Salford reveal duo to coach new reserves

SALFORD’S re-launched reserve side will be coached by the club’s development academy head coach Danny Barton.

Barton - a graduate of the Red Devils youth ranks - will be assisted by team manager John Blackburn, who was instrumental in the formation of the club’s academy when it first launched in 1996.

“We’re really pleased to have Danny and John on board with our reserves setup,” said director of rugby and operations Ian Blease.

“Their detailed understanding of our current structures, history and the local community makes them perfectly qualified to identify talent and channel it through to the elite level.

“Both myself and coach Ian Watson are passionate about the development of players from this area and are keen for the club’s reserves setup to experience continued and sustainable growth, producing an efficient production line of talent in years to come.

“The appointments will help us pool our existing resources, to ensure a clear pathway is created, presenting local players with a route to aspire towards once again.”

Niall Evalds, Ryan Lannon and Josh Johnson all progressed through the Salford youth setup to become stars of the first team, but the club has not operated a reserve grade for several years. However, it has been made compulsory for Super League sides to have one from next season

“The formation of the reserves setup completes the pathway for kids to fulfil their dream of making it to the first team,” said Barton.

“It also provides an environment for first team players themselves, to make their return from injury or maintain match fitness, so It works for everyone involved.

“The kids in the academy have been excited about the prospect of the reserves, ever since they heard it was going to happen.

“There’s a couple of kids there who could’ve played this year and there’s a couple more who might come on in the next few months, so the opportunity’s there, as long as they’re working hard and fitting in with the ethos of the club. It’s really important we get out there in the local community and tighten those links up too.

“We want to have Salford lads playing in Super League for the club and if they’ve got the ability, the coaching staff will give them the chance.”