MAYOR’S RUGBY WARNING
Salford’s mayor has warned any move to change the city’s rugby league club name to incorporate ‘Manchester’ would be a ‘mistake’. Paul Dennett spoke out after rumours began that Salford Red Devils bosses are considering a new name – and possibly moving home. Supporters said a name change would be ‘throwing away almost 140 years of history’.
SALFORD’S mayor has warned any move to change the city’s rugby league club name to incorporate ‘Manchester’ would be a ‘mistake.’
Paul Dennett spoke out after rumours began that Salford Red Devils bosses are considering a name change - and possibly moving home. Supporters said a name change would be ‘throwing away almost 140 years of history.’
Speculation of a rebrand and a possible move from the AJ Bell Stadium surfaced after club owner, Dr Marwan Koukash, announced a huge consultation process with fans and stakeholders.
Rugby league legend and former Salford player Robbie Hunter-Paul has been drafted in to manage the project, branded the biggest piece of research in the club’s history.
Salford are flying high in the Betfred Super League. But despite the club’s title-challenging form, it is understood there is concern about poor matchday crowds. The stadium in Barton, shared with Sale Sharks, is also widely derided for its location and poor access.
Announcing the survey, the club said it had ‘great ambition for the future’ and said the passion of fans ‘reflects the ambition of Salford Red Devils to realise our potential as a club.’ A name change or move isn’t referenced, but rumours are rife.
Supporters unfurled a flag reading ‘Salford RLFC since 1879. Manchester Never. Salford Forever’ during the recent victory over Wigan Warriors at the DW Stadium.
Fans are now being asked to fill in an online questionnaire as part of the consultation. They are asked how they refer to the club - ‘eg Salford, Red Devils etc’ - with another question asking how fans think the club could improve its image.
One worried Salford fan pointed to the demise of rugby league club Belle Vue Rangers, which changed its name from Broughton Rangers.
They said: “Professional rugby league has been played in Salford since 1879. It’s been a roller-coaster ride but you can’t throw away almost 140 years of history.”
City mayor Paul Dennett praised Salford’s ‘proud heritage and strong local identity,’ adding: “Changing the team’s name to Manchester would be a mistake. A name change could be damaging to the team’s fanbase and the club’s identity.”
The club stressed no decisions had been made.