Salford Red Devils have appointed former club captain Ian Blease as their new CEO.
Blease made over 252 appearances for the club, making his final appearance in 1998.
“I would like to welcome former club captain Ian Blease to the Salford Red Devils as C.E.O,” said club owner Marwan Koukash.
“Ian has had a long and illustrious career in both Rugby League and Business management, not only is he a well-respected businessman, he is a born and raised Salfordian.
“Bringing him back to the club is a decision that I believe will be one met with positivity and enthusiasm. Starting from today we will actively be working to increase our profile and the brand of Salford Red Devils not only within the Salford community but across the North West region.
“Ian has the ambition and experience to not only create a new ethos and attitude that will capture a new audience, but also one that will build upon the foundations already in place at our club.
“There is no greater time to buy into our vision, we need the people of this city and beyond to support the club, season tickets are fantastic value for money.
“I would urge everyone to come on board and get your season tickets, this team is going places, and you won’t want to miss a minute in 2017.”
Blease commented: “Following on from our best season in over a decade, Marwan and I firmly believe we have the foundation in place to grow significantly both on and off the field.
“Salford Red Devils are the only premier sports club in this city, a city which has a population of over 218,000. Now is the time to make Salford Red Devils the club of the people.
“We will do everything within our power to reconnect with and bring back our lapsed supporters, whilst creating partnerships and relationships within the community to capture the next generation of Red Devils.
“Exciting times lay ahead for this club, I’m under no illusions that the task ahead will be demanding but together, alongside our loyal supporters, business partners and corporate sponsors, we can and will make this historic club stronger, bigger and better than before.”