Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley has confirmed that he’s “optimistic” about the future and revealed details on talks with the club’s owners
Rowley’s side fell to another large defeat at the weekend when Wakefield Trinity beat them 72-10, the club’s 11th loss in Super League this season and one that confirms their position at the foot of the table.
The ongoing financial saga off-field hasn’t helped the situation on the field and recent developments have seen it take yet more turns for the worse. Included among those was the fact that Salford City Council pulled out of any deal with the club’s owners to buy the stadium, whilst it was also reported that HMRC had filed a winding-up petition.
With payday tomorrow (Thursday, 29th May), the Salford Red Devils boss was asked what his understanding of the club’s situation was and where they were at finding a solution.
To that, Rowley gave one of the most detailed and optimistic updates about the club and their new owners to date.
Everything Paul Rowley said on the current Salford Red Devils’ situation
Speaking to the media ahead of Friday’s game against Wigan Warriors, here’s everything that Rowley said on the club’s current status.
Obviously it’s been a complex situation right from the off and it all surrounded the stadium so I think losing the stadium and that deal being shut down has been detrimental.
“It’s probably wasted a lot of time for everybody and it’s created a situation that’s left us vulnerable. It was bad news to hear that the council pulled away from that deal. That was really bad news for everybody.
It rocked the club inside, definitely.I know it rocked myself. It rocked the players on the eve of a game as well. I think that probably left a really big scar amongst everybody.”
Ownership’s response to the collapse of the stadium deal
“What I will say is since that moment, the guys came in and spoke to the players and reaffirmed their commitment to them and to us as a club, separate from the stadium, which is really important to us.
“I think that’s galvanised and given a lot of hope and optimism to the group. As we stand as a group now, we’re really optimistic that we’ve got a positive future to look forward to.
“There’s some hurdles to cross no doubt and to jump but we’re positive, comfortable and very much believing in the fact that we’ve got some owners who are rocking up and finding a way to acquire the club and put the club on an even keel and then start to move it forward.
“There’s a lot to get through before that point but like I said before I think the diminishing stadium deal has certainly wasted a lot of time and probably prolonged a situation that provided nothing but uncertainty and now that the picture is clearer, I think it’s enabled everybody to move forward.
Hearing that the guys are still keen to solidify the ownership and put it on an even keel is fantastic. Everybody believes and supports that notion obviously, we want a strong Salford Devils and we’re keen to get rid of this noise and move forward.”
Why he’s hopeful for the future
“Because there’s existing people at the club from previous, Paul King and the back office and then there’s the new people, Sire and Curtiz. When they’ve addressed the players and they’ve given context to certain situations, I think the context of that gives you a better understanding and a clearer picture.
“I think there’s a good understanding and empathy for the situation and then there’s a good trust that they’re working tirelessly to get to the start line really,
“The start line for me will be money in, clearing debts and recruiting new players so that’s the day I look forward to and I absolutely believe that we’ll get there.”
