Tonight, Gary Lineker and Piers Morgan were tweeting about Salford City FC, while national news carried the story that the Ammies are being bought by Manchester United's `Class of '92', Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.
The Salford Star understands that David Beckham is also part of the consortium but wants to keep his name out of the limelight due to his United Sates soccer venture (as revealed in previous Salford Star article – click here).
The full statement from Salford City FC reads…
`It hasn't been the best kept of secrets but a group of eminent local footballers have confirmed their intention to acquire Salford City Football Club Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have exchanged on a deal to acquire Salford City Football Club subject to FA and League approval. The deal is due to complete in summer 2014.
`The group grew up together at Manchester United and forged a great friendship and love of the club and are still fans today however Salford is close to all their hearts. Manchester United nurtured and developed them but Salford is where it all began, so when the opportunity arose to acquire Salford City FC it was one they all wished to pursue. They want to put back into the community of Salford and surrounding areas, they want to develop and engage especially at grass roots level.
Gary Neville said:
"I had my first trial for Manchester United in Salford at age 11 and I will never forget how important that was to me. Salford City FC to me represents those early years, the commitment, hunger, enthusiasm, desire and spirit of football and I am very excited about this venture"
Paul Scholes added:
"We know it will be tough but we will be committed to this from the start and have some very exciting plans going forward"
Nicky Butt said:
"Moor Lane's sporting heritage dates back 320 years, the oldest of its type in the Manchester area and this should be safeguarded so it becomes a lasting legacy for future generations"
Phil Neville said:
"It is important to safeguard the hard work that is done in the lower leagues and it is going to be exciting to be able to feed our experience into the young players"
`The group will take charge in summer 2014 however they understand and respect the great work that the committee have done at Salford City FC. The committee will continue to work in their roles on the day to day running of the club but also assist the group going forward.
Salford City Football Club Chairman, Karen Baird, who was instrumental in the deal said: "It is an exciting time for Salford City FC and I believe there are many more great achievements to come for the club. Without a doubt this deal will result in a very bright future ahead and is a great advert for non league football. The club are in full support of the group and believe it to be a very positive move both for Salford City FC and the City of Salford itself"
Ryan Giggs added:
"Everyone knows how important Salford is to me, so this is an exciting acquisition that is right at the heart of what we all believe in. We want to engage the football community, use our football experience and knowledge to aspire and nurture young talent and being able to do that in Salford makes it even more exciting"
Despite reports that the consortium would change the Ammies' name to `Salford '92' and move the ground to the soul-less Barton `AJ Bell Stadium', which angered fans this morning, this evening Gary Neville tweeted "For clarity - No name change/ no ground change and management and committee as before!"
See also previous Salford Star article – Salford City gets visit from Giggs, Scholes, Butt and Neville – click here
Main photo by Lucy Boubrahmi
All other photos by Andrew Goudie
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