Salford Red Devils wound up by High Court over debts

The High Court has ordered the troubled former Super League team Red Devils of Salford to pay off outstanding debts.

Following Wednesday’s hearing, the company that owns the 152-year-old club, Salford City Reds (2013) Limited, adjourned a winding-up petition on four occasions before being liquidated.

The club initially adjourned the petition in June after declaring confidence in His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that they would be able to obtain a bridging loan, before being adjourned once more in early September, late October, and once more in November.

The Red Devils’ demise comes at the end of a turbulent year for the organization, which saw a massive player exodus, late pay, significant losses, and ultimately the club’s loss of Super League status in the end-of-year grading.

The club stated in a statement that it was aware of the severity of this circumstance and the uncertainty it presents to everyone involved.

This is a very emotional moment for the original club staff, who haven’t changed since then. Although it saddens one to see things get this far, the club feels relieved that a challenging period has finally come to an end.

“We want to thank all the fans who have supported us throughout the entire process. We have lost count of you because of your passion and commitment. We hope that Salford’s cherished name and history will remain true to the club’s legacy and continue to be a part of it.

The court’s decision removes the veil on a forgettable year for Salford, with their fortunes from their previous season in stark contrast to their Super League and playoff success in 2024.

However, their financial issues started to take hold at the end of the previous season.

Well before the start of the season, the club requested a 20% advance on their 2025 distribution plans, and Dario Berta’s consortium’s takeover was completed on the eve of the campaign’s start.

Despite that takeover, things gradually got worse, though, with the club still suffering from financial issues year after year.

The Rugby Football League placed a young team under a sustainability cap after the Red Devils lost 82-0 in the season-opening defeat at St Helens, which affected team selection.

With numerous departures, including notable players like Marc Sneyd, Nene Macdonald, and Ryan Brierley, Salford struggled the entire season, with team selection and lack of player availability, leaving a weakened side after a string of severe defeats.

Due to “significant” welfare concerns, the club only had two senior players available, which caused a fan protest, when their Super League game against Wakefield in August was postponed.

Even on the field, things were similarly chaotic as Salford City Council pulled out of negotiations over the club’s May purchase of their home at Salford Community Stadium and chief executive Chris Irwin resigned less than three months after taking the job.

Chief Operating Officer Claire Bradbury resigned from her position in the meantime after claiming that the club’s ownership had suggested she “sleep with someone at the Rugby Football League” to ease their situation.

Kurt Haggerty, who had planned to take over as head coach starting in 2026, later left the organization and was later replaced by Bradford Bulls, who will take Salford’s place in the top flight next season.

Following the announcement which teams would compete in the upcoming 14-club Super League, head coach Paul Rowley left for St Helens, but players have steadily continued to join the club as the off-season progresses.

The future of rugby league in Salford and how it will play is a mystery.

In October, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Salford mayor Paul Dennett met with the RFL to discuss a possibility of a second-tier Championship entry for the Red Devils of Salford.

Matt Newsum, a rugby league reporter for BBC Sport,

The outcome of today marks a somber year for Salford fans, who have watched their club crumble for the past 12 months.

The on-field product was harmed by the failed takeover, which the RFL acknowledged was approved back in the early months of the year as the only option was extinction.

Given that there are theoretically few assets for a receiver or liquidator to sell, creditors who will be left behind by this scenario will be interested in what happens next. However, fans have a chance of a more promising future.

There are many sports organizations that have emerged from the debris of bankruptcy. Bradford Bulls, a renowned rugby league brand, was one of the many that did this in 2017.

With the council having previously backed the game and the sport itself, there will be an appetite within the city to restart rugby league.