Saturday Night Fever

Although the Reds have been keen to promote the Friday Night experience at the Willows this season, it’s all change for the next Engage Super League fixture!

On Saturday 5 March, the Reds will entertain Hull FC, with the spectacle being broadcast live on Sky Sports. With kick off at 6.05pm , fans can expect to see the pre match entertainment commencing around 5.20pm .

Gary John will be picking up where he left off last time, singing a number of his own, and welcoming a local youngster as part of our ongoing “Search for a Star” commitment. Last week, Hayley Marie wowed the crowd with her rendition of Sam Brown’s “Stop” and we look forward to welcoming yet another young hopeful to the Willows.

We’ll have the usual fantastic performances from our Cheerleaders – who incidentally are once again preparing to participate in the UK Championships, taking place the same weekend at the Manchester Velodrome. We wish them luck and keep our fingers crossed that they’ll be returning laden with silverware.

In addition we’ll be praying for good weather so that we can fully appreciate the talents of the Chorley Silver Youth Band, who are coming down as part of their build up to the National Championships, taking place at the Royal Northern College of Music in April.

With the usual programme of half time entertainment being provided by the Community Development team and the local amateur clubs, there is surely something on offer to appeal to everyone, and we urge you to get down to the club nice and early on Saturday evening to claim your spot and soak up the atmosphere.

Don’t forget that there are now four bottled beer kiosks in the ground in addition to the usual catering concessions that provide snacks and soft drinks, as there is no entry to any part of the Variety Centre or Willows Tavern once inside the ground.

Following the match, if you fancy extending your night out, the Willows Variety Centre have indicated that any Season Ticket holder who is dressed appropriately (ie no jeans, trainers or football shirts – smart casual only) can gain free admission to the main cabaret room to enjoy the “80’s Experience.” Tables can be reserved by calling the booking office on 0161 736 8541 quoting season ticket offer. Alternatively free admission can be gained on the door before 10.30 pm .

Highton Thanks Reds’ Fans

After suffering a broken arm in Round One of the season, Paul Highton wishes to thank Reds’ fans for their support at this difficult time for one of our longest-serving players.

Over to Paul…

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the supporters who took the time to send me letters and cards wishing me a speedy recovery.

I would probably say that this is the lowest point of my career (and that includes the relegation season, as I knew we would bounce back at the first time of trying).

However, when I received these wonderful letters and cards in the days shortly after my operation I cannot express the comfort it gave me and the determination I now have to fully recover from this set back and get back to doing what I love the most – playing for Salford City Reds.

Yours thankfully,
Paul Highton

Highton Faces Long Lay-Off

Salford City Reds prop Paul Highton faces three months out of the side after suffering a broken arm in the Round One fixture at the JJB Stadium against Wigan Warriors on Friday night.

Highton suffered the blow in a tackle and was taken to the sidelines where his arm was splinted by medical staff. He was then taken to hospital for treatment.

The Reds will not know how bad the damage is until next week after the swelling has gone down. It is a big blow for Highton who has battled back from serious limb injury before after having surgery in 2003 to save his thumb.

The Reds also picked up other knocks in the bruising encounter with Wigan, most notably Nathan McAvoy who has damaged a hamstring. With Junior Langi already suffering a torn quad muscle, Karl Harrison may have selection problems ahead of the Round Two clash this Friday with the London Broncos.

Tickets are available for Reds v Broncos from the club priced £14 / £8. Existing Season Ticket holders can purchase an extra ticket at the promotional price of £5 / £2. Please bring your book to the Club shop.

New Look Line-Up for Friday Night Football

Salford City Reds will be unveiling their new look pre match entertainment this Friday for the first home clash of Super League X, as they take on London Broncos at the Willows.

First on the bill will be presentation to the matchday sponsors, as they are introduced to the local schools who will be playing in the half time matches.

Next up will be Gary John, who will be known by many of you as a performer in the Willows Variety Centre. As well as performing with our cheerleading squad, the Red Hot Flames, each week, Gary will be introducing a local youngster in our “Search for a Star”. So as well as being able to see the very best in local rugby league talent, we’re bringing you the cream of the crop in talented new vocal acts.

First to perform on her home turf is the lovely Hayley Marie who’ll wow you with her big voice. Just 17 years old, we reckon Hayley has a great future ahead of her and are sure you’ll give her the warm Willows welcome she deserves.

To start the season in style, we’ve enlisted the help of classy tenor Laurence Robinson who’ll be stirring us all into a frenzy both pre-match and at half time, with his powerful renditions of some classic tunes. Those of you who have attended Powergen Challenge Cup finals and the Super League Grand finals at Old Trafford may well have seen Laurence before as he is a regular performer at these prestigious events.Also at half time we have our championship winning cheerleaders and in addition have four schools who have been taking part in the “Well Red” scheme and are keen to show off their newly acquired rugby skills to the Willows audience – make sure you give the Flames and the children from Charlestown, Summerville, Seedley and St George’s Primary Schools plenty of vocal support to encourage them!

Pre match fun and games will start around 7.20pm , so don’t be late! Don’t forget there are now four outlets within the ground serving bottled beer only, as well as the usual catering concessions that provide snacks and soft drinks.

The Willows have also unveiled their admission policy for Friday nights – there will be no admission from the ground into any of the bars in the Willows Variety Centre complex, and admission to the Willows tavern is via the entrance on Willows Road only. Patrons using the tavern will be expected to enter and exit the tavern via Willows Road and gain entrance to the ground via a turnstile. Supporters wishing to use the Variety Centre after matches only must adhere to the dress code (no jeans, trainers, team jerseys etc) and must enter via the main entrance. Season Ticket holders will gain half price admission to the cabaret room upon production of their season ticket at the cash desk.

Make sure you get your spot nice and early and soak up the “Friday Night Fever”atmosphere , kick start the season and your weekend with a real bang down at the Willows – you know it makes sense!!!

Tetley’s become ‘Official Beer’ of Reds

Tetley’s continue to be committed to RL after confirming a sponsorship deal to become the “Official Beer” of rugby Super League side Salford City Reds.

Tetley’s, who have been involved in rugby league at all levels including title sponsors of Tetley’s Rugby Super League for the past five years, are firmly established as ‘The Beer’ of rugby league.

The exclusive deal includes shirt breast branding, tickets and perimeter signage. Tetley’s will support this association with ongoing trade and PR campaigns as the brand looks to continue their support to rugby league.

Gareth Roberts, Carlsberg UK Sponsorship Controller, said: “The deal demonstrates Tetley’s continued support and commitment to rugby league. We aim to build on the success of our five years as title sponsor and help the sport achieve the status it deserves. We are looking forward to a prosperous relationship with the club and it’s supporters.”

Carolyn Derbyshire , Marketing and Media Manager at Salford City Reds, added: “We had a great working relationship with Tetley’s during their period as title sponsor and we are confident this will only improve as we welcome them as the club’s Official Beer sponsor.”

Salford Special Agents are Here

No, we’re not branching out into the world of international espionage as you might think, but instead Salford City Reds has entered into a partnership with Salford Pride the environmental education and awareness service of Salford City Council, to launch a new club for children – the Salford Special Agents.

Children can sign up to become members of the club which will run top secret missions based around environmental issues.

The Reds aren’t the only partners in the scheme, but are the main hosts for the Special Agents own unique website, where members can check out their mission details and current information about the local environment.

Salford City Reds Community Development Manager, John Blackburn explained, “This is just another example of how our community partnerships are expanding and evolving. After initial discussions in 2003 the Salford Special Agents club is finally up and running.”

“We already work in local schools trying to encourage youngsters to take pride in their immediate environment and this club is supplemental to the work carried out in the classroom.”

Budding environmentalists can click through on to the Special Agents site from the links to be found at www.reds.co.uk

We’ll be bringing you more information about this, following the official launch, taking place on Saturday 12 February.