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19 minutes ago
Chief executive Chris Irwin insists cash-strapped Salford Red Devils will not enter administration and that “good times will come”, but says the club must rebuild trust in the rugby league world.
The beleaguered side, who are bottom of the Super League table after four defeats in four, were placed back under sustainability cap restrictions last week amid continued financial uncertainty following a proposed takeover.
Delays in funds being transferred by the investment group headed by Swiss banker Dario Berta led to February’s wages for players and staff being held up.
“It’s been a really tough four weeks but we are still fighting and are confident we will come out of this well,” Irwin told BBC Radio Manchester.
“In terms of the large funds that we are hoping will come over and really elevate the club and take the club on, we will be waiting for those funds a bit longer than we had hoped for.
“However, through March we will be fine. And come April we hope we can really kick on – on the pitch and off the pitch too.”
Salford ‘have been a burden’
A shortfall in money coming from overseas meant Salford asked for financial assistance from the Rugby Football League in the short term.
Irwin said the funding was there but could only be transferred in chunks and that the RFL “needs to see liquidity in our account” before the club will have the sustainability cap lifted.
The uncertainty has already seen key player Marc Sneyd leave and caused “massive issues”.
“The turbulence with funds not landing have made players and staff worry and start to question things,” Irwin added. “It was a huge blow to lose Sneydy.
“We need to build trust again not just with our players, fanbase and commercial partners, but the Super League clubs as well.
“We need to back ourselves up. For too long we’ve been a burden on Super League.
“I apologise on behalf of the ownership group. But stick with us as we will come through it. Good times will come.”
