DEVIL OF A FIGHT
Chief faces fan fears SAM TO SIEGE THE DAY
SALFORD chief Andrew Rosler says he understands fans’ fears for the future of the club.
But the leader of the club’s new consortium of supporters, who completed their takeover in January, insists he can steady the ship given time.
The Red Devils, who have lost four of their opening five games, stunned fans on Monday by selling Gareth O’Brien to Toronto.
Another of their stars, Ben Murdoch-Masila, was sold to Warrington for £175,000 last October.
And the club’s relatively small squad was dealt another major blow in pre-season with a long-term injury to winger Manu Vatuvei.
The club say they are trying to sign replacements but fans are predicting a relegation battle.
Rosler, who has been a season ticket holder for 30 years and is working as a director for free, said: “I understand it. As a fan, my mood in the week depends on whether we have won and how we performed.
“There is huge uncertainty in the game and at the club, with people wondering what the new ownership means.
“On top of that, we haven’t come out of the blocks firing on all cylinders, we’ve had a major injury and now an iconic player has left.
“So it doesn’t surprise me that the fans are asking questions, but if we strengthen the squad and get a couple of wins, it will look far rosier.”
New managing director Ian Laithwaite said the club tried to block Toronto’s bid but O’Brien wanted to go.
He said: “We turned down the offer and we’ve turned down a number of offers for players because we do not have to sell.
“I have addressed all the players. There was a bit of concern when rumours were going around about Gaz leaving but I have explained the situation to them.
“Finances are tight and I am doing a bit of juggling but we will be fine.”