Former Wakefield Trinity star Mason Caton-Brown leads bid to launch Salford phoenix club as deadline set
The clock is ticking on bids to form a new Salford club in time to for next season.
Former Wakefield Trinity player Mason Caton-Brown is among those keen to launch a new club in the city after Salford Red Devils were officially liquidated yesterday (Wednesday). The Red Devils, who finished bottom of Super League this year, were included when the Betfred Championship fixtures were published on Tuesday afternoon, with Hunslet RLFC scheduled as their first visitors on Friday, February 13.
That fixture could still go ahead if a new club is given the green light. A statement from the sport’s governing body confirmed Salford Red Devils’ membership was “formally terminated” at an RFL board meeting today. The statement added: “The board discussed the process which will now allow interested parties the opportunity to provide submissions for consideration, with a deadline for decision set for Wednesday 17th December.
“Several parties have already expressed interest and they will be provided further details of timelines in due course. The board are recognisant of the challenging circumstances the staff and players of Salford Red Devils have found themselves in, and with RL Cares are providing support.”
Caton-Brown played for Salford from 2014-16 and later had two spells with Waklefield. He is leading a consortium calling themselves The Phoenix Bid, who say they have already secured an agreement in principle to play out of Salford Community Stadium.
The consortium also say they have secured significant six-figure investment, guaranteed annually for at least the next three years and have a kit supplier, sponsorship agreement and recruitment plan ready to go as well, should they be granted a licence by the RFL. Caton-Brown said: “This isn’t just about rebuilding a club, it’s about rebuilding belief.
“We want to create something the city can be proud of again, a club that stands for honesty, sustainability, and genuine community connection. We’re inviting the people of Salford to stand with us. Together we can rise again, not just to bring rugby league back to this city, but to make sure it thrives for generations to come.”