Fan Reaction: Gary Neville steps down as Salford City CEO

Fans have shared mixed reactions to news that Gary Neville would be stepping down from his role as Salford City CEO.

The news was announced by the club last night via Twitter, with Neville’s former Manchester United teammate, Nicky Butt, replacing him.

It is understood that Gary Neville is not leaving the club altogether, and will remain on the Board of Directors

Butt was part of the group of former Manchester United players known as the ‘class of 92’ who purchased Salford City in 2014.

After the announcement Nicky Butt said: “I am delighted and welcome this opportunity, this pressure, this responsibility.

“The club, staff, team and fans are everything and what makes this club special.”

Fan reaction to the announcement has been mixed, with some fans welcoming the change in power, whilst others did not.

Jonny Crowther said on Twitter: “Good luck Nicky big role to take on from (Gary Neville). Time to be radical. Development squad needs fully reassessing, what’s left that is, as does 1st team recruitment and ground plans. Apart from excellent signings of Hendry and Galbraith on loan from Man Utd, recruitment poor.”

Good luck Nicky big role to take on from @GNev2 time to be radical @SalfordCityFC development squad needs fully reassessing what’s left that is as does 1st team recruitment & ground plans apart from excellent signings of Hendry and Galbraith on loan from @ManUtd recruitment poor

— Jonny Crowther (@JonnyCrowther) October 31, 2022

Salford currently sit 8th in League Two, just outside the play-off places. However, the consensus among some of the fanbase is that they should have achieved more by now after the investment in recent years.

They were promoted to League Two from the National League in 2019 but have failed to gain promotion to League One in the last three seasons, with fans hoping this change in CEO will boost their chances of promotion this season.

Matteo Izioli reacted on Twitter, stating: “A lot of fans have been calling for Gary Neville to go I believe. Completely out of his depth. I think Butt may do better.”

A lot of fans have been calling for @GNev2 to go I believe. Completely out of his depth. I think Butt may do better.

— Matteo Izioli (@izioli) October 31, 2022

.