Salford Crimson Devils’ chief working officer Claire Bradbury has resigned and accused the membership’s possession of suggesting “she sleep with an individual” on the RFL.
Bradbury was appointed as COO in October 2024 and steps down amid ongoing monetary disaster on the membership.
In a press release posted on LinkedIn, she stated: “It is important to share something more personal, as a senior woman in business. Misogynistic, inappropriate language from the ownership suggesting I sleep with an individual at the RFL to ‘smooth things over’ is not acceptable.
“On the time I stayed quiet as a result of I needed the membership to succeed. I am disenchanted in myself that I did not stand as much as it then so I am voicing it now correctly heard for the integrity and evolution of rugby league and for all girls who work in sport.”
She goes onto say that she has not taken the decision “frivolously” and that she “cares deeply for Salford Crimson Devils, our supporters and the individuals I’ve labored alongside”.
An RFL spokesperson told Sky Sports News: “Any language and suggestion of this sort is clearly offensive and unacceptable.”
Sky Sports activities Information has additionally contacted Salford Crimson Devils for remark.
Amid the continued scenario on the membership, fan group, The 1873, have introduced they’re holding a “peaceable and lawful protest” ahead of their side’s Super League fixture against Wakefield Trinity on Sunday.
However, in the wake of Bradbury’s statement and allegations, The 1873 posted on social media on Thursday that they had cancelled a planned meeting with the club owners “indefinitely”.
Claire Bradbury’s assertion in full
“To the Salford Red Devils fans,
“It’s with a heavy coronary heart that I verify my resignation as chief working officer of Salford Crimson Devils, a task I used to be immensely proud to carry, not solely because the membership’s first feminine COO in Tremendous League however as somebody dedicated and excited to signify Salford with professionalism, integrity and fervour. On the time of writing, I’m but to be paid July wages.
“When I joined, I saw huge potential. I believed – and still believe – that Salford Red Devils is a sleeping giant, a club rich in heritage, with a loyal fanbase and a community that deserves better. My ambition was to create a self-sustaining, top performing organisation off the pitch, delivering long-term stability and growth. I gave everything to that vision.
“Nonetheless, over latest months, the situations beneath which I and my colleagues have been required to function made it inconceivable for me to ship my position to the requirements I set for myself and for the Membership. Repeated delays in wage funds, an absence of important operational instruments, and a scarcity of agreed construction, technique, or funding have considerably impacted the flexibility of workers to carry out their jobs successfully. Regardless of this, our workforce continued to indicate grace and professionalism, working tirelessly for the good thing about the Membership and its supporters.
“In my opinion strong leadership in sport requires transparency, respect, understanding of fandom and culture, and a willingness to listen to experienced staff. Unfortunately, I have not felt that over recent months. This environment – one of uncertainty, inadequate resources, and decisions taken without collaborative consultation – has made it increasingly difficult to protect staff wellbeing and maintain operational standards. Love for the Club, loyalty to fans and professional pride is why the Club continues to operate, despite this.
“I’m significantly unhappy that my time right here ends with out with the ability to implement the expansion technique and model plans I designed – ones I do know might have taken the Membership ahead. While issues might but arrive, my concern is what might have been misplaced over this time, a decimated squad and a historic Membership with its soul being ripped out. The togetherness of our workforce, sponsors and supporters is what makes this Membership particular.
“It’s important to share something more personal, as a senior woman in business. Misogynistic, inappropriate language from the ownership suggesting I sleep with an individual at the RFL to ‘smooth things over’ is not acceptable. At the time I stayed quiet because I wanted the Club to succeed. I’m disappointed in myself that I didn’t stand up to it then so I’m voicing it now as it should be heard for the integrity and evolution of rugby league, and for all women who work in sport.
“My determination to resign was not taken frivolously. I care deeply for Salford Crimson Devils, our supporters, and the individuals I’ve labored alongside. I married a passionate Salfordian, have in-laws who’re lifelong followers, and youthful relations who play rugby league. Its heartbreaking, however I can not proceed in a task the place, for my part, the foundations wanted for skilled success will not be in place, and the place belief between management and workers has been eroded.
“To our fans – you have been a constant source of motivation. You deserve a Club run with transparency, respect, and ambition. Salford Red Devils should be one of, if not the best Club in Super League. I remain grateful for the opportunity and am truly sorry we did not get to achieve the vision I know was possible. Under different circumstances, I have no doubt we would have built this Club.
“Claire x”
