Stadium discussions ongoing for Salford
SALFORD Red Devils admit they are yet to do any ‘due diligence’ on a possible move to Salford City’s home on Moor Lane.
Discussions are ongoing over the future of their current base - the AJ Bell Stadium - where they are co-tennants with Sale Sharks.
Sharks and Salford City are working on a plan to buy the ground from owners COSCOS (Salford City Council and Peel Holdings), which would leave the Red Devils looking for a new home.
The proposal is the rugby league side to move into City’s Peninsula Stadium, and a council statement on Friday said: “Discussions are at an advanced stage and ongoing between all four parties in matters relating to the AJ Bell Stadium and Peninsula Stadium at Moor Lane.
“It is important to note that the expectation is we will secure a future for all three clubs in the city. We are proud to have them based in the city and we also need to consider the future of all sporting clubs in Salford.”
Red Devils supporters are concerned they may be left without a permanent home, or without a home suitable for top-flight rugby league - although all parties involved are determined for that not to happen. However, the club are holding a fans meeting next month to answer questions.
“We are currently actively engaged in positive discussions with all parties in the reported ‘stadium swap’ agreement, and we continue to strive towards the best possible outcome for Salford Red Devils. Other parties in these discussions are COSCOS (Salford City Council and Peel Holdings), Sale Sharks and Salford City Football Club,” read a Red Devils statement on Saturday night.
“We are open minded to facilitate all aspects of the ongoing dialogue as long as the best interests of the club are also considered throughout the process.
“As we understand it, there is still no finalised agreement for the purchase of the AJ Bell Stadium. Regarding our reported move to the Peninsula Stadium at Moor Lane, whilst we understand positive progress has been made between Salford City Football Club and Salford City Council, we are still yet to undertake any due diligence on the stadium.
“The conversations continue to develop at pace, however the club recognises the need to conduct a considered evaluation of any alternative options to our tenancy at the AJ Bell Stadium, which is still contracted until the end of 2023.
“We will be hosting a fans forum on Thursday 4th November to provide a further update on circumstances as they currently stand and anticipate that there may be further updates to provide by this date. Full details of the fans forum will be released in the coming week and we look forward to seeing as many fans in attendance as possible regarding what is an important process and topic in the club’s history.”