Wigan snatched the sixth and final play-off place from them and the Wolves are left to reflect on some costly defeats earlier in the season.
Relegated Salford, who are determined to retain skipper Mal Alker for next season provided stern opposition, and they were boosted before the game.
Reds were given a glimmer of hope to retaining their Super League status when the Rugby Football League declared yesterday that if Castleford or Widnes did not win the National League Grand Final, then no other club had the criteria to go up so the Reds would retain their place.
They went on to score the try of the game through young Jordan Turner. Reds' winger Richie Barnett added two tries against his former club but the Wolves always had the upper hand.
They scored four first-half tries from Henry Fa'afili, Chris Bridge, Martin Gleeson and Lee Mitchell.
Ben Westwood, who was involved in a bruising personal battle with Salford's Michael Korkidas, extended the lead with a second-half try for the Wolves and Paul Rauhihi also scored.
Salford never gave up and grabbed a late try from centre Kevin McGuinness.
Salford will now plan for the new season and the rebuilding will start next week.
Karl Fitzpatrick remains a target for Wigan but Reds hope to retain a number of highly promising youngsters. Stefan Ratchford and Luke Adamson performed extremely well last night for the home side and the try scored by the impressive Turner confirmed his potential as a rising star.
Salford have high hopes for the lad from Oldham whose versatility augers well for the future.
Warrington achieved what thyey had set out to on the night but with Wigan beating Saints, the last play-off place was out of reach.
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THANK GOD THIS SEASON IS NOW OVER......
Hopefully we can start to rebuild with the main aim getting back into the top flight in 2009.....
I thought Saford's fans were brilliant last night and they don't need a drum to sing to. Roll on next season, some good pointers last night pity the forward pass is no longer picked up by the referees.
The season that started badly, finished finished badly. I don't see why Salford did not play the players who have indicated their preference to go elsewhere next season. It might have provided the fans with a much needed fillip!At least the reds will have a winning season next year.Torred,Toronto
If Salford were to stay up by default cos neither widnes or cas won the play offs, how would that affect contracts, ie Robinson, Coley etc already having quit?
dont think it would mate.theyre a gonner.
There is no point in keeping unhappy players. However, they were only able to leave unopposed because relegation made their contracts null and void. (according to earlier ME stories). Which was a touch premature if widnes or cas dont go up.