Can the Salford Red Devils Survive Another Winding-Up Reprieve?

The ongoing financial troubles of Salford Red Devils have led to significant protests from fans during the 2025 Super League season, particularly as a winding-up petition against the club has been adjourned multiple times. The uncertainty surrounding the club’s future, compounded by a mass player exodus and heavy defeats, has left fans anxious about the team's prospects for the next season.

Last updated: 03 November 2025 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of now, Salford Red Devils are facing a challenging situation with a winding-up petition set to be heard again on 3 December 2025. The club's management has expressed confidence in securing a bridging loan to settle a tax bill owed to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), but the ongoing uncertainty has raised concerns among fans and stakeholders. This situation is further complicated by the team's poor performance in the Super League, resulting in a last-place finish and the loss of top-flight status for the upcoming season.

Key takeaways

The winding-up petition against Salford Red Devils has been adjourned four times, with the next court date set for 3 December.
The club suffered a tumultuous 2025 season, marked by late wage payments and significant player departures.
Salford has lost its Super League status after finishing at the bottom of the table, with Bradford Bulls promoted in its place.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief timeline detailing the events leading to the current predicament of Salford Red Devils:

June 2025: Initial winding-up petition filed against Salford Red Devils, adjourned as the club sought a bridging loan.
September 2025: Petition adjourned again as the club neared the end of a disappointing Super League season.
October 2025: The petition was adjourned for a third time, with claims of new funding to settle debts.
3 December 2025: Scheduled appearance in the High Court to address the winding-up petition.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest development is the announcement from the owners that they have secured new funding to settle outstanding debts, which they expect to arrive shortly. However, the ongoing uncertainty continues to fuel protests from fans concerned about the future of the club.

What was already established

Prior to these developments, Salford had been experiencing severe financial difficulties, leading to a mass exodus of players and the resignation of chief operating officer Claire Bradbury under contentious circumstances. Additionally, their performance in the league has been dismal, culminating in a record 82-0 loss to St Helens at the start of the season.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The financial instability of Salford Red Devils has implications for local fans, who may experience disrupted access to games and community events. The protests highlight a growing discontent among supporters regarding the management of the club and its future viability.

Businesses and jobs

The club's struggles can also impact local businesses that rely on game-day revenue and the economic activity generated by the team. Layoffs and reduced hours may occur if the situation does not improve, further affecting the local economy.

Policy and regulation

The situation has drawn attention from local government officials, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham advocating for a possible phoenix club model that would allow Salford to re-enter the Championship. This highlights the need for regulatory frameworks to support struggling clubs in the UK sports landscape.

Numbers that matter

82: The number of points scored against Salford by St Helens, marking a record defeat.
1: The current number of senior players available at one point, causing significant welfare concerns.
4: Total adjournments of the winding-up petition since June 2025.
£0: The amount of reported late wages, contributing to player dissatisfaction.
1: The number of new funding sources claimed by the club's owners to settle debts.

Definitions and jargon buster

Winding-up petition: A legal action taken by creditors to dissolve a company that cannot pay its debts.
HMRC: His Majesty's Revenue and Customs, the UK government department responsible for tax collection.
Phoenix club: A new club formed after the dissolution of an old one, typically to continue its legacy in a lower division.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans and stakeholders should remain vigilant as the next court date approaches. The outcome of the hearing on 3 December will be crucial in determining the club's future financial situation and operational capacity heading into pre-season.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the months following the December hearing, stakeholders must watch for updates on funding, player recruitment, and the overall strategy for rebuilding the club. The potential for a phoenix club scenario could also emerge as a viable option if current ownership fails to secure a stable future.

Signals to watch

Updates from the High Court regarding the winding-up petition.
Official announcements regarding new funding and player contracts.
Community engagement activities and protests from fans.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed through official club communications and local news.
Engage with community initiatives supporting the club.
Attend fan meetings to voice concerns and support for the team.

Don’t

Ignore signs of financial distress; engage with the club's situation proactively.
Spread unverified rumours about the club's future.
Disengage from supporting the club during challenging times; community support is critical.

Checklist

Check updates from the High Court on the winding-up petition.
Review any announcements regarding new funding or player signings.
Participate in local discussions about the club's future.
Monitor the club's community engagement efforts and opportunities for involvement.
Stay connected with fellow fans to share insights and support.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The ongoing situation at Salford Red Devils is fraught with uncertainties. The adjournment of the winding-up petition raises questions about the club's financial health and governance. Additionally, the potential for new funding remains speculative, and the club’s ability to field a competitive team for the 2026 season is in jeopardy. Stakeholders should remain cautious and continue to advocate for transparency from the club's management.

Bottom line

The future of Salford Red Devils hangs in the balance as they face significant financial challenges and uncertainty ahead of the December court hearing. Stakeholders must remain engaged and proactive in supporting a resolution that secures the club's longevity and competitive presence in UK rugby league.

FAQs

What is the current status of Salford Red Devils?

The club is facing a winding-up petition, with a court appearance scheduled for 3 December 2025, amid ongoing financial difficulties.

Why are fans protesting against the ownership?

Fans are concerned about financial mismanagement, poor team performance, and lack of transparency, leading to protests throughout the 2025 season.

What happens if the winding-up petition is upheld?

If the petition is upheld, it could lead to the dissolution of the club, severely impacting its future and potential for re-entry into professional rugby.