The head of Salford Red Devils Supporters Association says the club is on an “upward spiral” despite the play-off eliminator loss to Leigh on Friday.
Chair Shirley Bradshaw, 75, says they defied the odds by securing the playoffs with a fourth place finish and have a brighter future ahead.
The push up the league was a major change for the Red Devils, who were fearing being without a home last year, as they were forced to sell key players Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers to Leeds to keep the club financially stable.
At the start of the season they were predicted to be in the lower end of the Super league table.
However, despite the defeat on Friday night, the club have enjoyed a complete change of fortune.
The Salford Red Devils were able to impress their spectators, as well being able to secure a future at the Salford Community Stadium, following the purchase of the ground by Salford City Council.
The council has confirmed the decision to wholly acquire Salford Community Stadium. The decision was confirmed at the council’s Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 24 September.
Read more here: https://t.co/Q1Lc0aHqMU pic.twitter.com/rTZdgwR3RT— Salford City Council (@SalfordCouncil) September 27, 2024
The club has seen major changes over the last nine months, as Shirley said: “In 2010 we were promised a lot in regards to the stadium and it did not really happen but now with the council in full control hopefully a lot of that will now happen.”
The turn in fortune can also be put down to the help of coach Paul Rowley, who was able to remain at the club after he was courted by Leeds and Hull FC during the season, as she said: “He is very much part of the feel good factor at the club with the style of play.”
Rowley has become one of the most sought after coaches in the English game, after his entertaining style of rugby and outstanding man-management has taken Salford to two top six finishes in the last three seasons.
The Salford Head Coach only just missed out on the playoffs in 2023, with his side finishing 7th.
Fans at the club also hope that this years success on and off the field will bring more interest from sponsorships to help bring in more money to the club.
With the hope of additional funds being able to help with improving the playing squad, and provide the opportunity to develop the youth academy to bring more local young players into the the team.
Shirley also now has a place on the clubs board, as sharing the importance of the role, she said: “I feel like I am a bit of a fans representative, I just want to make sure the fans do not get shortchanged.”
Its clear optimism remains high at the club despite this weeks result, as fans will hope that further recruitment for the squad can set them up nicely for another positive season in 2025.
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