Salford Red Devils: Liquidation petition postponed for a third time

In contrast to an impressive 2024 campaign, during which then-coach Paul Rowley guided the Red Devils to fourth place and a play-off spot, financial problems continue off the field in 2025.

Having requested that the 2025 central distribution date be brought forward in late 2024, Salford were eventually snapped up by a consortium led by Swiss businessman Dario Berta on the eve of the 2025 season.

However, things gradually got worse for the club, with chief executive Chris Irwin resigning after less than three months in charge, while Salford City Council also pulled out of negotiations with the Red Devils over the club’s bid to buy Salford Community Stadium in May.

The sustainability cap imposed on the club by the Rugby Football League influenced team selection, resulting in the Red Devils fielding young teams more often and suffering several humbling defeats, including a 15-try win over St Helens which went on to record 82–0 at the start of the season.

Having previously claimed that the club would not close despite its financial problems, the club’s owners came under further criticism as operations director Claire Bradbury resigned from her position after she claimed ownership suggested she “sleep with someone in rugby football league” to ease their situation.

Salford’s Premier League match against Wakefield was later called off due to “significant” welfare concerns, with the club only having two senior players available – leading to fan protests that continued as the season went on.

Assistant coach Curt Haggerty, who was due to take over as head coach from Rowley for 2026, left the club and eventually took over as coach of the newly promoted Bradford Bulls for next season while Rowley finally left the club earlier this month to take over at St Helens.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, in conjunction with his deputy Paul Dennett, held a meeting with the Rugby Football League earlier in October to outline the possibility of phoenix club Salford Red Devils entering the Championship next season.