A new consortium has formally taken control of Salford City Football Club. This influential coalition is co-chaired by football legends David Beckham and Gary Neville. This strategic takeover will bring significant new investment into the club. It will help deepen its position at the center of our community. The consortium’s unusual structure—their members club with nine shareholders—represents a new era in the club’s history.
The consortium is already full of heavy weight shareholders. Leading their investment round are Dream Sports Group, India’s largest sports technology firm, together with Colin Ryan, Frank Ryan, Nick Woodhouse and Shravin Mittal. Lord Mervyn Davies and Declan Kelly will serve as co-chairs on Salford City’s board. They provide an incredible amount of corporate governance experience that will help allay the board and the club’s long-term goals.
David Beckham, who as a child lived in neighboring Salford, captured the emotional connection to the area and club. His fond memories of living there and the impact it had on his early football career resonate deeply with his commitment to this new venture.
“I grew up in Salford. I have such fond memories of my time living there and the place and its people played such an important part in my early life in football. Salford City is at the heart of its community. It has a rich history and I am delighted to be a part of the next chapter.” – David Beckham
Gary Neville joined in his celebration of this partnership, highlighting the intersection of football and the promotion of sustainability as well. He emphasized the varied experience of the national consortium that will help propel the club to the next level.
“I am passionate about Salford City. This is a unique partnership with a diverse range of minds and expertise, held together by a love of football. Football will come first, however, it’s critical that we drive the club towards sustainability in the next 4-5 years. I can’t wait for the next part of this journey.” – Gary Neville
Even prior to this acquisition, Beckham, Neville and their ex-Man Utd co-owners left a mark on Salford City’s development. This cohort featured the likes of Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Phil Neville. Although Beckham and Neville will no longer hold shares in the club, they remain committed to their roles and vision for Salford City.
Last season, Salford City narrowly missed making the play-offs by a single point, which only further emphasizes how razor-thin the margins are in their national league. With this new consortium established, supporters and other interested stakeholders are encouraged about where this new direction for the club will take them.
Like the new leadership across the country they are poised to implement their plans. They’ll prioritize developing deep connections within the community and promoting long-term success organically on and off the pitch. New money and new thinking are opening the doors for a thrilling new chapter at Salford City. The club is excited to continue the impressive tradition to diversify their community heritage.
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