am sure this was echoed in the Salford Reds fan base and wider rugby league communities.
“For a 150-year-old institution, and pillar of the sport, to be facing such a precarious situation is very worrying.”
Dennett points out that the destiny of the Reds is not simply in Salford City Council’s gift. As mentioned, we are joint owners of the stadium with Peel, and cannot make decisions without them.
“The stadium is also occupied by Sale Sharks, who have been exemplary tenants providing much needed income to the stadium which has been vital to making the entire business stack up. The council is also bound to provide services to the public of Salford which guarantees value for money to Salford taxpayers, and must provide robust checks and balances to ensure that our investments are sound and reasonable. Whilst I appreciate that the club does not have indefinite time, it is also the case that the council alone cannot decide the timeframes for the necessary decisions to be taken.”
“No one should be in any doubt that the whole of Salford City Council is committed to this work, keeping residents, supporters and stakeholders up-to-speed every step of the way”
