Mason Caton-Brown Discusses His Team's Pursuit of Salford Amidst Rising Competition from Three Other Bidders

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Mason Caton-Brown acknowledges that his consortium's initiative to preserve the legacy of Salford is driven by both passion and sound business principles.

The former winger is at the forefront of a group that includes local Australian Malcolm Crompton and businessman Paul Hancock, aiming to take over the 152-year-old club following its closure on Wednesday.

As reported by SunSport, four parties, including those led by former chief executive Chris Irwin and Kiwi Tracy Atiga, were competing for control, amidst a backdrop of accusations and counter-accusations involving the first two contenders.

That number has now decreased to three after one overseas group withdrew, and SunSport understands there may be potential for the first two parties to collaborate, with the Red Devils name likely to be abandoned.

The final documentation is required by 5 PM Thursday, with the Rugby Football League expected to announce the new owners the following Wednesday.

The 32-year-old property developer, who has indicated that his version of Salford would operate part-time in the Championship, has been in discussions with prospective players and insists they will be prepared.

He stated, while confirming that former Red Devils assistant Krisnan Inu—who is closely associated with the unpopular former owners Isiosaia ‘Sire’ Kailahi and Curtiz Brown—is not part of his plans: “To be completely honest, I believe our group is approaching this not just with a business mindset, but with a lot of passion.

“Our primary goal is to ensure this club not only survives but stabilizes over the coming years.

“Of course, we have capable business minds involved, which will help ensure the club's survival.

“We won't be making a huge gamble in the first year; instead, we have a plan to ensure the club's sustainability.

“We have a strong group of Salford locals—including fans, supporters, and businesspeople—who are engaged, and we’ve been working on player recruitment.

“We’re in talks with staff, players, partners, sponsorships, and kit suppliers. Everything is nearly ready, and if our bid is successful, we’ll be prepared to move forward.”

Though Caton-Brown hails from the south, his connection with the club and its supporters became so profound after he joined Salford in 2014 that he chose to remain in the north after his departure.

He added: “All my businesses are based in Manchester, and Paul Hancock has been a significant support since I started.

“I truly believe in the saying, ‘Once a Red, always a Red.’ When I moved to Salford at 21, the club and the city welcomed me with open arms.

“This experience greatly influenced who I am today. The community and the fans are unparalleled; their dedication to the club is remarkable.

“Seeing the team struggle made me feel compelled to give back, to get involved, and to help find a solution.”

The new ownership will have less than a month to establish a functioning club, as the Championship season is set to commence on Friday, January 16.

It is believed that the Red Devils name may not transfer to a new entity since it now belongs to the Government-appointed liquidator after the previous entity, Salford City Reds (2013), was dissolved due to unpaid taxes.

Amidst the accusations, Caton-Brown's group quickly retracted a statement claiming an agreement had been reached to play at the Salford Community Stadium.

According to the former player, while an agreement was reached, it was not formalized, and claims regarding Irwin’s exit as chief executive were refuted.

When questioned by SunSport about Crompton's previous work with Kailahi and Brown, his group issued a clarification.

It stated: “Malcolm met with Mr. Kailahi and Mr. Brown several times in the UK while attempting to collaborate with supporters and other interested parties to best support the club.

“Malcolm assisted in organizing supporters meetings and provided guidance on funding options.

“However, determined to carve out a new path, he established The Phoenix Bid alongside key individuals with strong ties to the club.

“There is no financial or personal relationship with the aforementioned individuals.”