In a significant development in English football, David Beckham and Gary Neville have finalized the acquisition of Salford City as part of a new consortium. This move marks a pivotal shift in the club's ownership, with the departure of their former Manchester United teammates from the Class of '92.

New Ownership Structure

The new ownership group, which includes prominent figures like former banker Lord Mervyn Davies and businessman Declan Kelly, has taken full control. Notably, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Phil Neville are no longer shareholders but will continue to contribute in various capacities, including technical, football, commercial, recruitment, and the SCFC Foundation.

Club's Journey and Future Prospects

Since the Class of '92 took over in 2014, Salford City has seen remarkable growth, achieving four promotions in five seasons to reach the English Football League in 2019. However, the club has remained in League Two since then. The 2024-25 season concluded with the team finishing eighth, narrowly missing a play-off spot.

The new consortium, comprising nine shareholders including India-based Dream Sports Group, Colin Ryan, Frank Ryan, Nick Woodhouse, and Shravin Mittal, has pledged significant investment in the club's infrastructure and team development. This commitment aims to propel Salford City towards greater achievements and sustainability over the next four to five years.

Strategic Vision and Statements

Gary Neville emphasized the strategic vision behind this takeover, stating, "We are committed to driving the club towards sustainability and success, ensuring a bright future for our fans and players." In a joint statement, Declan Kelly and Lord Davies expressed their enthusiasm for partnering with Beckham, Neville, and the entire ownership group to elevate the club to new heights.

Historical Context and Future Aspirations

Beckham initially joined the Class of '92 and billionaire Peter Lim in investing in the club in 2019. Neville's acquisition of Lim's stake last summer paved the way for this new strategic partnership. The consortium's arrival follows a year-long process of seeking new investment, signaling a robust future for Salford City.

As the club embarks on this new chapter, the focus remains on building a sustainable and successful future, with aspirations to bring more joy and success to its dedicated fan base and all associated with the club.