Reds to fight for Super League lives

Salford City Reds are preparing to fight for their Super League lives at the JJB against Wigan on Friday.

The Reds know they need at least two wins from the remaining three fixtures to have a chance of overtaking Hull KR.

Head Coach Shaun McRae told us: “We’re looking to build on our last performance against St Helens where we went okay.

The guys are refreshed after a week off and are looking to go well in our final three games of the season, which are all obviously very important.”

Tickets for the Wigan fixture will be on sale at the club shop until 3pm tomorrow. Salford remind fans that all tickets bought from them earn the club 10% of the value so it makes sense to buy them in advance from The Willows.

20 man squads

Salford City Reds: Wilshere, Hodgson, Barnett, Moule, Littler, Dorn, Robinson, Coley, Alker, Korkidas, Gower, Highton, Sibbit, Turner, Finnigan, Ratchford, Haggerty, McGuinness, Leuluai, Fitzpatrick.

Wigan Warriors: Calderwood, Bailey, Richards, Barrett, Leuluai, Fielden, Higham, Paleaaesina, Fletcher, O’Loughlin, Vaealiki, Millard, Prescott, Hansen, Goulding, Hill, Colbon, O’Carroll, Mcllorum, Coyle.

Bullen Renews Reds’ Deal

Bullen Conservation have confirmed their commitment to Salford City Reds with a deal that will see them extend their partnership with the club as associate main sponsor for next season and the Bullen company logo appearing on the sleeve of the 2008 strip.

Having pledged their support to the Reds as a Founder Member of their iconic new stadium at Barton, Bullen Conservation will remain with the club through the stadium transition remaining a loyal partner until that key date.

Mike Bullen, MD, said, ‘We are pleased to continue our support with Salford City Reds and maintain our association through to the opening of the new stadium in such a great sport, which we are sure will provide further success to both Salford City Reds and ourselves, both on and off the field.’

Offering a complete conservation and masonry service for Historic, Ecclesiastical and Commercial projects, Bullen Conservation is a young, professional company specialising in the restoration of fine and historic buildings, and is already noted for its impressive work on a number of high profile projects across Salford, Manchester and the North West.

Salford City Reds Director, Trish Goldsmith said, ‘It is with delight that we confirm our continued partnership with Bullen Conservation. Mike and his team are very progressive; they have firm aspirations on what they want for Bullen Conservation and Salford City Reds and are a great company to deal with. Their support over the last few years has been invaluable’.

Godliman and Watson On Board

Salford City Reds are delighted to announce that builders and developers Godliman and Watson have confirmed their support to the club and will remain as Associate Shirt Sponsor for the 2008 season with their logo appearing on the collar. Iain Watson, co-founder of Godliman and Watson, has also recently joined the board of Directors at Salford City Reds and commented,

‘This season has not turned out as anyone expected and with three matches to go our destiny is in our own hands. I firmly believe we have the quality of player at Salford that can orchestrate a great escape and with our support and backing we will pull through.

‘The board of directors led by John Wilkinson OBE are committed to delivering a successful future for the club. We should be on site early next year with the new stadium and aim to arrive in our new home with firm foundations already in place. The development of the foundation, scholarship and academy at the club is bringing through an exciting crop of young players and the investment by the club on the academy building close to our training base in Whitefield reflects our commitment to the future. Salford City Reds will move forward over the next three years and, with the dedicated work of the coaching staff, development team, marketing and all involved behind the scenes, we will enter the new stadium in a strong and solid position both on and off the pitch.

‘Godliman-Watson Homes are committed to supporting the club and are confident that the success it deserves both for its Chairman and Supporters will soon be delivered. Over the last two years it has been a privilege to be involved and we have enjoyed every minute.’

Godliman – Watson Homes have been creating quality homes and apartments for the past twenty years, with current developments focused in the Broughton area of Salford, continuing the regeneration process already taking place in Salford. Formed in 1985 by Barry Godliman and Iain Watson the company is committed to enhancing the area in which they develop and have gradually expanded over the past 20 years, training many of their staff as part of a loyal and competent workforce which takes great pride in its work.

Salford City Reds Director Trish Goldsmith, ‘It is not only a pleasure but also an honour to announce Godliman and Watson‘s continued support as Associate Main Sponsor. Iain, his lovely wife Jane and their children are great supporters of the club and a wonderful family with high morals. Iain’s appointment to the board as Director, has also brought not only his passion for the game but also a very logical and professional understanding of what is needed to take Salford City Reds forward into the future.’

Tetley’s Stay Committed

Carlsberg UK have confirmed their support to Salford City Reds for the 2008 season with a deal that will see them remain as Associate main Sponsor and become the official sponsors of the Platinum Club, to be named the Carlsberg UK Platinum Club.

To tie in with recent legislation the Tetley’s brand that had featured on the club’s strip (front right breast position) will now be moved to the playing shorts and Tetley’s remain the official beer of Salford City Reds, with the brewing giant continuing to show their commitment and support to the club.

Salford City Reds Director, Trish Goldsmith, said, ‘Carlsberg UK have been a wonderful sponsor and business partner to Salford City Reds for many years. It is with great pride that we announce our continued involvement going forward into 2008. Jayne Wade, their Regional Sales Director and her associates have a wealth of experience in business. Through their strives to develop and strengthen Carlsberg UK’s position, not only regionally but also world wide, we feel that Salford City Reds will also gain enormous benefits from their drive and aspirations they have for both of our organisations.’

Jayne Wade, Sales Director for Carlsberg commented, ‘Carlsberg Uk and myself personally have been involved in the club for many years.

‘It is fantastic to be the official beer of Salford City Reds with our brand Tetley’s. Tetley’s has been associated with rugby for many years both League and Union and this is another great example of putting two great brands together like Tetley’s and Salford City Reds to make a winning combination on and off the field.

‘I am delighted and look forward to many more years of a fantastic partnership’

Salford Van Hire Still on Board

Salford City Reds are delighted to announce that Associate Main Sponsor Salford Van Hire have extended their partnership with the club for a further year taking their sponsorship through the 2009 season.

Having originally committed until the end of the 2008, the Salford Van Hire logo appeared on the lower back of the shirt and the company were also the cross bar sponsor for 2007. The 2008 season will see Salford Van Hire take the more prominent logo position on the breast pocket, as well as increasing their support both financially and for the longer term.

Director of Salford Van Hire ,Alessandro Bacci said, ‘Salford Van Hire is close to completing its first season’s support and partnership with Salford City Reds, and has extended it’s commitment with a new sponsorship opportunity on the Reds’ kit for a further two seasons. With Salford City Reds’ Vision for the Future and the building of a fantastic new stadium, we are delighted to continue our support to help the community of Salford.’

Salford Van Hire is one of the UK’s leading vehicle rental companies. Operating for over four decades it is renowned for the exceptional quality and value of their self-drive van and car hire service which make the big orange trucks and vans a regular site wherever you go on the nation’s roads and motorways. With a team of experienced transport consultants, Salford Van Hire ensures the commitment, resources and expertise to provide a highly competitive total transport solution.

Salford City Reds Director Trish Goldsmith said, ‘We are absolutely delighted to announce this wonderful opportunity and partnership for Salford City Reds and Salford Van Hire. The Bacci family are very well respected and admired in business and their commitment to the community of Salford is well know throughout the City. As well as being tremendous business partners who follow the same principles as the Club, the Bacci family have proved themselves to be very honourable and supportive towards Salford City Reds. Their confidence in John Wilkinson OBE our Chairman and, of course the club, will never be forgotten.’

Reds’ Nose Day

The Salford City Reds Rugby squad took to the malls today for a spot of Mall Walking – all in aid of Comic Relief 2007.

A new initiative at The Trafford Centre, Mall Walking is part of STRIDE a trendy new fitness scheme run by Trafford Sports Development to encourage members of the public to walk their way fit in a safe and secure environment.

The Salford rugby players have no trouble in the fitness stakes but wanted to raise some money for a wonderful cause that is Comic Relief – The Big One!

Kitted in their rugby gear and comedy red noses, the squad asked the public to join them in the 3 mile walk around the malls at The Trafford Centre in a bid to fundraise. The lads had not anticipated quite how far they would have to walk, and the 3 miles of shop fronts at the Centre were quite a feat especially since they started immediately after their training!

Louisa Wall, Physical Activity Co-ordinator for Trafford Sports Development was leading the walk: “I thought the lads would breeze their way through the walk – I have to confess, my regulars – some of whom are pensioners – make it round quicker! However they did so well in raising money for charity and who can stop a squad of rugby players from doing something for a good cause – they certainly charmed the very generous public!”

Gordon McKinnon Director Of operations at The Trafford Centre commented: “As ever the Salford City Reds did us proud. They raised a fantastic £140 for Comic Relief considering the short time they were out on the malls. We are delighted that our visitors were so generous in supporting a worthy cause.”

If you missed the walk this Friday, Mall Walking at the Centre takes place every Wednesday from 9.45 am at the Customer Service Desk outside Selfridges. Make your bid to get fit at The Trafford Centre.

Reds Snare Stapleton

Salford City Reds are delighted to announce the signing of Australian Prop forward, Craig Stapleton. Signed from Cronulla Sharks the 28 year old will join the Reds for the 2008 season on a two year contract which will take him to the end of the 2009 season.

The Sydney born father of four is no stranger to these shores having spent the 2005 Super League season with Leigh Centurions, where he made 28 appearances and scored 4 tries. Having spent the last 18 months with Cronulla Sharks Craig’s previous NRL clubs include St George Illawarra, Parramatta Eels and Penrith Panthers.

Commenting on the signing, Director of Football Steve Simms said, ‘Craig is a quality player and one of the best front rowers in the NRL. We are fortunate to have signed him and he is a great acquisition to the club’.

Craig will arrive in Manchester in December and will join the Reds on their warm weather training trip to Jacksonville, Florida in January 2008.

Anthony Wilson 1950-2007

Born in Hope Hospital, Salford in 1950 Tony Wilson became a lot of things to Manchester and Salford. A seminal figure around the two cities who would always stop to pass the time of day, even in the late stages of his illness.

Often a figure of fun, even lampooned in the local classic ‘24 Hour Party People’ which was about his life, Wilson held the begrudging respect of all who met him.

Attending De La Salle College in Salford before going on to read English at Cambridge in 1968, Wilson returned back to his native North West where he became famous among a generation of Salfordians and Mancunians for his riduclous stunts at the end of the local Granada News bulletins.

From then on the rest will be etched in our history. The Hacienda, Joy Division, the Happy Mondays, New Order and so many more – the music we play each and every week before the Reds run out. Tony Wilson had a visionary hand in all of it. He helped provide the sountrack of a generation of lives.

But above all that he was a Reds fan, often talking up the club for no reason on his regular radio shows, even if it was just to pass the time of day with the latest goings on down here at The Willows.

Tony was a gentle man who had certainly seen a lot of life and the hole that he leaves in our city will be a hard one to fill, anybody who had the pleasure of his company in later years would have found him a mellow character, genuinely interested in what you had to say and happy to talk rugby with the best of them.

He thrived on the experiences of others, and that, these days is a rarity. I had the fortune to interview him prior to the Commonweath Games and met him recently again at the BBC where he told me he was planning on coming to a game soon – he refused the offer of complimentary tickets, saying he would always pay through the turnstile with the other fans. he wasn’t looking for plaudits, that’s just the way he was.

Our deepest condolences go out to all his friends and family at this difficult time.

Friday’s game against St Helens will feature a pre-match musical tribute to Tony. More details to follow next week.

Paul McNally

An Interview with Phillip Leuluai

Rugby League has always been a game that has spanned through generations of families. If your family has a history in the sport then chances are the children growing up will have been involved in the game at some point. Some families seem to have the very essence of the game in their blood. The English have the Mylers, and the Kiwi’s – well they have the Leuluais.

Anybody watching the game since the 80s will not have forgotten the scintillating Wembley performance of Hull legend James Leuluai in 1985, and that famous old name has returned to the Super League of late with James’ son Thomas playing at Harlequins and now Wigan.

This season Kylie, nephew of James signed for Leeds Rhinos and the latest addition to English RL is Phillip, who is James’ brother, who takes his place in the Reds’ line-up at Headingley to face nephew Kylie on Friday. Confused yet?

Phillip, Shaun McRae’s fourth signing since his arrival, made his Salford debut less than 48 hours after stepping off a plane at Manchester International last week, but now after a week of training with his new team-mates is looking to help tip the odds of the Reds maintaining their Super League status with a rare victory in Leeds.

“My signing for Salford all happened very quickly. Over the space of a couple of days actually. I basically had a day to tie up my business and get a flight to the UK once the work permit came through. My family will be following on in about a month.” he tells RedPlanet.

He’s an amiable bloke. Massive but amiable. Like many NRL stars who find their way to these shores he’ll take as much time as you have to speak with you. Having just begun to find his feet he has been walking about the city trying to get his bearings in his own time while sharing an apartment with team-mate David Berthezene, who he already knows from two years playing in France a few years back.

“I was walking to The Willows from the Quays and there were these kids, only young, but acting all tough. I went past them and all this stuff starting to fly past me, they had some kind of slingshot. So I stopped and turned round. It stopped pretty quick.” he grins.

“I already love it here though. The people at the club are so friendly and it’s a good bunch of blokes but it’s obvious to me we are going to have to work a lot harder in the remaining games.

“I’m here to play footy week in week out, be happy and be a part of the team and make a lot of new friends. I was speaking to Kylie last night, we’re all really close and he loves it here and we’ll be hooking up soon enough on Friday. There will be no friendship on the field though, I promise you that.”

Phillip is noted as a latecomer to the game. He won Cronulla’s Rookie of the Year in 2005 at the age of 28 after returning Down Under after a stint in France.

“I came back to New Zealand and joined the police. I never thought I had the ability to make it at the top level but all of a sudden my manager called me up and said were were going to Australia for a shot at the NRL. I played a season with Newtown Jets and half way through signed up with the Sharks and was lucky that they gave me the game time. I have actually applied to join the New South Wales police too. I was waiting for the paperwork to come through when this came up so I guess they’ll be writing to me even though I’m not there now!”

With his family arriving in September Phillip isn’t intending to head back to New Zealand after the season, choosing instead to front up to the British winter.

“It’s been nice since I arrived, It’s been getting hotter but I’m still walking around with a jumper on and people keep staring at me. I’m looking forward to seeing snow though. That would be cool.”

We asked him what his thoughts were about his debut in the defeat to Hull KR last Friday.

“The atmosphere was crazy. I knew it was going to be like that because James had told me. He told me to just block it all out. We see the English Super League on telly back home and know it’s noisy with a great atmosphere but we can’t tell what the fans are singing or chanting. It’s fantastic, the fans are so close to the field at The Willows, they really could make a difference to the boys.

“The game was hard, I was really feeling the effect of the flight in the second half and all I seemed to be doing was running backwards to get back the 10 metres. We didn’t wrestle them enough. It was our own fault and our play the balls were way to slow. We’ve been in all week working on it all and hopefully we’ll see a lot of improvement this on Friday night. How far away is Leeds?”

Phillip Leuluai was talking to Paul McNally

Ladies Day ‘A Great Success’

There was a touch of Ascot elegance at The Willows last Friday (3 August) as the Reds game against Hull KR also became the clubs inaugural Ladies Day.

Guest of honour was 94 year old Mary Pierce, a life long supporter of the club and Mary joined the other corporate visitors who all donned their finery on the day, with the ladies taking to the pitch pre match to show off a fine collection of hats in honour of the event.

Not even the result could dampen the spirits of all the Ladies Day revellers as they enjoyed first class entertainment in the Willows and vied for the prizes of most elegant lady and best hat award.

Director of Salford City Reds, Trish Goldsmith, commented, ‘We had a fabulous day and my thanks do out to all the ladies who turned out in their hats and made it such a special occasion. My special thanks to Mrs Mary
Pierce who was guest of honour on the evening and who is a wonderful supporter of the club.’

After the great success of Ladies Day the club will be looking at repeating the event again next season.

Most elegant Lady (Platinum club): Delores Clague
Best hat (Platinum club) : Ann Simms

Best Hat (Corporate) Angela Haydock
Most elegant Lady (Corporate): Guest of AG Barr sponsors

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