The situation at Salford Red Devils has once again gone from bad to even worse as the local rugby team has been deducted two points by the Super League due to breaking ‘operational rules’.
In short, following a full inquiry by the Rugby Football League (RFL), Salford Red Devils round one match against St Helens back in February was found to have breached multiple regulations – namely, fielding a weakened side.
Amid their ongoing ownership saga and financial crisis, this latest sanction sees Salford‘s total points tally drop from six to just four, and although it does not affect their final finishing place in the table (12th), it does also come with a hit to their IMG grading.
You can see the Betfred Super League statement in full down below.
An agreed decision on Salford Red Devils Round One fixture against St Helens. pic.twitter.com/6Y1FCcVUkZ
As mentioned, their IMG grading – which takes into account on-field performance, finances, stadium facilities, community value and supportership in giving clubs an overall score – has also been reduced by 0.25, which, although not catastrophic, adds yet more pressure on the administration.
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IMG ranking replaced relegation and promotion at the start of the year, giving each team the chance of earning up to the maximum of 20 points, with the 12 highest-scoring clubs secured for the top tier.
The Red Devils were awarded 13.97 in October last year, which was enough to seal their admittedly already likely place in the Super League, but as problems continue to pile up around the Salford Community Stadium.
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The 1873 supporter group rallied once again for another protest before the previous home game against Wakefield Trinity last week, going on to lose 52-16; meanwhile, with their already twice adjourned HMRC winding-up petition deadline now fast approaching, the period leading up to 29 October is crucial.
Acknowledging their serious test of resolve over the past 12 months or so, the club shared a post on social media on Monday night, writing: From all our players and staff to our amazing fans and the wider rugby league community, thank you!
“In a season of heartbreak, you gave us courage. Your support has meant everything.”
With players and coaches leaving, wages being left unpaid, other sides from within the division having to loan members of the squad just to keep the lights on, it’s been a year to forget and then some.
Only time will tell whether they secure the necessary funds to keep going at the top level and/or survive, full stop, but it does feel like the fans have been left praying for a miracle.
Responding in the comments below, a rival fan said: “As a Wigan supporter, Salford has been fantastic this season [even in] the worst season in the club’s history. Get them owners out [of] your club, cut the dead wood […] Never stop fighting, all the very best next season…”
Greater Manchester Mayors Andy Burnham and Paul Dennett met with RFL to explore options that would not only ensure the “long-term future of the club” but also “implement a city-wide rugby strategy” across the region.
Put simply, all hope is not yet lost, and the fans are keeping the spirit of Salford alive.
Greater Manchester’s ‘Stroll for Salford’ walking event returns for its second year in 2026
Danny Jones
Following its successful debut last year, Greater Manchester’s now much-loved Stroll for Salford (SfS) event is back for 2026 this autumn.
We’d like to think everyone from around here is filled with hometown pride, but you ask anyone from Salford, and they’ll quickly remind you that this place is its own city, and that it quite rightly deserves celebrating all of its own.
And that’s exactly what the SfS is all about: not just toasting it as the region’s so-called ‘second city’, but as the culturally abundant place that it is and has been for more than 100 years.
Yes, with this sophomore edition following on from the borough celebrating its official Centenary, what better time to hail all things Salfordian.
Stroll for Salford is back🚶🧡
We are delighted to announce the return of the popular fundraising walk back for its second edition on Saturday 19th September as part of Salford's Centenary Year celebrations!
— Salford City FC Foundation (@SalfordCity_FDN) July 30, 2026
Set up by Salford City FC and the partnered charity arm, Foundation 92, the inaugural walk raised more than £3,000 for charity with its maiden event.
Thousands got behind the cause, be it through volunteering and/or donating, as well as talking on the walking route itself back in October.
It’s actually happening a little earlier this time, with the second Stroll for Salford scheduled for Saturday, 19 September.
Kicking off from 10am, those taking part will be setting out on foot for a six-mile journey across the city, starting at the likes of the Civic Centre in Swinton, before passing through other key towns and finishing, of course, at Salford’s AIG Stadium on Moor Lane in Kersal.
The local League Two side continues to do plenty of important work in and around the community – this is just one of many recent, well-received initiatives.
As mentioned earlier, those getting involved will not only receive a special Salford t-shirt following the event alongside a finisher’s medal, but even a complimentary ticket to go and see ‘The Ammies’ in action at their home ground this season.
Not a bad deal at all.
For anyone uninitiated interested in coming along the journey, the route will also pass several key landmarks and a real sense of local history – all while doing your bit for a good cause.
You can help raise important funds for the local area and sign up for the Stroll for Salford 2026 HERE.
Elsewhere in Greater Manchester, another wholesome all-ages event is fast-approaching this August, too; keep on reading to find out all about it…
Manchester City are offering North West kids the chance to win a team training session
Danny Jones
Manchester City are offering kids across the North West a chance to win a free team training session as part of their latest grassroots competition.
Teaming up with their official sleep partners and well-known British mattress brand, Silentnight, Man City are once again giving children throughout the region the opportunity to train at the Etihad Campus itself.
Better still, all the kids have to do is what they already live and breathe to do: play footy.
Alongside the competition, they’re dishing out free advice for parents to help ensure their children get the proper rest and recovery they need through a good night’s sleep.
Continuing to promote how a good sleep in a proper bed can do wonders when it comes not only to fitness and staying active but overall health, this is part of their wider ‘Dream Big’ campaign.
Put in the simplest terms, as part of this initiative, young football teams across the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester and beyond are able to be nominated by coaches, parents, guardians or club representatives for this special scheme.
The exclusive coaching session, for whoever is fortunate enough to earn it, will be delivered directly by a professional MCFC coach at The City Football Academy.
Even better still, the winning team will also receive free Man City kits, not to mention Silentnight Healthy Growth Kids mattresses.
Speaking ahead of the event, Manchester City’s Vice President of Partnerships, Marketing and Operations, Mark Lambert, said in a statement: “Our partnership with Silentnight is built on a shared commitment to supporting healthier, more active lives, so it’s great to come together on Dream Big.
“Grassroots football plays a vital role in inspiring young players and bringing communities together, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the winning team to the City Football Academy for what we hope will be a memorable experience.”
It’s not the only big thing they’re doing to help promote grassroots football in the local area, either.
Kathryn Pinkham, sleep expert at Silentnight, went on to add: “When children are busy with school, training, matches and everything else that comes with family life, sleep can sometimes slip down the priority list.
“But for young footballers, getting enough good-quality rest can make such a difference – helping them recover after games, concentrate at school and enjoy their sport. The 10-Step Sleep Guide is designed to give families simple, practical tips they can actually use at home.”
Man City’s kids’ coaching sessions will take place on Wednesday, 19 August from 1-3pm, and applications are already live; the window closes at 11:59pm this coming Monday (3 Aug).
To find out more and put a team name forward – made up of players aged seven and over, with no more than a two-year age gap between the youngest and oldest player – you can do so HERE.
Danny Jones -
23rd September 2025 
