David Beckham and Gary Neville acquire Salford City
Salford City has been taken over by a new ownership group fronted by former England internationals David Beckham and Gary Neville, who had previously invested in the club, the League Two team announced on Thursday.
The ownership group also consists of U.S.-based entrepreneur Declan Kelly and Mervyn Davies, the chair of Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association. Salford stated that the acquisition comes with a promise to invest in the club, its team, and facilities.
Beckham and Neville had previously invested in the club alongside fellow former Manchester United players Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Philip Neville. The other members of the so-called ‘Class of ’92’ are no longer shareholders but will maintain roles within the club.
Gary Neville and Beckham in highlight
“I have a deep passion for Salford City. This partnership is unique, featuring a wide range of minds and expertise brought together by a shared love of football,” Gary Neville remarked in a statement. “Football will always be our priority, but we must guide the club toward sustainability in the next 4-5 years. I look forward to the next stage of this journey. “
Beckham, who was raised in Salford and is also a co-owner of Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, said: “Salford City is central to its community. It has a rich history, and I am thrilled to participate in the next chapter. “
Salford was taken over by members of the ‘Class of ’92’ in 2014, along with Peter Lim, who is no longer a shareholder following Gary Neville’s acquisition of his share last year. Since the takeover, the club has achieved four promotions in five years. They finished eighth in League Two this season, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot. The club has nine shareholders, which also include Dream Sports Group, Colin Ryan, Frank Ryan, Nick Woodhouse, and Shravin Mittal.
The acquisition of Salford by Beckham and Neville is the latest in a series of prominent celebrities becoming investors in English clubs further down the leagues. Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney recently acquired Wrexham, which has achieved consecutive promotions and has now reached the Championship. NFL legend Tom Brady is a co-owner of Birmingham City, which is on a similar trajectory. Beckham expressed admiration for these owners and initiatives, indicating that replicating this model is an objective for them at Salford.
The Athletic reported that approximately $15-20 million is believed to have been raised to enhance Salford’s ‘sporting and infrastructural ambitions’ over the next five years. Within that period, it is understood they aim to achieve two promotions to the Championship.
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