Less than 12 months after five of Manchester United’s famous ‘Class of 92′ took control of Salford City FC, the Red Devils’ less illustrious neighbours landed the Evo-Stik League First Division North title, taking a step closer to professional status in the process.
Darlington 1883’s 1-1 draw with Warrington Town meant Salford took the eighth-tier championship on a fitting tally of 92 points, but they’re unlikely to stop at the Evo-Stik League Northern Premier.
The black and gold boys at bwin offer 3/4 about Salford City earning promotion to the Conference North by the start of the 2018/19 campaign, and considering the backing behind ‘the Ammies’ that looks a mighty wager.
You see, it’s not just many-medalled quintet Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers with a stake in Salford’s future; billionaire Valencia owner Peter Lim got on board the Moor Lane train when buying up 50% of the club in September, and he’ll expect a return on his investment.
Giggs and co have already shown their ruthless streak by sacking former boss Phil Power in January, when the club fell behind Darlington in the table. Scholes and Phil Neville took the coaching reins for the 2-1 win over Kendal Town prior to the appointment of co-managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley.
A run of 14 wins in 16 games followed, with Salford landing their first piece of silverware since picking up the North West Counties Football League Cup in 2005/06, but the prospect of a fascinating local derby with fellow insurgents FC United of Manchester will have to wait at least another year.
The Moston-based outfit confirmed their promotion to the Conference North with a 1-0 win against Stourbridge over the weekend.
It was FC United’s fourth promotion in their ten-year history and couldn’t be more timely, with the club set to move to a new 4,500 stadium over the summer, having led a nomadic existence thus far, largely at Bury’s Gigg Lane home.
