Salford reveal plans for North Welsh Super League road trip
The Salford Red Devils have revealed plans to take Super League games on the road to Manchester and Wales in 2016.
The initiative was confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday which revealed that car manufactuer Mitsubishi would be the club’s main shirt sponsor in 2016.
Red Devils owner Marwan Koukash also asserted that he has a plan for the club to break even financially in three years time.
“It’s good news, not just for Salford, but for rugby league in general to bring an international name to our sport,” Koukash said.
“It sends a huge signal out.
“I’m determined many than ever to change the fortunes of this club. I’ve done things wrong in the past.
“We learn from it and we move on. A lot of work has gone on in the past eight months. There’s a proper plan growing the club off the field.
“We have a three-year plan to where we want to be.”
The club also the target to stage a game in nearby Manchester this year and a match somewhere in Wales, following the start of its partnership with North Wales Crusaders.
Koukash said he has been in discussions with venues in Manchester and wants to capitalise on Salford’s new arrangement with the Crusaders.
“By hooks or crooks I’m bloody going to make this work,” he said.
“I’m going to do everything in my power to make more people want to become involved in this sport.
“This club is going places. Today demonstrates it. I want to grow the club.”
Director of Rugby Tim Sheens insists Salford is still looking for a couple of more players for the 2016 season.
The Red Devils have already signed the likes of Daniel Vidot, Robert Lui, Justin Carney, Logan Tomkins, Gareth O’Brien and Mark Flanagan.
“We’re still in the process of recruiting and we’re certainly doing some hard work in pre-season,” Sheens said.
“We’re also trialing a couple of boys. If they go well we’ll use them. We won’t be beaten for fitness [next year].
“They’re training hard, Ian Watson is doing a great job. Everyone in the staff is pulling together.”
Koukash alos maintained that the club still has some spare salary cap space, and is on the lookout for the a marquee signing, when the timing is right.
“We still have room in the cap to bring in a few quality players,” he said.
“When the [suitable] marquee player becomes available we will be there.”
Salford finished 11th in the regular season and third in the Qualifiers. Out of 30 games in total in 2015 the Red Devils won 13, drew one match and lost 16.
Sheens said the goal for the team in the new season is to make the Super 8s.
“My expectations for us this year are semi-finals and anything else would be extremely disappointing,” he said.
“In a 12-team competition the top eight isn’t far away, for any of the teams.
“We need to see results for the fans, for the players and for everyone.
“We certainly don’t want to be in the Middle 8s again, especially after this year.”
Sheens said the fight displayed by Salford in the Middle 8s is example of the progress made at the AJ Bell Stadium.
“It shows there is a spirit deep within the club, and you’ll see it more this year,” he said.