John Wilkinson, the local supporter who bought the club, was presented with the coveted Merit Award by the Rugby League Writers Association for services to a sport he has championed throughout his life.
Wilkinson, one of the game's good guys, spelt out his intentions to transform his beloved Salford City Reds in his acceptance speech.
And Salford fans should have nothing to fear as the club start a new chapter relegated from Super League but on the verge of a move to a new site at Barton that could see them right at the top.
Wilkinson has assembled a good squad and drawn up an innovative business plan. He has also put together a top-class off-field team to bat alongside him.
His vice-chairman Howard Clague lacks none of Wilkinson's drive and determination for Reds to rule rugby league's roost.
In Shaun McRae he has one of the best coaches in the world. Football director Steve Simms brings so much to the table while long-serving chief executive Dave Tarry has also played his full part.
Wilkinson's continued support for Salford has been outstanding. Over the years, many players and coaches have come and gone but he has remained loyal and enthusiastic.
Under his guidance, Salford will continue to be very much the people's club.
They have always shown a willingness to move with the ctimes despite lacking the financial clout of their rivals.
Passion
Barton, however, will change this and Salford will be able to buy the best.
He is respected throughout rugby league, as his latest award demonstrates, and the passion he showed when he first took charge of Salford has never diminished.
Those who know him say he is keener and more determined than ever to see a golden dream turn to reality.
Wilkinson believes the club's move to what he labels an "iconic" £35m new state-of-the art home at Barton will guarantee a lasting legacy of quality.
Barton is the chairman's golden dream - his new-born baby - and the move gives him the chance to propel the club onwards and upwards.
Barton will be special, according to Wilkinson. It will soon stand tall on an ever-changing skyline and be the city's flagship development.
It will meet the needs of a thriving community, another cause close to the chairman's heart as he is also a supporter of many local causes, including Hope Hospital where his children and grandchildren were born.
He says the dawn of an exciting new era at Barton has helped ease the pain for him following this season's relegation and has vowed to spearhead a determined Salford fight-back.
When the Reds do leave their 100-year-old Willows home the chairman will shed a tear, hardly surprising as Salford would possibly have gone to the wall by now as a full-time professional club but for Wilkinson's backing.
His 25 years as owner and chairman of Salford typify his loyalty and the move to Barton could, and should, prove a lasting legacy.
These are exciting times not only for the chairman but for everyone associated with the ambitious City Reds.
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Congratulations John Wilkinson. You have been an inspiration to the Salford club thru thick and thin. Now with so many positives in the offing, we hope you are on the threshold of realizing your dream of seeing the Reds up there with the best in the best of games -Rugby League!Torred, Toronto
Well deserved.
A lot of good things have been said over the years about our chairman Mr Wilkinson.
But it's when you meet the man and talk to him that you really can see how much he loves Salford City Reds and I don't know how he does it but he always finds time to speak to the fans when we see him.
I hope when we get our new stadium over at Barton JW is still in charge of our great club to see his dream come true.
Well done Mr Wilkinson..
good luck jhon wilkinson for next season, lets hope its a cracker. you deserve all the plaudits, for all the time and energy you have put in.i carnt waite to be at barton cheering on the reds. darren in bolton. all the best jhon