Salford Red Devils Wound Up by High Court Amidst Mounting Debts, Future of Rugby League Uncertain

The 152-year-old Salford Red Devils rugby league club has been officially wound up by the High Court due to a substantial accumulation of outstanding debts, marking a somber end to a turbulent period for the former Super League team. A winding-up petition, which had been repeatedly adjourned since June, ultimately led to Wednesday’s decisive hearing.

Millenium TV has learned the petition’s initial postponement in June was based on the club’s stated confidence in securing a bridging loan to settle a tax bill with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Further adjournments followed in September, October, and November as financial woes persisted.

This decision culminates a nightmarish year for the Red Devils, characterized by a significant player exodus, delayed wage payments, a string of heavy defeats, and the ultimate relegation from Super League status for the 2026 season due to end-of-year gradings. This contrasts sharply with their successful 2024 campaign, where they finished fourth in Super League and reached the play-offs, before financial difficulties began to severely impact operations.

The club’s financial troubles intensified after the successful 2024 season. An advance on their 2025 distribution payments was requested well before the start of the current season. Despite a takeover by a consortium led by Swiss businessman Dario Berta completing on the eve of this year’s campaign, the financial situation continued to deteriorate.

The Rugby Football League (RFL) imposed a sustainability cap on Salford, which severely hampered team selection and forced the Red Devils to field an inexperienced squad. This led to a record-breaking 82-0 defeat in their season-opening match against St Helens. The lack of player availability plagued the team throughout the season, with high-profile departures including Marc Sneyd, Nene Macdonald, and Ryan Brierley, leaving a depleted side to face successive heavy losses. A Super League game against Wakefield in August was even called off due to “significant” welfare concerns, with only two senior players available, sparking fan protests.

Off-field matters were equally chaotic. Chief executive Chris Irwin resigned less than three months into his tenure, and Salford City Council withdrew from negotiations regarding the club’s attempt to purchase their Salford Community Stadium home in May. Adding to the turmoil, chief operating officer Claire Bradbury resigned after alleging that the club’s ownership suggested she “sleep with someone at the Rugby Football League” to alleviate their predicament.

Following an October court adjournment, the club’s ownership asserted they had secured funding expected within “12 days,” but these funds never materialized. As the season concluded, fan protests escalated, culminating in the club losing its Super League status for next season after failing to secure a top-12 position in the IMG gradings.

Leadership changes continued, with Kurt Haggerty, initially slated to take over as head coach from 2026, departing late in the season to join Bradford Bulls, who will replace Salford in the top flight next term. Head coach Paul Rowley also left for St Helens after the Super League lineup for next season was announced, and players have steadily continued to exit the club as the off-season commenced.

The immediate future of rugby league in Salford remains uncertain. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Salford Mayor Paul Dennett met with the RFL in October to discuss the possibility of a “phoenix club” for Salford Red Devils entering the second-tier Championship next season. Millenium TV understands that while Salford was included in Tuesday’s Championship fixture list, scheduled to host Oldham on January 16, the implications of the High Court’s decision on these plans are still unfolding.

The concept of a phoenix club offers a potential path forward, echoing instances across various sports where teams have re-emerged from liquidation, such as the Bradford Bulls in 2017. There is a strong desire within the city and the sport itself to ensure rugby league continues in Salford, with the local council having previously demonstrated support.