Salford City FC: A New Chapter Begins with Bold Identity and Ambitious Vision

Introduction: The Transformation of a Football Club

Salford City FC, the EFL League Two club with one of English football’s most remarkable modern success stories, is entering a bold new era. In May 2025, Gary Neville and Sir David Beckham took control of the club after their consortium bought out fellow former Manchester United players, marking a significant shift in the club’s direction. This transformation extends beyond ownership, with the club unveiling a new crest for the 2026-27 season after 72% of supporters voted in favour of it, alongside plans to return to their historic orange kit colours.

The Class of ’92 Legacy and New Ownership

Salford City, based in Greater Manchester, has risen rapidly through the English football pyramid since being taken over by Manchester United’s ‘Class of ’92’ in 2014, when it was purchased by Gary and Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Nicky Butt, with David Beckham later joining as a co-owner, achieving four promotions in five seasons and reaching the Football League for the first time in 2019. The recent ownership restructure demonstrates the club’s evolution from a lower-league project to a professional outfit with genuine ambitions.

On-Field Performance and Current Season

In January 2025, Salford City were performing well in EFL League Two, occupying third place in the league table, demonstrating that the club’s competitive edge remains sharp despite off-field changes. The 2025-26 season is their seventh consecutive season in League Two, with the club participating in the FA Cup, the EFL Cup, and the EFL Trophy. However, recent cup results have been challenging, with Manchester City routing League Two side Salford City 8-0 in the third round of the FA Cup.

Conclusion: A Bold Vision for the Future

Salford City’s transformation represents more than cosmetic changes—it signals a club reconnecting with its roots while building for the future. 77.1% of supporters voted to change the club’s primary home kit colour to orange, a colour they had worn consistently until 2014, demonstrating strong fan engagement in the club’s direction. With ambitious ownership, strong league positioning, and a renewed identity that honours its heritage, Salford City FC stands as an example of how modern football clubs can balance tradition with progress. For supporters and neutrals alike, the coming seasons promise to be fascinating as this Greater Manchester club continues its remarkable journey through English football.