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Reds league appeal

14/11/2002

REDS chairman John Wilkinson made an emotional plea to all Reds fans - help us get back into Super League.

Mr Wilkinson, who has been at the helm for over 20 years, said he was proud the club has never passed round the coffers before, but admitted they need fans' help for an instant return to the top flight.

Speaking at the launch of Forever Reds - a support-led fundraising trust - Wilkinson said that even with the parachute payment from Super League of £150,000, over two years the club have a shortfall of the same amount.

Crowds are expected to drop by around 30 per cent and SKY sponsorship money also runs out at the start of December.

This has prompted Wilkinson to appeal to Reds fans to get involved with Forever Reds and support organised events throughout the next six months.

He said: "We are obviously disappointed that we are not going to be taking part in the Super League competition and we have got to fight to get back where I believe we should be.

"We must earn this money. If we don't it will be very, very difficult. In my time at the club there has never, ever been a player who has not been paid and I'm not going to start now. I see around me fans with Salford in their hearts and I just hope we can work together."

Wilkinson praised players such as Neil Baynes and Malcolm Alker, who have resisted offers from top Super League clubs to stick with the Willows.

And the Reds chairman also hinted that once the new stadium at Barton is built in three years time, Salford will be able to compete with the top clubs in Super League with a guaranteed £2m salary budget.

But this, says Wilkinson, makes the Reds return to Super League all the more important, as another season of full-time wages would be near impossible.

Forever Reds have set a target of £150,000 in six months and have plans for several fundraising initiatives - including a '1,000 club' where fans pay £100 to receive special benefits from the Reds.

Further ideas will be invited from all fans at another meeting on Thursday November 21.

• Applications to the 1,000 club should be sent to: Forever Reds, Salford Rugby League Club, Willows Road, Salford M5 2FQ.