SALFORD’S despised owners have a new obstacle to overcome – the ‘King of the North.’
For Andy Burnham is ready to help get Sire Kailahi and Curtiz Brown out of the Red Devils .
The Mayor of Greater Manchester met Rugby Football League chiefs to get an up-to-date appraisal of what is going on.
After hearing what was said, he has demanded a meeting with the pair, whose reign under the Jacobsen Management Group guise has seen shame heaped on the 152-year-old club – which may yet go bust on September 3.
And the message is likely to be similar to the one delivered by hundreds of protesting fans on Sunday – go.
While he has no formal powers to remove them, it is hoped the pressure of having him against them may bring a decision sooner rather than later.
Burnham and Paul Dennett, Mayor of Salford, said: “We have requested a meeting this Friday with Jacobsen Management Group to discuss our serious concerns over the future of the club.
“The impending HMRC court hearing, the failure to meet tax obligations, the delay in payment of wages and the lack of financial investment have resulted in a complete loss of confidence in the ownership among fans and the wider Salford and rugby community.
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“Salford Red Devils face an uncertain future.”
Brown met representatives of The 1873 group of furious fans that organised Sunday’s protest on Monday night – but it is thought that resulted in more questions than answers.
Again, bridging finance is said to have been promised by the end of August, before the September 3 date a winding up petition brought by HMRC is scheduled to be heard.
If it arrives, the debt of at least £626,000 will be paid off and the indications are a new head will be brought in to run the cub.
However, external confidence of that happening is waning, with administration – meaning certain relegation to the Championship – looking like the best possible option.
And it is believed discussions have already been held about setting up a phoenix club if liquidation – an increasingly likely prospect – occurs.
Salford will, at least, play Leigh on Friday after forfeiting Sunday’s cash with Wakefield because of a lack of players.
And Rugby League Commercial managing director Rhodri Jones said about whether they will see out the season: “It’s a week-to-week thing but I’m confident they and everyone else will work to get them through the next five games.”
