SALFORD stalwart John Wilkinson will be recognised at a special dinner at the CorpAcq Stadium later this month.
The 81-year-old entrepreneur is president of the current club, having been chairman of the previous version for 31 years, from 1982 to 2013.
He remains the longest-serving chairman in English Rugby League history.
In 2001, he was awarded an OBE for services to the city of Salford, and in 2010, the University of Salford awarded him an honorary Doctor of Letters degree to mark his contribution to business, enterprise and the city.
The club’s president’s black-tie dinner will take place on Saturday, November 21.
Current Salford chairman Malcolm Crompton, who helped relaunch the club after the December liquidation of the old, said; “John has given an extraordinary amount to Salford Rugby League and to the city itself.
“I’ve known him for more than 25 years and have seen first-hand the care and commitment he has always shown towards the club and the people around it.
“John has always been someone who valued people first. Whether it was supporters, players, staff or sponsors, he always made time for everyone, and that is a huge part of why he is held in such high regard.
“Presenting him with an honorary cap earlier this season was a privilege. This dinner is our chance to bring people together and give John the night he deserves.”
The black-tie evening will begin at 7.00pm and include live entertainment and a fundraising auction, with proceeds supporting the club during the close-season.
Individual places cost £85, with tables of ten also available. Full details are on the club website.
