Salford Red Devils announce new owners in major club takeover

Salford Red Devils have announced a club takeover - with the new owners clearing its debt and promising major investment.

The club said the change in ownership will secure its long-term future, with the move subject to final approval from the Rugby Football League.

After talks with stakeholders from the Community Benefit Society (CBS) and Salford City Council, it was agreed that a consortium led by businessman Dario Berta - CEO of investment bank Matanel - have completed a full purchase of the rugby league team, approved by the CBS.

It has wiped out more than £1.5m of debt owed to Salford council, after it paid the club huge sums in recent years to support its future.

The town hall recently became sole owners of Salford Community Stadium in a £7m deal, and promised to support the rugby league club in its efforts to secure its long-term future.

This includes new development around the stadium and working with Salford Red Devils to boost revenue from matches at the ground.

The new owners have vowed to deliver 'significant investment for the future growth of the club', with a process already underway to recruit a new internal management structure led by recruitment experts KinseySears.

Chris Irwin, former chief commercial officer at Salford Red Devils and more recently Exeter City Football Club, has been appointed as the club’s new chief executive officer.

Mr Irwin met with Paul Rowley, Kurt Haggerty and the current men’s first team squad earlier today at the Salford Community Stadium.

Mr Berta, leading the new ownership consortium, said the move is the start of a “very bright and successful future” for Salford Red Devils.

He added: “I’d like to express my gratitude to Paul King and the existing team within the CBS who have