With hearsay and rumours rife that the proposal to rebrand Salford Red Devils as 'Manchester Red Devils' is a done deal, the first meeting of Salford fans took place last night to co-ordinate opposition – and show the club's hierarchy that 'Salford Forever, Manchester Never' is not just a slogan but a statement that 144 years of history, heritage and civic pride should not be lost.
Around one hundred supporters packed the Dog and Partridge in Eccles for a meeting which was advertised by word of mouth. They listened as David Bainbridge, who organised the event, spoke eloquently and passionately about the team he has supported throughout his life, through the good teams and the bad ones...
...Unfortunately there have been plenty of the latter and few of the former, a testimony to the lack of support, which indicates that if owner Marwan Koukash wants a full stadium he should build a consistently winning team.
David told the meeting that he asked Dr Koukash about the rumours of the name change and the reasons for it. He said that Koukash refused to deny or confirm them, or give any reason to support a name change, but, instead, focused on negative aspects of the club today.
Salford and Eccles MP Rebecca Long-Bailey, currently campaigning to get re-elected, was in attendance and pledged her support to the campaign. She offered a number of helpful suggestions and said she would be seeking a meeting with Marwan Koukash to air her concerns.
Meanwhile, Worsley and Eccles South MP, Barbara Keeley, who was not present, also offered her support by proxy, adding to a list of politicians that includes Salford Mayor, Paul Dennett – perhaps also worried that the AJ Bell Stadium, which Salford City Council jointly owns, could soon lose one of its tenants.
Ways to get the Salford name protected were also discussed at the meeting, and there was an overwhelming desire to do things properly.
"When Salford people are in trouble they stick together through thick and thin, they care passionately about our team's heritage; money cannot buy that passion" said Salford Star rugby reporter, Simon Williams, a lifelong Salford Red Devils supporter, who was at the meeting.
"It is a pity that Marwan Koukash was not there, as it would have been interesting to hear him put his side for the 'potential' name change across" he added "It was a rotten night, and that so many fans turned up at short notice to decide how they should make their feelings known in the right way makes me proud. Imagine what all the supporters could do when we get together!
"The passion of the night was amazing, and I'm glad the politicians were present to see it...hearing what the club means to supporters, young and old, was really poignant" he explained "Marwan Koukash needs to come out one way or the other - either confirm the name change or deny it."
Some of the comments made at the meeting, whilst hearsay or unconfirmed, would indicate that people should see this as a serious threat to the Salford Red Devils, a point underlined by Rebecca Long-Bailey...
"This isn't just about making sure that Salford remains the name of 'Salford Red Devils', it's a matter of civic pride" she told the Salford Star after the meeting "Why isn't the name Salford good enough? To not have the name Salford is a smear on this city.
"The same thing happened with the Lowry Outlet" she explained "It's not improved productivity in the outlet mall, it's not made retailers rush through the doors because it's suddenly changed its name to Manchester. So for Marwan Koukash to say that this could potentially be a commercial decision I think is wrong. It's about recognising the history of this club and the pride the city has in it, making sure that we've got the name Salford and that we keep that element of pride generations have won."
Lifelong Salford Red Devils fan, Nathan Archer, from Lower Broughton, who was at the meeting also told the Star... "It made me proud tonight, hearing my grandad's name mentioned in people who worked tirelessly for the club which is Salford RLFC.
"So, Koukash, you get rid of that, then to me you are forgetting people like my grandad and are totally disrespecting my family and anyone else who've had family who have put their heart and soul into the club" he added "My grandad would be turning in his grave now over this situation. Let's hopefully get to Wembley as Salford RLFC. And stay that way."
Time, it seems, is not on the side of the supporters, with the initial digital survey closed after only a week. Robbie Hunter Paul, in his career a mercurial half back who would bamboozle the opposition with his speed and skill, has been brought into the club to head a marketing consultation; although perhaps it may be easier to label him as the 'hatchet man' tasked with finding justification to rid Salford of its identity...
After the fans' meeting, a Salford RLFC, Save our club! petition was immediately launched that already has over 250 signatures.
To see and sign the petition – click here
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