Former Salford Red Devils chief executive Chris Irwin insisted the club will “never die” despite succumbing to a winding-up order at the specialist companies court on Wednesday.
The 152-year-old club was brought to an end after a one-minute hearing into unpaid tax due to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.
The Red Devils, who were relegated from Super League after a turbulent 2025 campaign, were immediately suspended by the Rugby Football League.
However, there are hopes the Phoenix club could rise in time to fill their old club’s fixtures in the Championship’s second division next season, with Irvine heading one of the interested consortiums.
Irvine said in a statement: “Today marks the end of a turbulent year for Salford Red Devils fans, its stakeholders and partners. We all knew it was coming – the inevitable has dragged on.”
“But that’s not the end. The club, its fans, its community will never die.”
Irwin revealed that his group has already started discussions with future coaches and players, and about a sustainable business plan. An RFL board meeting this Thursday could quickly ratify the Salford club’s return in time for 2026.
Salford were relegated from the Super League last season after a torrid campaign in which they were repeatedly late in paying wages and failed to fulfill a fixture following a mass exodus of players. Coach Paul Rowley has left to join Super League rivals St Helens.
Irwin added: “The consortium and myself, who will be named in due course, have been working behind the scenes to create a realistic and sustainable business plan to take over the fabric of our beloved club and start anew.
“Discussions have already begun with the future head coach, staff and potential players to lead the club forward.”
Salford are set to kick off the 2026 season against local rivals Oldham on January 16, and it is hoped the newly formed club can slip into the position vacated by the liquidated Red Devils.
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John Wilkin reflects on Salford’s decision not to apply for Super League status in 2026 and says the club needs to rebuild from the bottom up.
An RFL spokesman said: “Following today’s court decision, Salford Red Devils’ membership of the RFL has ceased with immediate effect.
“The RFL board will meet tomorrow (Thursday), after which details of the club’s new ownership process will be announced.
The case against Salford was originally launched in June and has been adjourned several times to allow the debt to be paid. The club is not represented in court.