A CONSORTIUM fronted by Mason Caton-Brown has been granted RFL membership for a new Salford club.
Caton-Brown played for the old Red Devils, who were wound up over unpaid debts earlier this month after severe financial issues.
He is one of three directors of Salford RLFC Ltd, alongside Malcolm Crompton, former chairman of the Forever Reds Supporters Trust, and businessman Paul Hancock.
That company now has less than four weeks to build a club, and team, ready to begin the Championship season at Oldham on Friday, January 16.
Caton-Brown, who made 32 appearances for Salford between 2014 and 2016, said: “This is for the fans. They are the heartbeat of this club.
“Today’s announcement is the result of countless hours of hard work, honesty, and unity.
“We’re incredibly proud to bring rugby league back home to Salford. But now the hard work really begins.”
The RFL is confident that the group will be able to deliver a sustainable club.
“The approval follows a thorough assessment process in which the RFL received three high-quality and extremely well-considered proposals, all focused on ensuring the preservation, continuity and future growth of professional rugby league in the city of Salford,” said the governing body.
“The successful submission from Salford RLFC Ltd demonstrated a clear commitment to sustainable governance, financial responsibility and long-term stability, aligned with the RFL’s strategic objectives for the professional game.”
Local technology entrepreneur Ashley Washington also supported the Phoenix Bid consortium while Cas Paton, the founder of online marketplace OnBuy.com, is a strategic partner.
The other bids came from a group headed by Chris Irwin, the former Red Devils chief executive, and one believed to be led by Tracy Atiga.
The RFL have expressed hope that those parties can work together to strengthen the new club, and praised Paul Dennett and Andy Burnham, mayors of Salford and Greater Manchester respectively, for their support in the process.
Interim RFL chief executive Abi Ekoku said: “The quality of proposals we received reflects the strength of commitment to rugby league in Salford.
“Our decision, which could not have been made without the clarity and support of Salford City Council and its stadium management team (CosCos), has been taken with the long-term interests of the club, the local community at its heart and the sport of rugby league as a whole.
“We are confident this outcome provides a strong platform for club stability and growth moving forward.”
They are believed to have an agreement for the new Salford club to play at the CorpAcq (Salford Community) Stadium, while Caton-Brown has said a head coach and numerous players have already been lined up with the aim of a squad being ready for their Championship opener.
“The next month will be crucial,” added Caton-Brown, whose group thanked Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont for his guidance to the Phoenix Bid.
“We’re asking supporters to stand together with us, to get behind the rebuild, to volunteer, to spread the word, and to help us make sure Salford rises again stronger than ever.”