Blease named new Salford CEO

Former Salford player Ian Blease has been appointed as the club’s new chief executive.

Owner Marwan Koukash has been serving as Salford’s chairman and CEO since the departure of Martin Vickers earlier this year.

Blease comes into the role after serving as a rugby league player agent.

The 51-year old played 252 games as a forward for Salford from 1985 to 1998, also serving as club captain.

Blease also previously worked for several years in the housing and construction industry.

He said in a statement: “I am truly humbled and excited to be coming home to the club I not only had the honour of captaining, but one I made over 252 appearances for.

“My final appearance wearing the famous shirt may have been in 1998, but for myself and my family Salford Red Devils as been and always will be my club, and is part of my DNA.

“I would like to personally thank the owner Marwan Koukash for agreeing the deal that has bought me to the AJ Bell Stadium as CEO, a role I will undertake with enthusiasm, pride and conviction.

“Following on from our best season in over a decade, Marwan and I firmly believe we have the foundation in place to grow significantly both on and off the field.

“Salford Red Devils are the only premier sports club in this city, a city which has a population of over 218,000. Now is the time to make Salford Red Devils the club of the people.

“We will do everything within our power to reconnect with and bring back our lapsed supporters, whilst creating partnerships and relationships within the community to capture the next generation of Red Devils.

“Exciting times lay ahead for this club, I’m under no illusions that the task ahead will be demanding but together, alongside our loyal supporters, business partners and corporate sponsors, we can and will make this historic club stronger, bigger and better than before.”