The Class of 92-backed Salford City are looking for new investors to back the Greater Manchester side in their bid to become a contender for Championship football.
Having first been taken over by the Manchester United legends back in 2014 and now a decade into their joint ownership, the Class of 92 managed to take Salford out of the lower rungs and National League by 2019 and string together three successive promotions to get them into League Two by 2020.
However, progress has slowed in the years since and despite remaining an established EFL outfit, they are still yet to make the jump to the next division and are currently in 19th place in the fourth tier with a negative goal difference.
Salford City FC and its Board of Directors have launched a process to explore new strategic partners for the club to support its ambitious growth targets.
Salford City have officially put the call out for new investors.
Having seen the success of Wrexham AFC’s takeover by celebrity duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in recent years, not to mention their former home of Man United finally welcoming new albeit partial ownership in Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the M7-based side has already put the wheels in motion.
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Releasing a statement on the club website, Salford City said: “The Board have launched a process to explore new strategic partners for the club to support its ambitious growth targets.
“Current owners and management (led by the Class of ’92) remain fully committed to the club but are open to the possibility of the right new partner investing alongside the group with a view to capitalising on the club’s significant sporting, media/commercial and infrastructure opportunities.
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They go on to detail that they will be considering a wide range of options and potential partners but also that “some interest in new equity investment in the club has already been received.”
Aware that the process coincides with the 10th anniversary of their being on board, they are keen to make sure this new strategic plan includes “the development of its football infrastructure, expansion of its commercial and media operations and a continued rise through the football pyramid.”
Speaking on the announcement, CEO Nicky Butt, who replaced Gary Neville back in October 2022, said: “We are backing Salford City with as much commitment and confidence as ever. We have achieved very special things here but there are major opportunities in front of us and we want to make sure we have the right mix of investment and strategic partners to take advantage of those opportunities.
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“We had an original 10-year plan and with strong foundations now in place, it was always the intention to explore options for the next phase. That includes potentially bringing in new partners to help us grow the club and best serve the fans and community.”
With Naming Tifosy Capital and Advisory named as their exclusive financial advisor, it seems apparent that the hunt for new partners won’t just begin right away but that it already has, though there are no early indications as to who their first interested party might be.
With two draws, two wins and a loss from their last five, The Ammies will be hoping to get back to winning ways with tonight’s home fixture against Colchester United as they look to climb the table. You can watch the highlights from their last outing away to Mansfield Town down below:
Greater Manchester cleans up at first-ever Festival of Women’s Football Awards
Danny Jones
This week marked the inaugural Festival of Women’s Football Awards (FWFA), which not only saw a whole host of female talent from up and down the English pyramid celebrated, but Greater Manchester in particular picked up a number of accolades.
Of course, we all know that 0161 is the true home of football, with Manchester’s rich sporting heritage known worldwide, but it’s always nice to see our region recognised for its continued contribution to the beautiful game.
That reputation goes double for the women’s game too, as the 2025 FWFA saw a trio of local clubs and a trio of different players winning across multiple categories.
Starting with the blue side of Manchester, Manchester City Women star Yui Hasegawa picked up Player of the Year from a strong shortlist of midfielders.
Joining the club back in the summer of 2022, Hasegawa famously scored on her debut and was named in the PFA Team of the Year that season.
Playing in 92 of the 96 games since her arrival, she is widely considered not just one of the best midfielders in the Women’s Super League (WSL) but the world.
As for the red half of the city, not only did Phallon Tullis-Joyce – who has shone since filling the very big boots of Mary Earps – pick up the award for the best shotstopper, but centre-back Maya Le Tissier was named both Defender and Young Player of the Year.
Latics Women only launched their squad this season but have already amassed a passionate following, hence the award, and also won the Lancashire Women’s County League Championship at the first time of asking.
Congratulations to all the Greater Mancunian footballing organisations and sports personalities recognised at this year’s Festival of Women’s Football Awards – here’s hoping for even more in 2026!
🏆 We were delighted to attend this evening’s Festival of Women’s Football Awards in London…
It was an honour to be shortlisted for eight national awards, and take home the ‘Best Fan Experience’ prize! 💙#wafc 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/OoeN92Vxwv
Bury FC announce partnership with big-name local brand after ‘milestone’ season
Danny Jones
Following their landmark North West Counties Football League title, Bury FC are toasting their trophy success with a significant new partnership, as multinational franchise JD Sports will be sponsoring the side moving forward.
The Premier Division champions sealed what they have dubbed a “milestone” first piece of silverware and first promotion for some time with a 4-0 win over Burscough FC last weekend: a moment which feels like a far cry away from the uncertainty of recent years.
A NWCFL Division One North title did come during the Bury AFC era.
It was only back in 2019 that Bury were dismissed from the EFL entirely, splintering into two teams after 125 years; fast forward to 2025 and now the Greater Manchester club are looking to reconsolidate their position in the football pyramid with efforts such as this latest commercial move.
Also founded in Bury back in 1981, JD Sports is the latest and most established local organisation to sponsor The Shakers to date, marking a big step forward for those around Gigg Lane.
While the exact nature of their collaboration (i.e. featuring logo on kits, around the stadium and so on) is yet to be detailed, nor has the initial length of the partnership deal been confirmed, getting the brand on board is still a big coup.
Not only is the retailer a well-known name in sports apparel and high-street fashion, with their own line of more than 90 JD Gyms across the UK too, but as a fellow local turned nationwide business from the same borough, their success story is also one that Bury FC can take plenty of inspiration from.
With a league record-breaking 8,719 fans filing into their historic home ground for the final game of the season, demonstrating an extraordinary level of support and loyalty throughout the community, teaming up with JD is an extension of “reignited pride” and brings football back to the heart of the local area.
As for JD – which also boasts a glowing global presence in over 36 countries – sports partnership manager Abi Haywood went on to add: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Bury FC, a club that sits at the heart of our community. As a company founded in Bury, this partnership means a lot to us.
“It’s about more than football – it’s about giving back to the town that helped shape who we are. We’re proud to support Bury FC and to play a part in the club’s future, both on and off the pitch.”
Over 8,700 fans in attendance at Gigg Lane to see Bury FC win 4-0, confirming their first promotion since being expelled from the EFL in 2019…
The Shakers signed off the announcement by stating: “As Bury FC continues its mission to climb back up the football pyramid, the Club remains deeply committed to regaining its place at the heart of the community.
“With the support of local businesses, lifelong fans, and a town full of pride, Bury FC is building a future worthy of its historic name.”
Here’s hoping this is just the start of an already brilliant comeback and that Bury never need come back from so close to the brink again.
Danny Jones -
27th February 2024 
