SALFORD RED DEVILS’ owners have claimed that “new funding has been formally secured” to save the stricken club.
A statement was released just hours after a winding-up petition filed by HMRC was adjourned for a further two weeks.
Salford have not specified the nature of the funding, which is “expected to be received within the next 12 days”, but they have been promising supporters a bridging loan was imminent for months.
It is believed the club owe HMRC in the region of £700,000, while total debts are said to now be in the region of £5 million.
The club said the funds would allow them to settle “all outstanding debts with our local creditors”, clear the tax debt and ensure the withdrawal of the winding-up petition.
The statement came shortly after the mayors of Salford and Greater Manchester criticised the decision for a further adjournment, until November 12 – a third, after previous deferrals in June and September.
City mayor Paul Dennett and metro mayor Andy Burnham said: “We are disappointed by today’s decision to again adjourn proceedings in the HMRC case.
“This is the third delay to this case this year, and the ongoing uncertainty has been deeply unsettling for supporters, players, and staff who care passionately about the future of this historic club.
“We recognise how difficult this continued situation is, and we firmly believe that a decision should have been made today to support the best interests of securing the financial future of Salford Red Devils.
“It is increasingly difficult to see how repeated delays serve the best interests of Salford Red Devils or the wider rugby league community.
“We will remain in close contact with the Rugby Football League and other partners to ensure that the club’proud 152-year history is secured.”
Salford’s owners welcomed the decision, however, saying: “While winding up may have presented a simpler financial solution, it would have come at a significant cost to the local businesses, many of which are owned and operated by our loyal supporters, who have stood by us through challenging times.
“We have chosen the more difficult path to protect these vital pillars of our community, ensuring they can continue to trade and thrive alongside us.”
The ownership, a consortium fronted by businessman Dario Berta but with the chief influence of Sire Kailahi and Curtiz Brown, claim they inherited more than £3m of debt when they took over in February.
But their promise to wipe that debt has not materialised, with their tenure marked by player and staff departures, vociferous fan protests and relegation to the Championship.