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Where do we go now

26/ 9/2002

KARL HARRISON and Steve Simms will remain in charge of Salford despite Sunday's defeat which condemned the Reds to relegation.

Rumours have been rife at the Willows this week that Harrison was ready to walk away from his post along with several members of his playing squad.

But director of football Steve Simms said the big man is ready to accept the challenge of National League rugby next season - and so might several big name Salford stars.

He told Advertiser Sport: "Karl and I will definitely be here next season.We've sat down and talked with the chairman and we've got a rough idea of the kind of budget we'll be working to.

"There are still a lot of ifs and buts and it's got a lot to do with what happens at Halifax. There is also a situation where if Huddersfield don't get promoted then there may not be any relegation at all.If we let all our players' contracts go, we could be left with absolutely nothing so we're going to wait a couple of weeks."

Simms said the club was confident that business plans were in place to attract a 'parachute payment' from Super League which should help cover running costs over the the next 12 months.

Malcolm Alker's future has also been a much-debated subject at the Willows with Bradford Bulls waiting in the wings to sign the hooker - who once again looks favourite to claim Super League Hitman Award for most tackles in a season. But Simms says the Reds may have a trick left up their sleeve.

He told us: "Obviously it's going to be tough but we still want to keep Malcolm and the other players who have served us well. it will probably mean a drop in wages but we hope it will only be short-term. Some players are a little bit smarter than others and they see that a drop into the lower league may not be a bad move in the long-run."

Alker is currently away with other members of the Reds squad on a stag function before getting married at St Peter's church, Swinton, on Saturday.