Tipperary's Declan Kelly joins with David Beckham and Gary Neville to purchase Salford City FC

Irish businessman and Co Tipperary native Declan Kelly has joined Manchester United legends David Beckham and Gary Neville to purchase Salford City Football Club.

In the deal, Kelly, founder of advisory business, Consello, will co-chair the northern England based club with leading UK financier Lord Mervyn Davies.

The two, together with Beckham and Neville, are understood to have orchestrated the acquisition over the last number of months, assembling several leading investors.

Commenting on the acquisition, Mr Kelly said today that the new ownership structure brings the right mix to take Salford to the next level.

He said: “The group comprises some of the best in the world at what they do and has been put together for the sole purpose of driving the club forward. Utilizing the knowledge and skills of this group, our goal is to create a path to achieve new and sustainable success for SCFC both on and off the pitch.”

Kelly’s New York City headquartered Consello - which has offices in Ireland - will also be responsible for building out the club’s commercial operations in the UK and around the world, while drawing on the expertise of the broader investor group, made up of individuals with backgrounds in sports, entertainment, banking, law and technology.

Mr Kelly and Gary Neville have developed close ties over recent years, with the former Man United captain a Partner in Consello in both UK and Ireland.

Gary Neville said that the unique partnership with a diverse range of minds and expertise is held together by a love of football.

The Sky football pundit said: “Football will come first, however it’s critical that we drive the club towards sustainability in the next four to five years. I can’t wait for the next part of this