Salford City F.C.
Full name | Salford City Football Club | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Nickname(s) | The Ammies | |||
Founded | 1940 | (as "Salford Central")|||
Ground | Moor Lane | |||
Capacity | 5,106 (2,246 seated)[1] | |||
Owner | Project 92 Limited | |||
Head Coach | Karl Robinson | |||
League | EFL League Two | |||
2023–24 | EFL League Two, 20th of 24 | |||
Website | https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/ | |||
| ||||
Salford City Football Club is a professional association football club in Salford, Greater Manchester, England. The club competes in League Two, the fourth level of the English football league system.
The club was founded as Salford Central in 1940, and played minor local league football until winning a place in the Manchester League in 1963. Salford were winners of the Lancashire Amateur Cup in 1971, 1973, and 1975 and the Manchester Premier Cup in 1978 and 1979. The club joined the Cheshire County League in 1980, which amalgamated into the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) two years later. They changed their name again in 1989, to Salford City, and secured promotion into the Northern Premier League (NPL) in 2008. The club survived in the league on the final day of the following season, an achievement known in club folklore as The Great Escape.
In 2014, Salford were taken over by former Manchester United players Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, and Paul Scholes, who each own 10% of the club, with Singaporean businessman Peter Lim owning the rest; David Beckham purchased a 10% share from Lim in 2019. Under the management duo of Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley, they were crowned NPL Division One North champions in 2015, won the NPL Premier Division play-offs in 2016, and the National League North title in 2018. This success was followed in 2019 with promotion to the English Football League (EFL) after winning the 2019 National League play-off final, under the stewardship of Graham Alexander. Salford won the EFL Trophy in their début campaign.
Salford play their home games at Moor Lane, which underwent a major transformation between 2016 and 2017, and is currently known as the "Peninsula Stadium" for sponsorship purposes. The club have primarily worn tangerine shirts and black shorts throughout their recorded history, before switching to red shirts and white shorts following the takeover. The club's nickname, The Ammies, stems from their name from the early 1960s to the early 1970s, Salford Amateurs. The club's anthem is The Pogues cover of "Dirty Old Town", a song written by Salford local Ewan MacColl.
History
[edit]1940 to 1982: The Ammies in amateur football
[edit]The club was founded in 1940 as Salford Central, named after a Salford church where the club was founded.[2] The club competed in local leagues until 1963, when they were promoted to the Manchester Football League and changed the club name to Salford Amateurs. Now nicknamed "The Ammies", Salford won the Lancashire County Football Association (LFA) Amateur Cup for the first time in 1971, beating Aintree Villa 4–0 at Old Trafford, with all four goals arriving in extra time.[3] They won a second LFA Amateur Cup in 1973, defeating Langton 3–1 at Old Trafford.[4] and won a third in 1975 by beating Waterloo Dock 2–1 at Maine Road.[5] Salford came close to a fourth cup success in 1977, reaching the semi-finals before losing to Blackpool Rangers.[6]
Further success arrived for Salford later in the decade in the form of the Manchester Premier Cup, which the club lifted in 1978 and 1979. The club changed their name once more, dropping the Amateurs moniker to become known simply as Salford, and moved into their current home Moor Lane in 1978.[7] In the 1980–81 season, Salford reached the fourth round of the FA Vase, losing 2–0 to eventual winners Whickham. Following restoration of the ground and a merger with Anson Villa, Salford entered the Cheshire County League in the same season,[8] finishing 15th and 16th in Division 2,[9] before the league amalgamated with the Lancashire Combination to form the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL).
1982 to 2008: North West Counties League
[edit]Salford started off in the second division of the NWCFL, and were promoted to the first division in 1986 despite finishing 18th, due to a reshuffling of the pyramid. The club would adopt its current name of Salford City in 1989 and, the following season, they returned to the final of the Manchester Premier Cup, losing to Curzon Ashton. Later in 1990, they entered the FA Cup for the first time to mark the club's 50th anniversary, losing 3–0 to Warrington Town. Brief highlights of the game were included in the BBC's coverage of the buildup to the 1991 FA Cup final. Salford would later be relegated out of Division One into Division Two at the end of the 1990–91 season, though a league restructuring saw them immediately promoted the following season. The 2001–02 saw Salford narrowly miss out on major success; despite amassing 97 points, they missed out on promotion to Prescot Cables on goal difference, and also made another appearance in the final of the Manchester Premier Cup in 2002, but lost 3–1 to Ashton United at Boundary Park. Manager Andy Brown resigned in March of the next season, with their title challenge collapsing following a post-Christmas run of one win in 10, culminating in a 4–0 defeat to Skelmersdale United.[10]
In the 2003–04 season, with the team 16 points behind Mossley despite being again considered amongst the favourites for the league, the club sacked Chris Wilcock and replaced him with former player Mark Molyneaux.[11] He lasted less than a year before resigning, citing financial restrictions placed on him by the club.[12] He was replaced by Darren Lyons.[13] In the 2004–05 season, Salford reached the third round of the FA Vase before losing 2–1 to West Allotment Celtic[14] In March, they appointed John Foster as manager to replace Darren Lyons, with his first game being a 5–1 victory over Atherton Collieries.[15] At the end of the season, Foster left his role as manager,[16] and was replaced by Irlam manager Gary Fellows.[17] Fellows began his reign with a 4–2 win against Glossop North End, followed by a 4–2 loss to title favourites Cammell Laird.[18]
In January 2006, Salford pulled off a coup by signing former Manchester United starlet Ben Thornley, with the hopes of boosting matchday attendance.[19] Having defeated Ramsbottom United 2–1, Salford reached the NWCFL League Challenge Cup semi-finals for the first time,[20] where they overcome a first leg loss to beat Oldham Town 2–1 over two legs.[21] In May, Salford won the final, overcoming holders Cammell Laird 3–2 in the final; goals from Jamie Baguley, John Robinson and Callum Higginbottom gave Salford a 3–0 lead which eventually won Salford the trophy, the first time they had achieved silverware in their 24 years as a semi-professional team.[22] However, the club would miss out on promotion on the last day of the season, with a 1–0 loss to Cammell Laird dropping them to fifth, with restructuring of the league meaning only three teams would be promoted.[23]
2006 to 2008: Push for promotion
[edit]In June, local businessman and former Salford player Darren Quick became the new Salford chairman, taking over from Ged Carter,[24] and was being quoted as saying that he was targeting Conference football within six years, while promising Fellows a bigger budget to help the club fulfil their potential.[25] The season began with a 3–1 home loss to Curzon Ashton, despite having gone a goal up after 15 minutes,[26] but followed with five wins on the bounce to move into third in the table.[27] On 3 October, Salford played a home league game against F.C. United of Manchester at The Willows, previous home of rugby league side Salford City Reds; Salford won the game 2–1 in front of a crowd of 4,058,[28] leaving Fellows to be confident of a title challenge.[29] After consecutively beating Stone Dominoes and Squires Gate 5–0 and 4–0 respectively, Salford moved level on points with FC United in December,[30] and then became sole league-leaders at Christmas having picked up four points from games against Newcastle Town and Maine Road, with Fellows restating his belief the club could go on to win the league.[31]
In the 2007–08 season, Salford were again amongst the favourites for promotion, and began their campaign with back-to-back 2–1 victories against Formby and Winsford United.[32] They went unbeaten in nine games before suffering a 1–0 defeat to Silsden in late October.[33] They ended their campaign by defeating league champions Trafford 3–0 followed two days later by a 2–1 win against Runcorn Linnets, meaning the club finished second in Division One of the North West Counties League,[34] and after weeks of uncertainty, the FA confirmed that the club had been promoted to Division One North of the NPL, the eighth tier of the English football league system and what would be the highest level the club had ever played at.[35] Salford would also enter the FA Vase for the final time in this season, achieving their joint-best run after beating Hallam 3–0,[36] before suffering a surprise 3–1 defeat to Coventry Sphinx.[37]
2008–2009: The Great Escape
[edit]The club suffered a difficult start in the NPL, losing six of their first seven matches, including shipping four goals in three consecutive games to Clitheroe, Mossley, and Bamber Bridge,[38] a run of form which resulted in Fellows being relieved of his managerial duties in October 2008.[39] In the two fixtures following his departure, the team picked up their second point of the season against Colwyn Bay, followed by a victory in the FA Trophy preliminary stage against Gresley Rovers.[40] Salford moved to appoint former Bridlington Town and Stockport Sports manager Ashley Berry as the new manager, with Greg Challender as his assistant, and he quickly made experienced midfielder Neil Redfearn their first signing.[41] His first game in charge did not bring about a change in fortunes, losing 6–2 at home to Trafford.[42] Berry's first win in charge, and the club's first league win of the season, came on 15 November, when they defeated Mossley despite going behind in the 19th minute.[43]
After only two months and with results still not improving, Berry was sacked, with chairman Darren Quick citing the club's desperation to not be relegated after only one season in the division.[44] Berry was replaced the following month by former Flixton manager Paul Wright;[45] however, Salford were unaware of a pre-existing suspension he had received from the Football Association for a "serious touchline breach", meaning Wright was unable to start work until March and thus forcing the club to appoint their fourth manager of the season, Neil Hall,[46] who deputised for the first two months of 2009.[47] By the time Wright took up his position, Salford were languishing at the bottom of the league, having achieved one win and a total of eight points from their first 26 games, leaving them 15 points adrift from safety.
A second win of the season finally came in March, when new signing Steve Foster scored all five goals in a 5–3 away win at Lancaster City. This was followed three days later by Salford's worst ever defeat, an 8–1 shellacking from Wakefield, a game where Salford went into the break level before conceding seven second-half goals.[48] Their first victory of the season at Moor Lane came at the end of March, a 1–0 win against Bamber Bridge also marking Salford's first clean sheet of the season,[49] and meant they had more than halved the points deficit to their closest relegation rival.[50] The club's form continued to improve, and they achieved an important 3–1 victory over relegation rivals Rossendale United at the beginning of April, a game dubbed "The Game of Death".[51] Over the Easter weekend, Salford picked up a further four points with a 2–2 draw with Chorley followed by a 3–1 win over Warrington Town, meaning they now sat only four points behind Rossendale with a game in hand.[52] Salford won their game in hand against Harrogate Railway Athletic, but lost 4–1 to Skelmersdale United, meaning the relegation battle would be decided in the last round of fixtures.[53]
Survival was secured on the final day of the season with a 5–2 win away at Garforth Town.[54] It was a turnaround in fortunes dubbed "The Great Escape"; the club had been bottom of the table since August, were relying on Rossendale losing to Mossley, and were losing their own game 1–0 at half-time.[55]
2009 to 2014: Northern Premier League
[edit]The 2009–10 season saw strong performances in the FA Cup and the FA Trophy, with the club reaching the third qualification stage of both competitions, eventually losing in extra time to Blyth Spartans in the FA Cup in October,[56] before succumbing to a last minute defeat to King's Lynn.[57] In October, arsonists burned down Salford's clubhouse, destroying memorabilia and photographs collected for over 20 years.[58] In February 2010, having lost four of their last five home matches, Salford parted company with Wright.[59] Chairman Darren Quick took the unusual step of taking on the role of caretaker manager, to be assisted by the club's former manager Mark Molyneaux, with the pair taking four points of a possible six after beating Garforth Town 1–0 and drawing with Wakefield.[60] A few weeks later, it was revealed the pair would be in charge until the end of the season.[61] Under the pair, the team again enjoyed a strong finish to the season, taking 36 points from the remaining games and finishing 11th in the table, their highest ever league finish.[62]
Salford started the 2010–11 season in similar form to the end of the previous; a last minute equaliser earned a 2–2 draw with Trafford which was followed with a 2–1 away to Prescot Cables, meaning they sat in eighth place, their highest league position since promotion two years earlier.[63] But their form soon took a downturn; following two heavy home defeats in the league in four days, 4–0 to Chester and 5–0 to Skelmersdale United,[64][65] and a 4–1 defeat in the FA Trophy qualification to Ossett Albion,[66] Quick decided to end his tenure as caretaker manager having lost six games in a row.[67] He quickly replaced himself with Rhodri Giggs, who would act as player-manager, and he began his reign with a 4–0 win against Durham City.[68] Results continued to improve under Giggs, managing to win his first six games in charge which resulted in Salford being just outside the promotion places.[69] However, after losing star striker Steve Foster to Chorley in March, Salford lost 6–2 to Durham.[2] It was Foster's replacement Jack Redshaw who would help Salford rediscover their form, scoring the second in a 2–1 win against Wakefield for the club's first win in seven games,[70] before taking his tally to five goals in four games by scoring both goals in a 2–0 win over struggling Leigh Genesis.[71] After picking up four points from six against during the Easter weekend against Prescot Cables and Warrington Town, Salford moved into the top ten,[72] and eventually finished the season in 12th position.
The club began well in 2011–12, with hopes of a playoff push, but a poor run of form at the start of 2012, combined with the frequent departure of the club's top players, including Player of the Year Matty Cross to Warrington,[73] resulted in a mid-table finish. After the final home game of the season, Giggs announced he was resigning from the post with immediate effect,[74] with club captain Darren Hockenhull taking over the final two games against AFC Fylde and Ossett Albion.[75]
In May 2012, the club appointed Darren Sheridan as the new manager.[76] The 2012–13 league season started well, and the club also enjoyed a local derby in the preliminary round of the FA Cup against FC United of Manchester.[77] Over 1,300 fans were in attendance at Moor Lane to watch a narrow loss in a five-goal thriller.[78] Sheridan's tenure lasted only eight months, resigning in January 2013 following a review of the club's budget, with his final game being a 5–2 win against Wakefield despite being down to 8 players.[79][80] Salford appointed Andy Heald as caretaker manager,[81] before announcing his permanent appointment a month later.[82] Before his first game, club captain Jimmy Holden departed, defender Jameel Ibe left for York City, and striker Danny Heffernan returned to Australia; Heald managed the team to a 2–2 draw with Mossley.[83] Under his leadership, Salford finished a disappointing 16th place, which included a 6–0 battering by Trafford,[84] but enjoyed a run to the final of the Manchester Premier Cup where they faced Mossley at Edgeley Park; despite a rousing late comeback to level the game at 2–2, Salford lost 4–2 in the resulting penalty shoot-out.[85] At the end of the season, Heald and his assistant Chris Thompson left the club by mutual consent, citing business and family commitments.[86]
Ahead of the 2013–14 campaign, the club experienced several major changes; club legend Barry Massay and Phil Power were appointed as joint managers, Salford based businesswoman Karen Baird took over as chairman from the long-serving Quick, and the first team squad now had a "Salford core", having retained only three players from the previous season.[87] The new management team got off to a strong start, beginning with a first ever opening day victory in the division, a 1–0 victory over Harrogate Railway Athletic,[88] and were unbeaten after the first six games of the season until a 2–0 defeat to Burscough.[89] Form began to dip, winning just one of their next twelve games before a 2–1 away win against Ossett Albion in November.[90] The decision was made to reshuffle the management team with Power assuming sole managerial responsibility and Massay dropping down to an assistant managerial role, before subsequently leaving the club completely a month later.[91] In their next game, Salford scored their most ever goals in a game in the division when they defeated Kendal Town 6–3 at home.[92]
2014 to 2017: Takeover by the Class of '92
[edit]On 27 March 2014, it was announced that, subject to FA and NPL approval, Salford would be taken over by the Project 92 Limited consortium, a group consisting of former Manchester United players Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, and Paul Scholes, known collectively as the Class of '92, expected to be completed by the summer.[93][94] Chairman Karen Baird described it as "massive", saying it would secure the future of the club.[95] At the following Salford games, a 3–2 win over Farsley Celtic and a 3–1 home loss to New Mills, fans chanted "We are Tangerine" in protest at rumours the club's colours would be changed.[96][97] Fan unrest continued to grow until the final game of the season, a 3–1 loss to Prescot Cables, which meant Salford finished the season in 12th position.[98]
With the proposed takeover of the club completed, the new ownership team were present at pre-season training in July 2014, at which Giggs suggested the consortium had ambitious aims for the non-league club, with a target of Championship level football within 15 years.[99] It was confirmed that Baird would remain the club's chairman and Power would continue as manager. Prior to the start of the 2014–15 season, the club announced a showcase match against a "Class of '92 XI" featuring all five of the new owners[100] which Salford City went on to win 5–1.[101] The 2014–15 season began with a 4–1 win at Moor Lane against Scarborough Athletic, with several hardcore fans refusing to attend in protest to the changing of the club colours and badge, while the Salford Star dubbed the group The Class of Vincent Tan in reference to the Cardiff City owner who had also changed the club colours to red.[102] The good start continued, with Salford unbeaten in the first 13 games. In September, the ownership team announced that they had agreed to sell a 50% stake in the club to Singapore–based billionaire Peter Lim, the owner of Valencia.[103][104]
Despite the promising start, a dip in form during December resulted in only four wins from the following 11 matches, which saw the team fall behind Darlington at the top of the league. As a result, Power was sacked in January 2015 after 18 months in the role.[105] Scholes and Phil Neville acted as caretaker managers for the subsequent match against Kendal Town,[106] before announcing the arrival of the new managerial team of Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley.[107] Johnson and Morley had led Ramsbottom United to promotion from the NPL Division One North during the previous season. The new managerial team went on to win 15 of the remaining 17 matches of the season, a feat which saw them regain their place at the top of the table. With Darlington failing to win their penultimate match of the season, Salford were crowned champions, guaranteeing promotion to the NPL Premier Division.[108] The championship was celebrated with Salford recording their ninth consecutive win in a 5–0 victory over Ossett Town in front of a crowd of over 1,100.[109]
Johnson and Morley's first full season at the club began with a 0–0 home draw with Marine.[110] The club reached the 1st round of the FA Cup for the first time in their 25-year association with the competition, having defeated fellow league side Whitby Town, Curzon Ashton and Bradford (Park Avenue) from the National League North, and Southport from the National League in the qualifying rounds. In front of a sell-out crowd of 1,400 and airing on live the BBC, Salford scored a famous 2–0 win over League Two side Notts County at Moor Lane, with goals from Danny Webber and substitute Richie Allen.[111][112] In the 2nd round, they were drawn at home to another League Two side, Hartlepool United,[113] A 1–1 draw, again televised on the BBC,[114] earned Salford a replay,[115] this time aired on BT Sport,[116] where they took Hartlepool to extra-time before succumbing 2–0.[117]
In January, Salford beat Barwell 7–0 to move second in the table.[118] Having been in the top five places for the majority of the season, Salford eventually finished third behind champions Darlington 1883 and runners-up Blyth Spartans to claim a playoff place. Ashton United were defeated 3–1 in the semi-final at Moor Lane, which was followed up four days later with a 3–2 win over Workington at the same venue in front of nearly 2,000 spectators. The Ammies' scored twice in the final eleven minutes to claim their place in the National League North for the 2016–17 season, the highest level the club had ever reached in their 76-year history.[119]
Johnson and Morley celebrated their 100th game in charge on 19 November, with Salford picking up a 3–0 win against Worcester City.[120]
2017 to 2019: Turning professional
[edit]In March 2017, Johnson and Morley both signed two-year full-time contracts, starting from 1 April.[121] The club also announced that from 1 July, players with the club would become full-time professional players. Salford appointed Chris Casper, who was part of the Class of '92, as the club's sporting director in charge of Academy 92.[122] Ahead of their first professional campaign, the owners outlined their target to eventually reach the Premier League.[123][124] In May, Salford lost in the National League North play-off semi-final, being defeated on penalties by FC Halifax Town.[125]
On 12 August, Mani Ogunrinde and Anointed Chukwu became the first Academy 92 players to represent the first team, when they came on as late substitutes in a 2–0 away win against Telford United.[126] On 21 April 2018, with promotion rivals Harrogate Town losing away to Bradford P.A.,[127] the club were promoted as champions of the National League North with one game to play,[128] and in the process secured promotion to National League, once again re-setting the bar for the highest level the club had ever attained.[129][130] On 8 May, it was announced Johnson and Morley had left the club by mutual consent, due to irreconcilable differences regarding performance and contract length.[131][132] On 14 May, Graham Alexander was appointed as the club's new manager after signing a four-year contract.[133]
Ahead of the season, Salford were regarded as favourites to take the one automatic promotion place,[134] but faced criticism for their spending and were accused of trying to "steal" a place in the Football League.[135][136] In their first game in the National League on 4 August, they drew 1–1 with promotion rivals Leyton Orient, with their goal being scored by Rory Gaffney.[137] Their first victory in the division was achieved on 14 August, with a 2–1 home win against Halifax Town.[138] Salford reached the first round of the FA Cup for the second time and earned a replay after an away draw at League One Shrewsbury Town, before succumbing to a 3–1 home defeat in the replay.[139][140][141][142] Salford suffered three consecutive defeats in the Christmas period which left them in third place, five points behind the summit.[143]
They quickly closed the gap on leaders Leyton Orient, winning 3–0 in the reverse fixture at Brisbane Road on 5 January.[144] Later that month it was announced that David Beckham was set to join his Class of '92 teammates as part owner of the club, taking 10% of the club previously held by Peter Lim.[145] Salford would go on a 10 match unbeaten run,[146] but would finally miss out on the title, and automatic promotion, by losing their final games of the season, meaning the club finished third in the table behind champions Orient and Solihull Moors.[147]
During the season, Salford played their first ever games in the FA Trophy proper, a 3–1 win over Gateshead in the first round.[148] Salford reached the National League play-off final after overcoming Eastleigh in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw, meaning they would play at Wembley Stadium for the first time in their history.[149] On 11 May 2019, they beat AFC Fylde 3–0 in the final, with goals from Emmanuel Dieseruvwe, Carl Piergianni, and Ibou Touray;[150] this marked the first time Salford had ever reached the Football League.[151] During the summer, the club appointed Warren Joyce to manage their first ever development squad, designed to be a stepping stone between the academy and the first team.[152]
2019 to present: Football League
[edit]They began their first season in the league with a 2–0 win against Stevenage, with both goals coming from Dieseruvwe.[153] Salford would take part in two competitions for the first time; they lost their first ever game in the League Cup 3–0 at home to Leeds United in front of 4,518 fans, a record attendance at Moor Lane.[154] Later in the season, the club would reach the EFL Trophy final after defeating Newport County via a penalty shootout, where they were due to play League One side Portsmouth;[155] the game was postponed indefinitely following the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.[156] In June, the league season was officially cut short after League Two clubs voted by an "overwhelmingly majority", with the league table to be decided on a points per game basis, meaning Salford finished their début season in the Football League in 11th.[157] Later that month, Salford took the decision to scrap their under-18 team, deciding to focus exclusively on the development squad.[158] Phil Neville said that the reason was both financial and because lower-league clubs could not attract the best youth players, and that the club would have a better chance developing 18 to 20 year olds under Warren Joyce.[159]
In September 2020, it was announced that following a meeting held by the EFL with representatives from both Salford and Portsmouth, that the EFL Trophy final would now take place in 2021.[160] Alexander departed the club on 12 October with the club 5th in the league; co-owner Scholes took the job on an interim basis.[161] Alexander declared himself "disappointed"[162] but said he hoped he gave everybody at the club "some great times to remember".[163] Scholes quickly ruled out taking the position on a permanent basis, citing the need for a more experienced manager.[164]
On 4 November, the club announced that former Salford player Richie Wellens, would be their new manager.[165][166] Wellens guided Salford to victory in the rescheduled EFL Trophy final; a 0–0 draw was followed by a penalty shootout, with Salford winning 4–2 after successful penalties by Burgess, Dieseruvwe, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Jason Lowe.[167][168] However, Wellens' time at the club came to an end on 22 March, departing Salford by mutual consent following a run of one win in eight games.[169] Gary Bowyer was his replacement in charge, signing a deal until the end of the season.[170]
However Bowyer managed the club's worst start to a campaign since the 2014 takeover, with no wins in the opening four games.[171]
In October 2022, Gary Neville stepped down as the club's chief executive, being replaced by fellow co-owner Nicky Butt.[172][173]
Stadium
[edit]Salford play their home games at Moor Lane, known as the Peninsula Stadium for sponsorship reasons, located in the Kersal area of Salford. The stadium has a capacity of 5,108.[1] The club has played their games at Moor Lane since 1978.
In December 2015, Salford City Council approved planning permission for the capacity of the ground to be increased from 2,163 to 5,172.[174] In October of the following year, Salford unveiled plans to renovate the ground to comply with standards of the Football League, which would increase the capacity to 5,100.[175] The plans included terraced stands behind the goals, a supporters' club with a capacity of 600, and executive seating.[176][177]
In December, it was revealed Salford faced objections from hundreds of local residents, and the newly formed Kersal Moor Residents' Association, regarding the club's proposals, with worries over traffic and parking.[178] However, later that month, Salford City Council granted permission for the ground's development.[179] This involved completely demolishing the Moor Lane ground, the club's home since 1978, and putting in four new stands.[180] By the end of February, two stands had already been completed as the club tried to beat a March deadline with regards to ground grading.[181] In May, the "iconic" main stand was demolished as building work progressed.[182]
On 19 October 2017, the newly built ground was renamed Peninsula Stadium for sponsorship reasons, and was unveiled by the Class of '92's former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson;[183] the renaming was part a five-year deal with a local entrepreneur Peter Done, who founded the law employment experts Peninsula in Salford.[184] The ground has floodlights in the shape of the club badge,[185] while the terraces are "tight, steep, and covered", and has a leafy backdrop with a nearby church spire visible from within the ground.[185]
Kit and badge
[edit]The club's colours are red, white and black, which were originally used in 1980. Prior to the change in ownership in 2014, the club played in tangerine and black, and had also previously worn tangerine and white. Many Salford supporters were unhappy with the change at the time, with the manager at the time, Phil Power, describing the issue as "delicate".[98] The team also previously wore green in the 1970s, and had used various blue kits throughout the years; orange became their colour when dealing with financial difficulties and borrowed old kits from Blackpool.[185]
The club's logo also changed in 2014, replacing a rampant lion with one described as "bolder, more forward-facing".[186] The current logo is said to replicate the shape of the hull of the ships in Salford's docks.[187]
The club adopted two mottos from the coat of arms of the City of Salford; the original motto "Integrity & Industry" features on the club kit, while the current city motto "The Welfare of the People is the Highest Law", translated from the Latin "Salus Populi Suprema Lex", is featured on the stadium walls.[188][189]
Sponsorship and manufacturers
[edit]In 2013, Salford announced that the club's new main sponsors would be Manchester-based insurance brokers Champion Insurance.[190] They were replaced in 2015 by LED Hut,[191] and in 2017, the club signed a long-term deal with Soccer Saturday Super 6 to become the shirt sponsor.[192] Upon the expiration of the deal, telecommunications company TalkTalk became Salford's lead sponsor until the end of the 2023–24 season.[193]
In 2015, the club announced their kits would be supplied by Umbro after signing a five-year contract.[194] However, in 2019, Italian sportswear brand Kappa were confirmed to be the new manufacturer of Salford's kits on a three-year deal.[195][196] After the conclusion of this arrangement, Castore became the manufacturer of Salford's kits from the 2022–23 season.[197]
Tables of kit suppliers and shirt sponsors appear below:[198]
|
Supporters and rivalries
[edit]At each home game the team walks out to The Pogues' cover of Dirty Old Town, the 1949 Ewan McColl song inspired by the singer's childhood in Salford.[199][185] Following the takeover by the Class of '92, Salford's fanbase and resulting attendance figures has steadily grown;[200][185] ahead of their début season as a Football League club, Salford had sold over 1,900 season tickets, an increase of approximately 800 from the previous season.[201] The rise in fanbase has in part been attributed to many Manchester United supporters opting to attend games at Salford due to the cost of attending games at Old Trafford and the relative affordability of a season ticket at Moor Lane.[185]
Since their promotion to the Football League, the club do not maintain any strong rivalries. However, a survey conducted in August 2019 suggested that supporters of the club consider near neighbours Oldham Athletic and Bolton Wanderers to be the club's main rivals. Rochdale and Stockport County has also been viewed as local rivalries. However, none of these clubs yet reciprocate the rivalry. The 2019 survey also revealed that smaller rivalries with Accrington Stanley, Macclesfield Town and Crewe Alexandra also exist.[202]
Fans of the club also maintain a dislike for East London-based Leyton Orient due to the race for the 2018–19 National League title, which Orient eventually won.[202] During the club's non-league days, they maintained rivalries with Curzon Ashton, Darlington, FC United of Manchester,[203] Ashton United and Radcliffe Borough.
The club has three mascots, a pride of anthropomorphic lions named Bobby, Billy, and Babs;[204] the latter two were named as part of a competition in local schools.[205]
Ownership
[edit]For many years, local businessman and former player Harold Brearley was in charge of Salford, helping take the club from local leagues into the semi-professional North West Counties League in 1982, and was instrumental in moving the club to their current home of Moor Lane in 1979.[206] In June 2006, local businessman and former Salford player Darren Quick became the new Salford chairman, taking over from Ged Carter.[24] In December 2013, Salford club president Dave Russell held secret talks with former Manchester United players Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs.[207]
In February 2014, it was revealed by a local newspaper, the Salford Star, that as well as Gary Neville and Giggs, fellow former Manchester United players Nicky Butt, Phil Neville, and Paul Scholes, known collectively as the Class of '92, were in talks with the club regarding "major investment".[208] Gary Neville and Giggs were said to be concerned with the lack of talent produced at grassroots level, and chose Salford due to the club's proximity to The Cliff, the former training ground used by Manchester United when the pair were youngsters.[209] With talks ongoing, four of the prospective buyers (Butt, Giggs, Gary Neville, and Scholes) attended the 2–0 home defeat to Curzon Ashton on 1 March.[210] On 27 March, it was announced that, subject to Football Association and NPL approval, the group had agreed a deal to takeover the club, expected to be completed by the summer.[93][94] In September, Singaporean businessman Peter Lim bought a 50% stake in the club, subject to FA approval.[103] Lim said his involvement would be philanthropic,[211] part of a long-term business partnership with Gary Neville.[212]
Ahead of the club's first season in the National League in 2018, the club received interest free loans totalling approximately £2.4m, allowing the club to invest in players such as Adam Rooney from Scottish team Aberdeen for a fee reported as £300k.[213] In 2020, it was revealed that the owners had invested a further £2.5m to aid the club's push for promotion, as well as to develop the club off the pitch.[214] Later that year, the club chose not to place staff on furlough amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom despite potential savings of £350k.[215]
In media
[edit]Ahead of the club's first ever FA Cup tie against Notts County in 2015, Salford were featured in a BBC One two-part documentary series titled Class of 92: Out of Their League, which showcased the first season under the ownership of the group following their takeover the previous year.[216] The Independent described it as "enthralling",[217] while The Daily Telegraph described it as an "honest, appealing portrait" of non-league football.[218] The BBC later commissioned a second series in February 2016, describing the first as a "resounding success".[219] A third series aired in 2017 on Sky Sports.[220][221]
Players
[edit]First-team squad
[edit]- As of 30 August 2024[222]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
Out on loan
[edit]Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
Under 18 squad
[edit]- As of 10 August 2024[223]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
Player of the Season Awards
[edit]Season | Players' Player | Supporters' Player | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
2008–09 | Steve Foster | ||
2009–10 | Martyn Andrews | Martyn Andrews Rhodri Giggs |
|
2010–11 | Darren Hockenhull | Matty Cross | |
2011–12 | Darren Hockenhull | ||
2012–13 | Jamie Rother | Ritchie Branagan | |
2013–14 | Aaron Walters | ||
2014–15 | Chris Lynch | Gareth Seddon | |
2015–16 | Chris Lynch | ||
2016–17 | Scott Burton | Michael Nottingham | |
2017–18 | Liam Hogan | Carl Piergianni | [224] |
2018–19 | Carl Piergianni | [225] | |
2019–20 | Ibou Touray | [226] | |
2020–21 | Václav Hladký | [227] | |
2021–22 | Jason Lowe | Corrie Ndaba | [228] |
2022–23 | Elliot Watt | Callum Hendry | [229] |
Club staff
[edit]
|
|
Managerial history
[edit]Name | Period | Achievements |
---|---|---|
Gary Fellows | 2005–08 | 2007–08 NWCFL Division One (promotion) |
Ashley Berry | 2008 | |
Neil Hall | 2009 | |
Paul Wright | 2009–10 | |
Rhodri Giggs | 2010–12 | |
Darren Sheridan | 2012–13 | |
Andy Heald | 2013–14 | |
Phil Power | 2014–15 | |
Anthony Johnson Bernard Morley |
2015–18 | 2014–15 NPL Division One North 2015–16 NPL Premier Division 2017–18 National League North |
Graham Alexander | 2018–20 | 2019 National League play-offs |
Richie Wellens | 2020–21 | 2019–20 EFL Trophy |
Gary Bowyer | 2021–22 | |
Neil Wood | 2022–2023 | |
Karl Robinson | 2023– |
Seasons
[edit]Year | League (Level) | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts | Position | Top league goalscorer (goals) | FA Cup | EFL Cup | FA Trophy | EFL Trophy | Average attendance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007–08 | NWCFL Division One (9) | 38 | 26 | 6 | 6 | 75 | 35 | 40 | 84 | 2nd (of 20) Promoted as runners-up |
? (?) |
PR | not eligible | not eligible | not eligible | ? |
2008–09 | NPL Division One North (8) | 40 | 10 | 6 | 24 | 59 | 107 | −48 | 36 | 20th (of 21) | Steve Foster (17) |
QR2 | not eligible | QR1 | not eligible | ? |
2009–10 | NPL Division One North (8) | 42 | 16 | 8 | 18 | 63 | 74 | −11 | 56 | 11th (of 22) | ? (?) |
QR3 | not eligible | QR3 | not eligible | ? |
2010–11 | NPL Division One North (8) | 44 | 17 | 11 | 16 | 68 | 73 | −5 | 62 | 12th (of 23) | ? (?) |
QR1 | not eligible | PR | not eligible | ? |
2011–12 | NPL Division One North (8) | 42 | 14 | 10 | 18 | 69 | 71 | −2 | 52 | 13th (of 22) | ? (?) |
PR | not eligible | QR2 | not eligible | ? |
2012–13 | NPL Division One North (8) | 42 | 11 | 13 | 18 | 65 | 79 | −14 | 46 | 16th (of 22) | ? (?) |
QR2 | not eligible | PR | not eligible | 117[231] |
2013–14 | NPL Division One North (8) | 42 | 15 | 7 | 20 | 68 | 80 | −12 | 52 | 12th (of 22) | Mark Battersby (11) |
PR | not eligible | PR | not eligible | 138[232] |
2014–15 | NPL Division One North (8) | 42 | 30 | 5 | 7 | 92 | 42 | 50 | 95 | 1st (of 22) Promoted as champions |
Gareth Seddon (24) |
QR2 | not eligible | PR | not eligible | 383[233] |
2015–16 | NPL Premier Division (7) | 46 | 27 | 9 | 10 | 94 | 48 | 46 | 90 | 3rd (of 24) Promoted via play-offs |
Danny Webber (16) |
R2 | not eligible | QR1 | not eligible | 703[234] |
2016–17 | National League North (6) | 42 | 22 | 11 | 9 | 79 | 44 | 35 | 77 | 4th (of 22) Lost in play-off semi-final |
Mike Phenix (16) |
QR3 | not eligible | QR3 | not eligible | 1,430[235] |
2017–18 | National League North (6) | 42 | 28 | 7 | 7 | 80 | 45 | 35 | 91 | 1st (of 22) Promoted as champions |
Jack Redshaw (17) |
QR2 | not eligible | QR3 | not eligible | 1,626[236] |
2018–19 | National League (5) | 46 | 25 | 10 | 11 | 77 | 45 | 32 | 85 | 3rd (of 24) Promoted via play-offs |
Adam Rooney (21) |
R1 | not eligible | R3 | not eligible | 2,509[237] |
2019–20 | EFL League Two (4) | 37 | 13 | 11 | 13 | 49 | 46 | 3 | 50 | 11th (of 24) | Adam Rooney (8) |
R1 | R1 | not eligible | Champions | 2,997[238] |
2020–21 | EFL League Two (4) | 46 | 19 | 14 | 13 | 54 | 34 | 20 | 71 | 8th (of 24) | Ian Henderson (17) |
R2 | R2 | not eligible | R2 | 0[239] |
2021–22 | EFL League Two (4) | 46 | 19 | 13 | 14 | 60 | 46 | 14 | 70 | 10th (of 24) | Brandon Thomas-Asante (11) |
R2 | R1 | not eligible | Group stage | 2,152[240] |
2022–23 | EFL League Two (4) | 46 | 22 | 9 | 15 | 72 | 54 | 18 | 75 | 7th (of 24) Lost in play-off semi-final |
Conor McAleny (9) |
R1 | R1 | not eligible | QF | 2,427 |
2023–24 | EFL League Two (4) | 46 | tbc (of 24) | R1 | R3 | not eligible | Group stage |
Honours
[edit]League
- National League (level 5)
- Play-off winners: 2019
- National League North (level 6)
- Champions: 2017–18
- Northern Premier League (level 7)
- Play-off winners: 2016
- Northern Premier League Division One North (level 8)
- North West Counties League Premier Division (level 9)
- 2nd place promotion: 2007–08
Cup
- EFL Trophy
- Winners: 2019–20
- Manchester Premier Cup
- Winners: 1977–78, 1978–79
- North West Counties League League Challenge Cup
- Winners: 2005–06
- Lancashire Amateur Cup
- Winners: 1971, 1973, 1975
Club records
[edit]- Highest league finish: 7th in League Two, equivalent to 75th in the English football league system (2022–23)
- Best FA Cup performance: Third round, 2024–25
- Best EFL Cup performance: Third round, 2023–24[241]
- Best EFL Trophy performance: Winners, 2019–20
- Best FA Trophy performance: Third round, 2018–19
- Best FA Vase performance: Fourth round, 1980–81, 2007–08
- Record cup attendance: 4,518 vs. Leeds United, League Cup first round, 13 August 2019
- Record league attendance: 4,058 vs. FC United of Manchester, North West Counties Football League, 3 October 2006
Salford City Lionesses
[edit]Founded | 2018 | ||
---|---|---|---|
Ground | St. Ambrose RC High School | ||
Owner | Project 92 Limited | ||
Manager | Connor Wild | ||
League | North West Women's Regional Football League | ||
2023–24 | 10th[242] | ||
Website | https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/ | ||
|
In 2018, the club set up a women's team, named the Salford City Lionesses,[243] with the team to play in the Greater Manchester Women's Football League.[244] In the first game of the season, they recorded a 13–0 win against Urmston Meadowside, with Feiruz Abdullahi scoring six.[245] In the team's first season, they won the league championship with a goal difference of +116 and reached three cup finals, winning two and losing one which was the only defeat of the season.[246] The Lionesses competed in the Women's FA Cup for the first time during the 2020–21 season, losing in the preliminary round to Morecambe.[247] The following season, Salford reached the FA Cup proper, advancing to second round before losing to Newcastle United.[248]
First-team squad
[edit]- As of 26 September 2024
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
References
[edit]- ^ a b "England: See what Salford City are building in less than a year". StadiumDB. 21 July 2017. Retrieved 22 July 2017.
- ^ a b "Salford six". Salford Star. 13 March 2011. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
- ^ "Aintree sunk by four extra time goals". Liverpool Echo. 8 May 1971. p. 15.
- ^ "Champions take a new name". Liverpool Echo. 5 May 1973. p. 35.
- ^ "Salford 2-1 Waterloo". Liverpool Echo. 2 May 1975. p. 32.
- ^ "ICI face ex-England star Pointer in final". Liverpool Echo. 19 April 1977. p. 17.
- ^ Adams, Duncan. "Salford City – Peninsula Stadium". Football Ground Guide. Retrieved 19 August 2018.
- ^ "History of the club". Salford City Official Website. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "England - Cheshire County League". RSSSF. Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
- ^ "Boss Brown quits beleaguered City". Manchester Evening News. 3 March 2003. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
- ^ "Molyneaux takes charge at Salford". Manchester Evening News. 12 November 2003. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford boss leaves Mark". Manchester Evening News. 22 June 2004. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford end rocky period". Manchester Evening News. 22 June 2004. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
- ^ "Not Allot to choose". Manchester Evening News. 13 December 2004. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
- ^ "New boss, new focus!". Manchester Evening News. 4 March 2005. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ "Foster exits Salford post". Manchester Evening News. 20 June 2005. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ "City's new boss". Manchester Evening News. 20 June 2005. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
- ^ "The City slickers!". Manchester Evening News. 18 August 2005. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford sign Ben Thornley". Manchester Evening News. 19 January 2006. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ "City on a high". Manchester Evening News. 2 March 2020. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
- ^ "Cup glory". Manchester Evening News. 30 March 2020. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
- ^ "First City trophy". Manchester Evening News. 4 May 2006. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
- ^ "City miss out on promotion". Manchester Evening News. 18 May 2006. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ a b "City chairman makes Quick impression". Manchester Evening News. 29 June 2006. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
- ^ "Conference call". Manchester Evening News. 15 June 2006. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
- ^ "City rue missed chances in opening day defeat". Manchester Evening News. 17 August 2006. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "City go third". Manchester Evening News. 7 September 2006. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City 2 FC United 1". Manchester Evening News. 3 October 2006. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ "'We're title challengers'". Manchester Evening News. 5 October 2006. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
- ^ "City followers on cloud nine". Manchester Evening News. 14 December 2006. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
- ^ "City still top". Manchester Evening News. 27 December 2006. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
- ^ "Dream start for City". Manchester Evening News. 16 August 2007. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City 0 Silsden 1". Manchester Evening News. 1 November 2007. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
- ^ "City finish second". Manchester Evening News. 10 April 2008. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City promoted at last". Manchester Evening News. 18 May 2008. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City 3 Hallam 0". Manchester Evening News. 20 December 2007. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
- ^ Gammie, Walter (28 January 2008). "Sphinx eye rise up non League pyramid". The Times. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
- ^ "City strife!". Manchester Evening News. 10 September 2008. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
- ^ Rodgers, Tom (3 October 2008). "Salford City Gaffer sacked". Salford Online News. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
- ^ "A fine response". Manchester Evening News. 7 October 2008. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
- ^ "City appoint Berry as boss". Manchester Evening News. 22 October 2008. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
- ^ "Salford City 2 Trafford 6". Manchester Evening News. 25 October 2008. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
- ^ "City chalk first win". Manchester Evening News. 15 November 2008. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
- ^ "Ashes to Ashes". Manchester Evening News. 22 December 2008. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
- ^ "City get Wright man for the job". Manchester Evening News. 5 January 2009. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
- ^ "Boss No 4 steps in as Salford regroup". Manchester Evening News. 23 January 2009. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City FC – The Great Escape". Salford Star. 8 March 2009. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
- ^ "Boom to gloom". Manchester Evening News. 12 March 2009. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
- ^ "Moor pain ends". Manchester Evening News. 2 April 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ "Rossendale United, Harrogate Railway Athletic, Radcliffe Borough... you must be quaking". Salford Star. 28 March 2009. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
- ^ "Stuff the Champions League - Salford triumph in the Game of Death". Salford Star. 30 April 2009. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Revival continues". Manchester Evening News. 16 April 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ "Win or bust City". Manchester Evening News. 23 April 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ "City's Great Escape". Manchester Evening News. 30 April 2009. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
- ^ "City in 'greatest ever' escape". Manchester Evening News. 30 April 2009. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Blyth Spartans 2 Salford City 1 (after extra time)". Manchester Evening News. 22 October 2009. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
- ^ "Last minute heartache for Salford". Salford Star. 22 November 2009. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford football history up in flames". Manchester Evening News. 6 October 2009. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
- ^ "Wright leaves Salford City". Manchester Evening News. 11 February 2010. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "City closer to safety". Manchester Evening News. 18 February 2010. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
- ^ Giblin, Andrew (11 March 2010). "City hold off boss hunt". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
- ^ "Super Super Super Salford City sign off with win". Salford Star. 25 April 2010. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
- ^ Giblin, Andrew (26 August 2010). "City on an early high". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City Chester". Salford Star. 25 September 2010. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City Skelmersdale United". Salford Star. 29 September 2010. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City Ossett Albion". Salford Star. 2 October 2010. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
- ^ "Six losses in a row for Salford City". Manchester Evening News. 30 September 2010. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
- ^ "Rhodri Giggs new Salford manager". Salford Star. 5 October 2010. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Rhodri Giggs' Tangerine Army win again". Salford Star. 7 November 2010. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
- ^ "Welcome win for Salford City". Manchester Evening News. 24 March 2011. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
- ^ "Ammies make it two in a row". Manchester Evening News. 31 March 2011. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City 0 Prescot Cables 0". Manchester Evening News. 28 April 2011. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
- ^ "Cross Joins the Wire". Non-League. Pitchero. 13 October 2011. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
- ^ "Rhodri Giggs resigns from Salford City". Salford Star. 15 April 2012. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "What a week for Salford City". Manchester Evening News. 19 April 2012. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Former Barrow boss Darren Sheridan is Rhodri Giggs' successor at Salford City". Manchester Evening News. 10 May 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
- ^ "Salford City vs FC United of Manchester Ticket Details & FA Cup Preview". Salford Star. 17 September 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
- ^ "Salford City 2 FC United of Manchester 3". Manchester Evening News. 27 September 2012. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City hit five against sorry Wakefield". Salford Star. 13 January 2013. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ Browne, Gavin (25 January 2013). "Stockport County spring a shock as Kalezic takes reins". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Ammies Hand Heald Caretaker Role". Manchester Evening News. 22 January 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
- ^ "Andy Heald scores top job at Salford". Salford Online. 28 February 2013. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
- ^ "Salford City battle for point at table topping Mossley". Salford Star. 3 February 2013. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City go missing in Trafford". Salford Star. 1 April 2013. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Mossley 2 Salford City 2 (Mossley win 4-2 on pens): Lilywhites lift Manchester Premier Cup". Manchester Evening News. 28 March 2013. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ Coney, Steven (10 May 2013). "Salford City Lose Their Managerial Team". The Non-League Paper. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City FC gunning for greatness". Salford Star. 11 August 2013. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City FC gunning for greatness". Salford Star. 18 August 2013. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City unbeaten run ends at Burscough". Salford Star. 21 September 2013. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Super Salford City FC overcome Ossett Albion". Salford Star. 10 November 2013. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Massay Stands Down at Salford". Non-League. Pitchero Non-League. 14 November 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- ^ "Salford City FC run riot at Moor Lane". Salford Star. 16 November 2013. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ a b Keegan, Mike (27 March 2014). "Class of '92 stars agree deal to buy Salford City FC". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
- ^ a b "'Class of 1992' agree deal to purchase Salford City". The Guardian. 27 March 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ Keegan, Mike (30 March 2014). "Pints, points and promise: Salford City kick-off new era with win". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
- ^ "Man United's Class of '92 miss Salford City Class at Farsley". Salford Star. 29 March 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City FC beached on sand of new times". Salford Star. 5 April 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ a b "Man United Class of '92 inspire rebellion over possible Salford City FC shirt colour change". Salford Star. 27 April 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Class of 92 have high hopes for Salford City FC". ITV. 11 July 2014. Retrieved 13 July 2014.
- ^ "Ryan Giggs to play for 'Class of 92' side". BBC. 9 May 2014. Retrieved 9 May 2014.
- ^ Sheen, Tom (8 August 2014). "Class of '92 vs Salford City match report: Scholes, Giggs and Neville brothers beaten by the non-league team they own". The Independent. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
- ^ "Salford City FC see red with the Class of '92". Salford Star. 17 August 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ a b "Peter Lim to buy 50% stake in Salford City from Class of '92". The Guardian. 22 September 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
- ^ "Singapore businessman Peter Lim joins forces with ex-Manchester United players and invests in Salford City FC". The Daily Telegraph. 22 September 2014. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
- ^ "Salford City sack manager Phil Power". Salford Online. 3 January 2015. Archived from the original on 26 February 2015. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- ^ "Scholes and Neville step in as Salford City caretakers". ESPN. 4 January 2015. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
- ^ Watters, David (3 January 2015). "Johnson and Morley confirmed as new managers". The Northern Premier League. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
- ^ a b "FC United and Salford City both secure promotion". BBC. 21 April 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
- ^ "Champions! Salford City FC celebrate winning Evo-Stik North title". Manchester Evening News. 25 April 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
- ^ Higgins, Adam (15 August 2015). "Salford City held to goalless draw by Marine in season opener". Salford Now. Archived from the original on 16 September 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City 2-0 Notts County: Part-timers reach FA Cup second round". Sky Sports. 7 November 2015. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ Johnston, Neil (7 November 2015). "Salford City 2-0 Notts County". BBC. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City rewarded with home draw against Hartlepool United". The Guardian. 9 November 2015. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ "FA Cup: Salford City's tie with Hartlepool to be shown on BBC". BBC Sport. 11 November 2015. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford 1-1 Hartlepool: Part-timers earn replay against League Two side". Sky Sports. 5 December 2015. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ Slater, Chris (8 December 2015). "Salford City again TV stars with FA Cup replay at Hartlepool to be screened live by BT Sport". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ Moorcroft, Will (15 December 2015). "Hartlepool 2-0 (AET) Salford City: FA Cup dream ends for Ammies". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ Moorcroft, Will (3 January 2016). "Salford City 7 Barwell 0 Evo-Stik Premier: James Poole grabs hat-trick as Ammies run wild". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City promoted to National League North". BBC Sport. 30 April 2016. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ Bullin, Matt (21 November 2016). "Salford City managers awarded after 100 games". Salford Now. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ Prenderville, Liam (7 March 2017). "Salford City to go full time from next season as Class of 92 club close in on Football League". The Mirror. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ "Former Man United player Chris Casper joins Class of '92 at Salford City". ESPN. 6 July 2017. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ Cundall, Billy (4 August 2017). "Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs target taking Salford City to the Premier League". Sky Sports. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ "Class of '92 target Premier League for Salford City FC". Sporting Life. 4 August 2017. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ "It's Shaymen v Magpies In National North Finale". Pitchero Non-League. 7 May 2017. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ "A to Z of Salford: O is for… Ogunrinde". Salford City Official Website. 16 June 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City FC win promotion to Vanarama National League". Salford Star. 22 April 2018. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City: Club co-owned by former Man Utd players promoted to National League". BBC Sport. 21 April 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ Britton, Paul (21 April 2018). "Party time for the Class of '92 again as Salford City FC become league champions". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford secure promotion to National League". BT Sport. 21 April 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ Kilpatrick, James (8 May 2018). "Promoted Salford City part ways with joint-managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley". FourFourTwo. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City joint-managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley leave after promotion". Sky Sports. 8 May 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ "Graham Alexander: Salford City appoint ex-Scunthorpe manager". BBC Sport. 14 May 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
- ^ Kelly, James (27 July 2018). "How a dated promotion system is facilitating Salford City's heavy spending". These Football Times. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ "Gary Neville and Salford City accused of trying to 'steal' Football League place". The Guardian. 20 July 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ "Gary Neville: Salford City owner in Twitter row with Accrington's Andy Holt". BBC Sport. 19 July 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City 1-1 Leyton Orient". BBC Sport. 4 August 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City 2-1 FC Halifax Town". BBC Sport. 14 August 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ Doherty, Joseph (22 October 2018). "Salford City through to FA Cup first round". Salford Now. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ Richards, Alex (22 October 2018). "FA Cup first round draw in full as Salford City head to League One Shrewsbury Town". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
- ^ "Shrewsbury Town 1-1 Salford City". BBC Sport. 11 November 2018. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
- ^ Pilnick, Brent (21 November 2018). "Salford City 1-3 Shrewsbury Town: Managerless Shrews progress to second round". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
- ^ Adcock, Jack (3 January 2019). "Salford City festive review: Is 2019 the year of The Ammies?". Salford Now. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Leyton Orient 0-3 Salford City". BBC Sport. 5 January 2019. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
- ^ "David Beckham to become shareholder of National League club Salford". BBC Sport. 23 January 2019. Retrieved 23 January 2019.
- ^ "Boreham Wood 2-3 Salford City". BBC Sport. 19 April 2019. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
- ^ Gregory, Charlie (30 April 2019). "National League Play-Offs: Salford's path to the Football League explained". Salford Now. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
- ^ "Dev Double Downs Heed". Salford City Official Website. 18 December 2018. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City 1–1 Eastleigh (Salford win 4-3 on penalties)". BBC Sport. 11 May 2019. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ Rindl, Josef (11 May 2019). "AFC Fylde 0–3 Salford City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
- ^ "Salford City promoted to Football League for first time as David Beckham watches on". The Independent. 11 May 2019. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ Marshall, Tyrone (10 July 2019). "Salford City appoint former Manchester United coach to new role". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City 2-0 Stevenage". BBC Sport. 3 August 2019. Retrieved 3 August 2019.
- ^ Gholam, Simeon (13 August 2019). "Salford City 0-3 Leeds: Eddie Nketiah scores debut goal in Carabao Cup tie". Sky Sports. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ "Newport County 0–0 Salford City (5–6 on penalties)". BBC Sport. 19 February 2020. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ "Coronavirus crisis sees Salford City's Wembley trip postponed". Salford City News. Newsquest. 18 March 2020. Archived from the original on 27 April 2020. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ Wallworth, Luke (11 June 2020). "Salford City maiden League Two campaign cut short as clubs vote to end the season". Salford Now. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ Stone, Simon (24 June 2020). "Salford City: League Two club choose to scrap Under-18 team". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ Stone, Simon (9 September 2020). "Phil Neville: 'Salford City's focus has shifted from developing youth'". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
- ^ "EFL Trophy final between Portsmouth and Salford postponed until 2021". Salford City News. Newsquest. 16 September 2020. Archived from the original on 28 December 2021. Retrieved 8 November 2020.
- ^ "Paul Scholes named Salford City interim head coach after Graham Alexander sacking". Sky Sports. 12 October 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
- ^ Alexander, Graham (15 October 2020). "Graham Alexander statement". League Managers Association. Archived from the original on 18 January 2021. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
- ^ Wallworth, Luke (15 October 2020). ""I hope we gave you some great times to remember" – Alexander issues statement following Salford City dismissal". Salford Now. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
- ^ Kerr, Regan (19 October 2020). ""We need to find an experienced manager" – Paul Scholes rules himself out of job as Salford narrowly lose to Port Vale". Salford Now. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
- ^ Lanceley, Matthew (4 November 2020). "Richie Wellens appointed Salford City manager". Salford Now. Retrieved 4 November 2020.
- ^ "Salford City appoint Richie Wellens as new manager". The Football League Paper. 4 November 2020. Retrieved 4 November 2020.
- ^ "Salford sink Portsmouth in EFL Trophy final to become 24-hour champions". The Guardian. 13 March 2021. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
- ^ Thorpe, Chris (13 March 2021). "Portsmouth 0-0 Salford City (AET) (2-4 Pens): FLW reports as Lowe seals cup success for the Ammies". Football League World. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
- ^ "Salford part company with Richie Wellens just over a week after Papa John's Trophy final win". Sky Sports. 22 March 2021. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
- ^ "Salford City appoint Gary Bowyer as manager for remainder of season". The Independent. 23 March 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
- ^ "Gary Bowyer not concerned about results coming as Salford lose to Swindon". Newschain. 21 August 2021. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
- ^ Hay, Anthony (31 October 2022). "Nicky Butt replaces Gary Neville as Salford City chief executive". The Athletic. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
- ^ "Nicky Butt 'delighted' to replace Gary Neville as chief executive of Salford". The Guardian. PA Media. 31 October 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
- ^ "Salford City stadium gets planning passed amidst residents fury". Salford Star. 15 December 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
- ^ "Salford City FC stadium plans revealed in full". Manchester Evening News. 29 October 2016. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ Whaling, James (13 October 2016). "Class of '92 owned Salford City release plans for redevelopment of Moor Lane ground". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ Fitzgerald, Todd (13 October 2016). "Salford City unveil plans for new stadium". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ Fitzgerald, Todd (10 December 2016). "Residents team up to oppose United's Class of '92 plans to rebuild Salford City's stadium". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
- ^ Coney, Steven (16 December 2016). "Salford City get planning permission for redevelopment of their Moor Lane home". The Non-League Paper. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ Dobson, Charlotte (15 December 2016). "Live: Salford City FC new stadium plans approved by planning bosses". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
- ^ Flanagan, Aaron (10 February 2017). "Salford City stadium progressing at rapid rate as Class of 92's club gets set for Football League". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City FC iconic main stand at Moor Lane demolished". Salford Star. 28 May 2017. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ Roue, Lucy (19 October 2017). "Salford City rename stadium after sponsorship deal". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
- ^ Roue, Lucy (19 October 2020). "Salford City rename stadium after sponsorship deal with local entrepreneur". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f Mitten, Andy (15 August 2019). "The rise and rise of Salford City". GQ. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
- ^ Ogden, Chris (17 September 2018). "The Lion Rampant: How Salford City's on-field rise has reinvigorated the local area". The Set Pieces. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City see red with the Class of '92". Salford Star. 17 August 2014. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ Brown, James (4 January 2020). "Gary Neville: The political pundit". The New European. Archived from the original on 12 February 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
- ^ "A to Z of Salford: I is for… Integrity & Industry". Salford City Official Website. 10 June 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
- ^ Walters, David (12 August 2013). "Just Champion At Ammies". Northern Premier League Official Website. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
- ^ "LED Hut Sponsors Of Salford City FC" (Press release). LED Hut. 2 July 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
- ^ "Salford City sign long-term shirt sponsorship deal with Soccer Saturday's Super 6 game". Sky Sports. 2 July 2017. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ Ord, Matthew (9 September 2020). "TalkTalk extends Salford City deal". Insider Media. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
- ^ Ostick, Chris (4 November 2015). "Salford City sign five-year kit deal with Umbro". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ "Kappa signed up as Salford City kit suppliers". Salford City Official Website. 1 July 2019. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ Davison, Karl (1 July 2019). "Salford City debut their new third kit as they sign a three year kit deal with Kappa". Salford.Media. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ "Castore and Salford City announce new multi-year partnership" (Press release). Castore. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
- ^ "Salford City FC". Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ "Man United legends dream big with Salford City FC". ESPN. 13 November 2018. Retrieved 13 November 2018.
- ^ Theobald, Christopher (29 November 2019). "Ammies crowds soar since Class of '92 takeover". Salford Now. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
- ^ Marshall, Tyrone (31 July 2019). "How many season tickets Salford City have sold ahead of historic Football League season". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
- ^ a b "The top five rivals of English football's top 92 clubs revealed". Give Me Sport. 27 August 2019.
- ^ "A to Z of Salford: R is for… Rivalries". Salford City Official Website. 18 June 2020. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Peninsula Stadium (Moor Lane): Salford City FC". Football-Stadiums. 8 August 2018. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
- ^ "Name the Mascots and win tickets for your school!". Salford City Official Website. 26 September 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
- ^ McCauley, Frank (9 June 2020). "A to Z of Salford: H is for… Harold Brearley". Salford City Official Website. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
- ^ Garside, Kevin (21 December 2018). "How Salford City and the Class of '92 altered perceptions in this 'dirty old town'". i. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City FC to get investment from Giggs, Beckham, Neville and the Class of 92". Salford Star. 6 February 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs follow in the footsteps of David Beckham as they begin talks to invest in non-league Salford City". The Independent. 7 February 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford City FC sees Giggs, Scholes, Butt and Neville visit". Salford Star. 1 March 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ Conn, David (29 September 2014). "Peter Lim: Salford City investment not connected to third-party ownership". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
- ^ Conn, David (2 December 2015). "How Gary Neville and Class of 92 fitted into Peter Lim business plan". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
- ^ Lee, David (13 May 2019). "Football: Peter Lim eyes bigger things with Salford City after promotion to League Two". The Straits Times. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
- ^ Stone, Simon (8 January 2020). "Salford City's existing shareholders have invested an extra £2.5m in the League Two club". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
- ^ McDougall, John (20 April 2020). "Salford City chose not to furlough staff because David Beckham co-owns the club - Gary Neville". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
- ^ Evans, Denise (20 October 2015). "Class of 92: Out of Their League documentary - what to expect". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
- ^ O'Grady, Sean (6 November 2015). "Class of '92: Out Of Their League, TV review: Salford's spirited van drivers almost make football look attractive". The Independent. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
- ^ Rees, Jasper (30 October 2015). "Class of 92: Out of Their League, BBC One, review: 'honest'". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
- ^ Slater, Chris (24 February 2016). "Salford City Class of 92 documentary gets second series on BBC". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
- ^ "Class of '92 Full Time - Sky Sports documentary with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Gary and Phil Neville". Sky Sports. 12 November 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
- ^ Costello, Alex (11 December 2017). "Salford City documentary catches up with the Class of 92". Salford Now. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
- ^ "Men's Team". salfordcityfc.co.uk. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
- ^ "The Teams - Development Squad". Salford City FC. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
- ^ "Salford City Player of the Year 2017-18". Salford City FC. 24 April 2018. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ "SIGNING: Piergianni Joins Latics On Loan". Oldham Athletic AFC. 6 January 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ "2019-20 End of Season Awards". Salford City FC. 24 July 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ "Hladký leaves for Ipswich Town". Salford City FC. 28 June 2021. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ "Corrie Ndaba and Jason Lowe scoop Player of the Season awards". Salford City FC. 2 May 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ "Hendry and Watt win in end of year awards". Salford City FC. 8 May 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
- ^ "The teams - Staff". Salford City F.C. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
- ^ "Evo-Stik League Division One North | Average Attendances". Football Web Pages. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
- ^ "Evo-Stik League Division One North | Average Attendances". Football Web Pages. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
- ^ "vo-Stik League Division One North | Average Attendances". Football Web Pages. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
- ^ "Evo-Stik League Premier Division | Average Attendances". Football Web Pages. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
- ^ "National League North | Average Attendances". Football Web Pages. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
- ^ "National League North | Average Attendances". Football Web Pages. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
- ^ "National League | Average Attendances". Football Web Pages. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
- ^ "Sky Bet League Two | Average Attendances". Football Web Pages. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
- ^ "Sky Bet League Two | Average Attendances". Football Web Pages. Retrieved 10 May 2021.
- ^ "Sky Bet League Two | Average Attendances | Home Matches | Football Web Pages". www.footballwebpages.co.uk. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
- ^ David McDonnell (29 August 2023). "Leeds suffer EFL Cup upset as League Two side Salford make history with shootout win". The Mirror. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ "North West Womens Regional League". The FA.
- ^ "Salford City: Club co-owned by former Man Utd players to add women's team". BBC Sport. 7 May 2018. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
- ^ Collinson, Beth (8 May 2018). "Class of 92 announces Salford City Lionesses new women's team". Salford Now. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
- ^ "Round up: Emphatic win for Salford City whilst Didsbury record first win". Stealing Five Yards. 18 September 2018. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
- ^ Burr, James (30 April 2019). "Salford Lionesses secure League title in dominant first season". Salford Now. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
- ^ Tomas, Fiona (19 September 2020). "Salford City Lionesses to make FA Women's Cup debut". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 13 November 2022.
- ^ "Salford City Lionesses 0-4 Newcastle United Women :Snow progression this time". Salford City F.C. 28 November 2021. Retrieved 13 November 2022.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- Salford City on BBC Sport: Club news – Recent results and fixtures
- Salford City at the Football Club History Database
- Salford City F.C.
- 1940 establishments in England
- Association football clubs established in 1940
- Football clubs in Manchester
- Football clubs in England
- EFL Trophy winners
- North West Counties Football League clubs
- Northern Premier League clubs
- English Football League clubs
- Cheshire County League clubs
- National League (English football) clubs