Salford City has just been taken over by a new ownership group led by football legends David Beckham and Gary Neville. The takeover was officially announced on Thursday, with both stars already being previous investors in the League Two club.
The fresh consortium doesn't stop with the former England internationals. American businessman Declan Kelly and Mervyn Davies, who chairs Britain's Lawn Tennis Association, have also joined the ownership team. This new group has promised significant investment in the club, team, and facilities.
Beckham and Neville were part of the famous 'Class of '92' who initially invested in Salford back in 2014. Their former Manchester United teammates Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Philip Neville were also part of that original investment group.
While the other 'Class of '92' members are no longer shareholders, they'll still maintain roles at the club. This ensures their football expertise remains part of Salford's journey forward.
Neville's Vision for Salford's Future
Gary Neville spoke passionately about the takeover: "I am passionate about Salford City. This is a unique partnership with a diverse range of minds and expertise, held together by a love of football."
He also highlighted a clear plan for the club's future. "Football will come first, however it's critical that we drive the club towards sustainability in the next 4-5 years. I can't wait for the next part of this journey."
Beckham, who grew up in Salford and co-owns MLS side Inter Miami, added his own emotional connection to the takeover. "Salford City is at the heart of its community... it has a rich history and I am delighted to be a part of the next chapter."
Remarkable Growth Under 'Class of '92' Leadership
The club's trajectory since the original 'Class of '92' takeover has been nothing short of remarkable. Salford has achieved four promotions in just five years, transforming from a semi-professional outfit to an established Football League club.
This season, they finished eighth in League Two, narrowly missing out on the playoffs. With this new investment and leadership group, Salford's promotion chances next season look significantly improved.
The ownership structure now includes nine shareholders in total. In addition to Beckham and Neville, Dream Sports Group, Colin Ryan, Frank Ryan, Nick Woodhouse, and Shravin Mittal are all part of the consortium.
For betting enthusiasts, this takeover signals Salford could be a strong contender for promotion next season. Their near-miss this year, combined with promised new investment, makes them an interesting prospect for League Two promotion markets.
Peter Lim, who was part of the original takeover group, is no longer involved with the club. Gary Neville acquired Lim's stake last year, showing his long-term commitment to Salford's development.
With football legends at the helm and fresh investment coming in, Salford City's journey from non-league obscurity to potential League One football continues. The combination of football expertise and business acumen in this new ownership group creates an exciting foundation for the club's ambitions.
