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Stars in giant Reds clear-out

31/10/2002

ADVERTISER SPORT can exclusively reveal who's in and who's out at the Willows.

Following weeks of speculation since Salford City Reds' relegation on the last day of the Super League season, the club have officially confirmed the exit of several players, including long-serving full-back Gary Broadbent, centre Francis Maloney and utility-man Darren Shaw.

Director of football Steve Simms also said some new signings would be announced at the end of next week and that the majority of last year's roster have signed or are about to sign new deals with the Reds.

He told us: "We're still talking with a lot of players but we can only keep those who want to stay and sign on the dotted line. We have spoken to all the players we want to retain. Some have said they want to leave and find another club. If they come back to us then we will talk to them."

Fans favourites Neil Baynes and Malcolm Alker are set to sign an extension to their contract this week - the length of which will depend on Salford being promoted back to Super League.

Danny Arnold has signed a new deal and Stuart Littler, Andy Coley and Paul Highton are expected to follow suit in the next few days.

Moving in the opposite direction, winger Alan Hunte has played his last game for the club after signing from Warrington at the start of this campaign.

Hunte was understood to be one of the biggest earners at Salford and was not offered an extension to his contract.

Nick Pinkney, leading try scorer for the Reds two seasons ago, leaves Salford after spending most of the season on loan at Hull KR.

Aussie Darren Shaw, a loan exile for much of the season, has gone back home after his contract expired this month. He joins Mark Corvo and Greg Ebrill back in Australia. Centre Francis Maloney is believed to have signed a deal with Castleford Tigers. Maloney played 46 times for the Reds, scoring 25 tries.

Half-back Graham Holroyd has been released after making 42 appearances and scoring nearly 200 points for Salford. The news of Holroyd's departure will help the cause of Welsh international Ian Watson, who is currently in talks.

Perhaps the most surprising departure is full-back Gary Broadbent, who has played in 136 Super League games for the club since 1997 - a total bettered only by Steve Blakeley, who is currently in negotiations with Salford.

Although it was no surprise that Damian Gibson left the club - it may shock some fans to learn that he has returned to Australia after failing to find another Super League club. Gibson had talks with Castleford and Halifax but has failed to agree a deal.