Breaking: Former Salford winger leads bid to revive club after 152-year wind-up
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Former Salford Red Devils winger mason Caton-Brown has joined The Phoenix Bid consortium to pursue control of the club, submitting an application to the Rugby Football League to operate a Salford-based team at the CorpAcq Stadium.
Salford was wound up in a High Court ruling over outstanding debts after 152 years in operation. A separate revival effort is also taking shape,with former chief executive Chris Irwin stating he is pursuing his own consortium to salvage the liquidated club.
Caton-Brown, 32, emphasises this initiative goes beyond restoring a team. He describes it as a bid to rebuild belief and deliver a club the city can be proud of, underpinned by honesty, sustainability, and genuine community ties. The former winger, who made 32 appearances for salford between 2014 and 2016, said the endeavour is deeply personal and strongly rooted in Salford’s identity.
The Phoenix Bid’s plan centers on reestablishing a club that prioritizes accountability, long-term viability, and strong local connections as it seeks to rejoin the rugby league landscape.
Key facts at a glance
| Status | Wound up by the High Court over debts |
|---|---|
| Bid group | The Phoenix Bid consortium |
| Lead figure | Mason Caton-brown, former Salford winger |
| Proposed base | Salford, CorpAcq Stadium |
| Action | RFL application to operate a Salford-based team |
| Caton-Brown’s tenure | 32 appearances for Salford (2014-2016) |
Evergreen insights
takeovers of legacy sports clubs often hinge on a clear path to sustainability paired with strong community engagement. When a club faces liquidation, long-term success typically relies on clear governance, local ownership, and measures that rebuild trust with fans and sponsors.
Community-led models can offer resilience in turbulent times, provided they are backed by accountable leadership and a shared vision for growth that honors a club’s history while prioritizing financial prudence and inclusive participation.
What this means for fans and the city
The outcome could reshape Salford’s sporting future, possibly offering a blueprint for reviving a beloved club through principled leadership and prudent stewardship that resonates with the local community.
Engagement
- What should be the top priority for the Phoenix Bid if it gains control of a salford-based team?
- Could a community-owned or fan-led approach deliver lasting stability for Salford rugby league?
Share your thoughts and join the conversation.
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