CALLUM WALKER looks back on Salford’s horror year.
The hope
2024 had been another year of beating everyone’s expectations as Salford Red Devils miraculously finished fourth before going down to Leigh in the play-offs in front of more than 10,000 spectators.
With head coach Paul Rowley confirming it to be his last at the helm before stepping into a director of rugby role, everything was geared up for one final hurrah at the Salford Community Stadium, especially with the likes of Esan Marsters, Justin Sangaré and Chris Hill joining the Red Devils.
Rowley had continued to weave his magic at Salford on a shoestring budget, and the same was hoped for in 2025.
The reality
It couldn’t really have gone much worse for the Red Devils.
Struck by financial issues as early as November 2024, the club made the start line but suffered an 82-0 loss to St Helens in Round One after head coach Rowley decided to field a seriously under-strength side full of reserves players following salary cap limitations placed on the club.
And things didn’t get much better for Salford throughout the year, as continued player sales stymied any prospect of on-field success, with the Red Devils at one point losing 13 games in a row.
It was almost a miracle that they forfeited only one game, against Wakefield Trinity in August.
By the end of the season, the Red Devils’ relegation to the Championship had all but been confirmed, given the off-field issues and the club ended the campaign at the bottom of the league table with just three league wins.
Best players
In what had been one of the worst seasons in living memory for Salford players, there were a number of players who stood out.
Considering all of the departures, it is perhaps difficult to choose just a few, given the fact that shirt numbers actually went as high as 72.
Rugby union convert Declan Murphy was a shining light for the Red Devils, with the fullback filling in for Ryan Brierley after the latter departed for Oldham. Murphy earned a move to Hull KR in the process, whilst Justin Sangaré made 24 appearances and was a consistent figure in the Salford forward pack.
Hooker or halfback Kai Morgan also outlined his Super League credentials with some fine individual performances.
In quotes
“Our vision as a consortium is to not only achieve success in the Betfred Super League and domestic competitions, but to also strengthen our ties within the community, invest in the club infrastructure, and create an environment where our fans, players, and staff feel proud to be part of the Red Devils family. Together, we will strive for success on and off the field, while staying true to the values that make Salford so unique.” New owner Dario Berta, the head of the takeover consortium, said this in February after taking over.
“This season has been incredibly tough, mentally, emotionally and physically. It’s been the most difficult period of my career, and I’ve done everything I can to keep going, to stay strong, to keep believing in better days ahead.” Ryan Brierley on leaving his boyhood club in August to help raise funds.
“I want to thank all players, performance staff, back office and management that I have had the pleasure to work alongside for the togetherness and belonging that I’ve felt from the point I arrived. To the supporters, you made Salford home, became my friends and welcomed me as one of your own, you gave me your heart and I gave you mine. Thank you for everything.” Paul Rowley after his exit was confirmed in October.
In numbers
1,129 points Salford conceded during the course of the season.
£1.2 million ‘sustainability cap’ imposed on the Red Devils, designed to help the club cut their cloth accordingly at the start of the season.
31 players who have left Salford by the end of November 2025.
Highlight
In a season of very few highlights, there is one that stands out.
After just one win in 19 games, the Red Devils went to play-off hunting Warrington Wolves in Round 24. No one gave them a chance, particularly as it was just two weeks after Salford had to forfeit their Super League fixture with Wakefield Trinity due to a lack of fit players.
However, Rowley, ever the motivator, guided the Red Devils to an immense 25-12 win in front of a vociferous away support.
Lowlight
The first round 82-0 loss to St Helens will always haunt the Red Devils, but the ongoing financial issues, compounded by a winding-up petition, the loss of an entire playing roster, the exit of head coach Paul Rowley and assistant Kurt Haggerty and relegation to the Championship, 2025 was one to remember for all the wrong reasons for the Red Devils.