In the second of our Ammies lookbacks, we see what happened to the Salford City team that won promotion to the EFL at the first time of asking.
Salford broke in to the fourth division at the first time of asking, this was after their promotion from the National League North as champions in the 2017/18 season.
Finishing third in the National League behind champions Leyton Orient and Solihull Moors, the Moor Lane club had to go through the play-offs to reach Wembley.
The Ammies entered at the semi-finals defeating Eastleigh in a tense penalty shootout, coming out 4-3 winners. It led to a triumphant day in North-West London, comfortably dispatching AFC Fylde 3-0.
Between the sticks that day was Chris Neal, who kept a clean sheet against the Lancashire side. The 38-year-old currently plays for the team he beat in the final, making nearly 100 appearances for the Coasters since his move in 2020.
Then manager Graham Alexander opted for a back five that day, with Gibraltarian Scott Wiseman on the right hand side. Following a solid first season with the Ammies in League Two, he left for his homeland and Lincoln Red Imps. The wing-back is currently without a club, but still making appearances for Los Llanis in international games.
The back three consisted of Captain and local lad Liam Hogan, who lifted the trophy following full time. Hogan left Moor Lane for local rivals Stockport in February 2020. He still applies his trade in Greater Manchester with Oldham Athletic. Alongside him was Montserrat international Nathan Pond, who is currently a coach with Fleetwood Town.
The final centre-back was Carl Piergianni, scorer of the second goal. Like Hogan, he left for Boundary Park, before moving to Stevenage. He was one of the standout players in the Hertfordshire club’s promotion bid last season from League Two, and has continued his fine form for Steve Evans’ side.
Ibou Touray was the final member of the defence, assiting Piergianni and netting the final goal in a man of the match performance. Ibby played over 300 games for the Ammies, departing the Peninsula Stadium this summer, joining Dave Challinor, who was the Fylde manager that day, at Stockport County.
Salford’s midfield consisted of St Kitts and Nevis national Lois Maynard, who now plays for Radcliffe Borough. Beside him was Gus Mafuta, who is at Solihull Moors, and Danny Whitehead, who is also at Fylde with keeper Chris Neal.
Devonte Redmond was in the attacking midfielder role, and now plays across the world in the United Arab Emirates for Gulf United. Leading the top line was Emmanuel Dieseruvwe, who scored the Ammies’ opener. He scored Salford’s first ever Football League goal, but left the club in 2021. He continued his successful career in the National League with Grimsby, FC Halifax Town and Hartlepool, where he currently plays.
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