Former CEO Leads Consortium Bid to Relaunch Liquidated Salford Red Devils

Former Salford Red Devils chief executive Chris Irwin has revealed he is working with a consortium to rebuild the club after its liquidation on Wednesday.

Salford were officially wound up in the High Court, ending 152 years of history over unresolved debts. But Irwin, who stepped down as CEO in May after just three months in the role, insists the club’s identity and community roots can still be saved.

“The club, its fans, its community will never die,” Irwin said in a statement. He confirmed that he and a consortium — whose members will be named in due course — have been developing a “realistic and sustainable” business plan aimed at relaunching the Red Devils.

Irwin said early talks have already taken place with a prospective head coach, backroom staff and potential players, as well as supporters’ group The 1873 and other stakeholders committed to preserving professional rugby league in Salford.

“We can’t release further details yet, but we hope for a quick resolution so the club can successfully compete in the 2026 Championship,” he added.

Despite the club’s collapse and relegation from Super League after the 2025 season, the Championship fixture list released this week still shows Salford scheduled to begin their new campaign at home to Oldham on Friday, 16 January — a slot that would now depend on the success and speed of any rebirth effort.