Salford Metropolis have been acquired by a brand new consortium led by David Beckham and Gary Neville that intends to “invest significantly” within the membership.
The brand new shareholders additionally embrace US-based businessman Declan Kelly and Lord Mervyn Davies, who will each function co-chairs of the League Two aspect’s board.
Neville and Beckham had been already co-owners at Salford alongside their former Class of ’92 Manchester United team-mates Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Phil Neville, however they may now not be shareholders though stay in roles on the membership.
Singaporean businessman Peter Lim had been a majority shareholder because the preliminary takeover in 2014 earlier than Neville acquired his stake final August.
Beckham mentioned: “I grew up in Salford. I’ve such fond reminiscences of my time dwelling there and the place and its individuals performed such an vital half in my youth in soccer.
“Salford City is at the heart of its community. It has a rich history and I am delighted to be a part of the next chapter.”
Salford say the takeover has been “uniquely structured” by means of a members membership made up of 9 shareholders together with Dream Sports activities Group (India’s main sports activities expertise firm), Colin Ryan (founder, Clipper Road Capital), Frank Ryan (world co-chair, world co-CEO, and Americas Chair, DLA Piper), Nick Woodhouse (govt vice chairman, Genuine Manufacturers Group), and Shravin Mittal (founding father of Unbound).
“These shareholders have extensive experience working with many of the world’s biggest companies and brands,” Salford mentioned. “The membership group has been specifically constructed to include executives drawn from different backgrounds across finance, legal, media, tech and entertainment sectors to maximise the impact and contribution they can have on the club moving forward.”
Neville added: “I am passionate about Salford City. This is a unique partnership with a diverse range of minds and expertise, held together by a love of football. Football will come first, however, it’s critical that we drive the club towards sustainability in the next 4-5 years. I can’t wait for the next part of this journey.”
Salford gained 4 promotions in 5 seasons to achieve the EFL following the Class of ’92’s takeover however their progress has stalled.
They completed a degree exterior of the play-offs this season underneath head coach Karl Robinson and can now begin to put together for his or her seventh consecutive League Two marketing campaign.