DAVID LENDS IT LIKE BECKHAM AT SALFORD
DAVID BECKHAM has made a shock return to English football – joining his ‘Class of 92’ team-mates at Salford City.
Beckham, right, has agreed to become a 10 per cent stake holder in the team that is third in the National League. But
thrilled Salford fans should not expect to see him there on a regular basis.
He will attend a game in the coming weeks but will spend little time at the club or have much direct input into the running of the team.
He will join former United team-mates Gary and Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt in owning part of the ambitious club. Between them they will own a 60 per cent stake, although Singapore businessman and financial backer Peter Lim will remain the single largest shareholder. Beckham, who is also the mastermind behind a new
MLS franchise being launched in Miami in 2020, said: “It’s a proud moment to join Peter and the Class of 92 lads as an owner of Salford City FC.
“It’s a really special club and a special group of people. My early years in Manchester were all spent in Salford. I grew up there in many ways so to be able to finally join the lads and
the club today is a great feeling. Salford City have achieved so much success in a short space of time, the fans are incredible and I’m really excited to be spending more time in Salford again.”
Beckham’s decision to secure a 10 per cent stake is subject to FA approval and he will have to pass a ‘fit and proper persons test’. But that will be a
formality and a statement from the Class of 92 said: “From the very beginning we wanted David to be with us on this incredible journey.
“Circumstances and commitments didn’t allow that. Now the time is right and it’s another exciting time in Salford’s history.
“It’s important to emphasise that nothing will change in the day-to-day
operations of the club, but to have us all together was always the vision.
“We grew up in Salford, carved our careers here and that’s why we are doing what we are doing here.
“We have grown to love this club and the fans, and we would like to welcome David to the club and to becoming part of the Salford City family.”