Sport
The Class of 92 are looking for new investors to get behind Salford City FC
The former Man United stars have now been involved with the club for a decade.
Danny Jones -
27th February 2024 
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.
That being said, the local owners — which now include David Beckham who purchased 10% of Singaporean businessman Peter Lim’s shares in 2019 (who still holds 40%) — are looking to once again reinvigorate the team by welcoming 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.
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.
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.”
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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.
“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:
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Featured Images — James Boyes (via Flickr)
