The Reds have just three home games left before the curtain comes down and coach Matt Parish has demanded a strong finale, starting tonight against Leeds Rhinos.
Football director Steve Simms told MEN Sport: “A few tears are bound to be shed when we say farewell to The Willows but we are also expecting plenty excitement as well.”
Simms believes Salford have a very bright future under the guidance of Parish and leadership of long-serving chairman John Wilkinson.
Simms said: “After gaining a franchise again, I really do believe we have as good an opportunity to progress as any other club in the Super League.
“To know we have the first year of a new franchise at a brand new stadium at Barton is very special in itself.
“These are very important times for Salford. We aim for bigger crowds, more consistent performances and the chance to progress up the ladder and fulfil our long-term ambitions.”
Simms has full belief in Parish’s brand and style of coaching. He adds: “Matt has come into this club and quickly put his marker down. It has definitely been beneficial for both Matt and for the players to have him here to see out this season and prepare for next.”
Regarding Stefan Ratchford’s decision to join rivals Warrington next season, Simms remains philosophical.
He says: “Life moves on. You just do your best and we did everything we possibly could trying to persuade Stef to stay but he will move.”
And on the shock decision by the Crusaders to opt out of Super League, Simms. said: “I certainly feel for the coaches and the playing staff down in Wales who appear to have lost a lot of money – I don’t think that is right.”
Sean Gleeson and Ashley Gibson could return for Salford tonight. French star Theo Fages has settled in well and has been showing some good touches in training. He is a tough youngster who can play either half-back or loose forward.
Salford have still not given up hope of clinching the final play-off spot but they cannot afford any more slips between now and the end of the season.
WIGAN Warriors coach Michael Maguire has praised young winger Josh Charnley who was a star of the cup win over Warrington.
Maguire said: “I was pleased for him last week. He got caught out a couple of times but that was in the first half. Yet in the second, he did his job. Josh will learn but for a kid like that to bounce back is an outstanding effort. Josh is only young and is learning every day..”
Reports from Australia have linked Trent Barrett with the assistant coach’s job at Wigan for next season. Barrett played for Wigan and is reluctant to leave Australia.
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Exciting times for the Reds,new coach, new ground but what about new fans? \the best way to attract new fans is to win games. The Reds will not win games in abundance until the league attains parity. What is the SL doing to achieve parity? Nothing! When the bigger clubs continue to raid the "also rans" year in year out how will it be obtained? You can't blame the players -they go for the money. I believe that the "also ran" club should have a chance to equal the "raiding club's" offer and if the player goes then the raiding club can forfeit a penalty in the shape of a player from the raiding club's roster. For instance ,thetaiding club could protect say 19 players but the remainder become available to the raided club ,provided that club wants one. Torred.
Jimbo it is very hard to disagree with a word you typed. The 'Top Four', (to steal a phrase from Footy) always win everything. Until that changes then nothing will change.
Jimbo it is very hard to disagree with a word you typed. The 'Top Four', (to steal a phrase from Footy) always win everything. Until that changes then nothing will change.
The Willows what a dump, i never used to miss a game in my teens and it was a dump then,and nothings changed.
Pity the lazy Salford public can't be bothered to show up.