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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
Manchester Storm’s record-breaking return to AO Arena goes down a storm with fans
Daisy Jackson
Manchester Storm have made their grand return to the AO Arena, after more than two decades away from their former home.
And it appears the ice hockey craze (which may have been spurred on by a certain Heated Rivalry) is here to stay, with record-breaking numbers piling into the venue for Sunday’s match against Sheffield Steelers.
The AO Arena has now shared that a record crowd of 11,000 fans attended the long-awaited Manchester Storm homecoming last week.
The action has gone down a storm with fans, with plenty of chatter on social media (and videos of a certain fight) doing the rounds.
Manchester Storm’s homecoming has now smashed the record for an Elite Hockey pre-season fixture, with fans travelling from across Manchester and beyond.
As the team enters this new era, bidding farewell to the ‘Storm Shelter’ in Altrincham that’s been their home for a decade, demand for tickets is continuing to grow.
This is the first time fans have been able to see the club on the ice at the AO Arena since 2004, and last weekend they thrilled supporters with a 5-5 draw agains the Steelers.
Manchester Storm is now set to bring approximately 35 games to the city centre each year, providing a regular programme of major sporting events for Manchester and its visitors.
It also brings elite-level hockey back to one of Europe’s largest indoor sporting arenas.
Gemma Vaughan, General Manager at the AO Arena says, “Tonight is a hugely significant moment for Manchester.
“To welcome Manchester Storm back to their former home after more than 20 years, and to do so in front of a record Elite Hockey League crowd, is incredibly special.
“The response from supporters has demonstrated the strength of Manchester’s passion for ice hockey and the demand for world-class sport in the city. We’re proud to be able to provide a home for the Storm as they begin this exciting new chapter.”
Erling Haaland has named his four favourite films… and fans have a lot to say on it
Emily Sergeant
Erling Haaland has answered the all-important question.
The question heard around the world, the question on everyone’s lips, a question that has absolutely nothing to do with football whatsoever… that’s right, he’s answered Letterboxd’s famous question of ‘what are your four favourite films?’.
If you’re unaware of what Letterboxd is, it describes itself as being an ‘online diary platform and app for film lovers’ and it gives users the chance to display their four favourite films at the top of their profile for all to see (and judge).
An extension of this has then been Letterboxd asking celebrities in press junket interviews and on red carpets what their ‘four faves’ are – and it’s gone on to become something of a phenomenon in the film world.
Everyone from massive A-list movie stars, to indie darlings and up-and-coming names have answered this question before, and now (it appears) to be Erling Haaland’s turn.
He’s not the first footballer to be tasked with question though, as the entire Spurs team was ambushed with it by former player – and famously massive cinephile – Alfie Whiteman last year, but it’s fair to say that after the summer he’s had with Norway at the World Cup, achieving international fame in the process, that Haaland is one of the most high-profile to answer it in a long while.
So, what’s on Erling’s list then?
Well, to self-confessed ‘film bros’ out there, you’re not going to find any deep cuts in this selection unfortunately, and you’re probably not going to get any recommendations for movies you haven’t seen before either, but come on, he is only a footballer after all.
Erling Haaland has named his four favourite films… and fans have a lot to say on it / Credit: Letterboxd
First up for the Manchester City striker is a pretty common pick by straight white men, it’s The Wolf of Wall Street, and he doesn’t give much of a reason for it, other than just suggesting: “I think you understand why”.
He then follows that up with Ridley Scott’s classic Gladiator, calling it ‘amazing’, before naming 2004’s epic Troy, and then rounding it out with a Christmas favourite for many, Home Alone, adding that he ‘watched it a lot as a kid, and then again now’.
As for fan reaction to Haaland’s four favourites, let’s just say it’s been mixed.
Among the 1,000+ comments on the Instagram video, you’ll find just as many people called him ‘king’ and saying he has ‘goated’ taste, as you will comments like this: “He has the most male gazed top four in history of Letterboxd.”
Danny Jones -
23rd September 2025 
