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Supporters Pat Salisbury and Val Boardman with club chairman John Wilkinson, celebrating the Salford City Reds gaining a Super League licence
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Simply super!
24/ 7/2008
THERE was champagne all round at The Willows this week as the Salford City Reds sipped to their success after being awarded a franchise licence and a return to the Super League next season.
Hundreds of fans waited outside the club from 8am to hear Tuesday’s announcement which has secured the club’s future for the next three years in a move that is believed to be worth around £4m.
And with the club on track for their 2010 move to the 20,000-capacity City of Salford Stadium, things are certainly looking up.
A jubilant John Wilkinson, the club’s longstanding chairman, said: "This is great news for both the club and the city of Salford.
"I am thrilled and elated by the decision to see Salford back in Super League.
"This was the aim, it is what we have worked towards and, like I have said all along, the future is extremely bright for the club.
"Our new stadium at Barton will be a landmark and be the finest of its kind in the game.
"I was confident - not over-confident I might add - that we would be in and obviously it is a massive relief to know that we have been successful in our application bid.
"We can start preparing for Super League right away." He added: "I’m extremely pleased for our loyal magnificent fans, they know how much this decision means to the club.
"We are a very strong stable club, we have met the necessary criteria and we can press ahead with our future plans.
"Salford needed to be back in Super League and this is a wonderful opportunity.
"Our application was first class, it was thorough, it was detailed and professional.
"We held numerous meetings, we covered all aspects of the criteria and could not have done more.
"We simply then had to wait for the decision and I am just so pleased that everything has gone according to plan."
A five-man Rugby Football League panel assessed the 19 Super League applicants based on stadium facilities, finance and business performance, commercial and marketing, and playing strength, with the Reds beating off competition from local rivals Leigh Centurions and Widnes, who were hotly tipped for success.
As of 2009 the Salford City Reds will take their place alongside 13 other Super League teams, including Welsh newcomers the Celtic Crusaders who also secured a spot this week.
Salford City Reds CEO David Tarry added: "This is a marvellous day for the club and very emotional.
"It’s been great to have such a large number of fans with us throughout the day to share the great news.
"The club has a big job ahead now to prepare for 2009 and at the same time begins a new era in the club’s history as we prepare to move into a new stadium.
"Great times lie ahead as the sleeping giant awakes."
Most recent 2 of 2 user comments
Well done to everybody down at the Willows the future is looking brighter and brighter by the minute.
What a great time to be a Salford City Reds fan.
24/07/2008 at 17:13
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