Salford City, a football club in the English Football League, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, and a major development has taken place in the club’s ownership structure. Gary Neville, the former England full-back and co-owner of the club, has bought out fellow co-owner Peter Lim’s stake in the club. This move is expected to “pave the way for a new strategic partner” for Salford City, as announced by the club in a recent statement.
The History of Salford City’s Ownership
Salford City was taken over by the Class of 92, a group of former Manchester United players including Gary Neville, his brother Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and David Beckham, in 2014. Singapore-based billionaire Peter Lim joined the group as a co-owner, holding a 50% stake in the club. During Lim’s tenure, Salford City experienced rapid growth, climbing from the eighth tier of English football to the English Football League in 2019. The club won four promotions in five seasons and secured its first major trophy, the EFL Trophy, in 2021.
Despite this success, Salford City has struggled to maintain momentum in recent years. The club reached the League Two play-offs in 2023 but was defeated by Stockport County in the semi-finals. Last season, the club finished a disappointing 20th, leading to the mid-season replacement of manager Neil Wood with Karl Robinson. These challenges have prompted the Class of 92 to explore options for additional strategic partners to support the club’s future growth.
Gary Neville’s New Role in Salford City
Gary Neville’s decision to buy out Peter Lim’s stake in Salford City marks a significant shift in the club’s ownership structure. Neville’s move is expected to provide an opportunity for new investment and strategic partners to join the club. As Neville takes on a more prominent role in the club’s ownership, he will be responsible for guiding the club’s future direction and achieving success on the field.
In a joint statement, the Class of 92 expressed their gratitude to Peter Lim for his support and contribution to the club during his tenure. “We cannot thank Peter enough for his support, friendship, belief, and loyalty to us for over 10 years, not only in Salford City but in other projects that we have worked on together,” the statement read.
The Future of Salford City
With Gary Neville at the helm, Salford City is poised for a new chapter in its history. The club is committed to building on the legacy established during Peter Lim’s tenure and exploring opportunities for growth and success. As the club looks to strengthen its playing squad and achieve future success on the field, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season.
The club’s CEO, Nicky Butt, has reaffirmed the Class of 92’s commitment to Salford City, stating, “We are as excited as ever about the new football season and remain focused on strengthening our playing squad and achieving future success on the field alongside the continued development of the football club.”
The Impact of Ownership Changes on Salford City
The change in ownership structure at Salford City is expected to have a significant impact on the club’s future. With Gary Neville taking on a more prominent role, the club may attract new investment and strategic partners. This, in turn, could lead to improvements in the club’s facilities, playing squad, and overall competitiveness.
However, the club’s recent struggles on the field may also pose challenges for the new ownership structure. The club’s disappointing finish last season and the mid-season replacement of the manager have raised concerns about the team’s competitiveness and stability.
What’s Next for Salford City?
As the new season approaches, Salford City fans are eager to see how the club will perform under the new ownership structure. With Gary Neville at the helm, the club is poised for a fresh start and a renewed commitment to success. The coming months will be crucial in determining the club’s future direction and prospects for growth and success.
As the club embarks on this new chapter, fans will be watching closely to see how the team performs on the field and how the new ownership structure shapes the club’s future. With a rich history and a committed fan base, Salford City is ready to take on the challenges of the new season and achieve success in the English Football League.