Chairman’s Christmas Letter

Dear all,

I’d like to begin my last letter of the year with a tremendous thank you for all of your support in 2007. With the passing of the New Year we are all set to leave behind the disappointments of last season and look forward to the future of Salford Rugby Club.

The speed in which our supporters have put our disappointment behind them is fantastic. I can proudly say that we have sold more season tickets pre-Christmas than ever before, and by some margin.

The staff in the offices have all said how you, the supporters, can’t wait for the season to get started and we are all hoping that Shaun McRae and his players can give us a year to remember. I would personally like to thank each and every one of you who have backed us for this season in the National League by buying a season ticket. It is with the aid of these much needed funds that any rugby club must survive throughout the off-season. So to the fans who have been with us for years and those who have purchased a season ticket for the first time, thank you.

I also firmly believe that our attendance in this division will be of vital importance to our franchise bid for 2009. We must show everybody that giving us a Super league license is not only the right decision but the best decision. I urge each and every one of you to bring as many people as you can with you to our games. Your continued support has never been more valuable to us and we need your help and assistance throughout the coming months on the terraces.

2008 will also be a landmark year for us as work will begin on our new stadium imminently. We have all had to wait patiently for this day to come but now it is almost upon us it is an exciting time indeed. We hope to play our first game there in 2010 and I’m sure when that day arrives all the waiting will have been worth it as the team proudly run out onto the new playing surface at Barton.

All that remains is for me to wish each and every one of you a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy New Year.

Yours,

John A Wilkinson, OBE,
Chairman, Salford City Reds

Reds Raise Money for Mayor’s Charities

Salford City Reds’ Christmas Luncheon Club (Friday 14 December) saw the presentation of two cheques to Madam Mayor, Councillor Valerie Burgoyne, on behalf of Salford Charities.

Tony Brennan of the Institute of Gas Engineers presented a cheque to the Mayor, further to an event the company held at the Willows in September, with Reds’ Chairman John Wilkinson OBE presenting a cheque raised from the raffle at the Lance Todd Dinner.

John Wilkinson OBE, commented “I’d like to thank everybody who has contributed to these worthy causes. I’m delighted that we can present this gift at a special time of year”

Had a Very Shiny Nose..

Salford City Reds get festive with a spot of carol singing for charity!

What: Salford City Reds squad unite with the 3rd Davyhulme Scout & Guide Band to fundraise for The New Children’s Hospital Appeal. For one day only the entire Salford City Reds rugby league squad will be joining the band to raise money for a wonderful cause. The lads will be singing Christmas carols and getting customers feeling festive as they shop

Where: Peel Avenue at The Trafford Centre (outside Boots and M&S)

When: Sunday 16 December from 2-3pm

Visit The Trafford Centre on Sunday 16 December and while you shop enjoy the dulcet tones of a strong rugby squad as they get festive with some classic Christmas tunes including Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Silent Night and O Come all ye Faithful with musical support from the brass band!

The carol singing is all for a good cause even though your ears might be left a little tender, because The Reds are fundraising for The New Children’s Hospital Appeal, The Trafford Centre’s named charity.

You can see the lads in action between 2 and 3pm on Sunday outside M&S and Boots, and offer them a little bit of your spare change – even if it is only to shut them up!

The Scouts themselves will be collecting for their own cause but have kindly agreed to accompany the boys on their quest this Christmas.

Says Captain Malcolm Alker from Salford City Reds: “We are delighted to be able to offer some support to The New Children’s Hospital Appeal at Christmas time. We are not the most tuneful bunch although a few of us think we are the next Robbie Williams, but hopefully the shoppers won’t be too put off and might donate some change towards such a good cause. Also you will see us how we have never looked before…!”

Says Dennis Yarwood from the 3rd Davyhulme Scout & Guide Band: ““3rd Davyhulme Scout & Guide Band is delighted to welcome the Salford Reds “Male Voice Choir” into its ranks for this special event; they definitely put the ‘fun’ into fund-raising. Through the generosity of the Trafford Centre, and its customers, the Band continues to provide a unique and invaluable service to young people.”

YOU ONLY HAVE UNTIL 22ND DECEMBER TO PURCHASE YOUR SEASON TICKET AND QUALIFY FOR A FREE REPLICA SHIRT. DON’T MISS OUT. ORDER IT NOW!

Junior Reds Have a Ball at Party

Salford City Reds’ Junior fans celebrated in fine style at The Willows at their annual Christmas party last week.

The new 2008 squad was in attendance to sign autographs and play party games and 12 lucky families won prizes to go and see Dick Whittington at The Lowry this week.

Salford City Reds would like to wish all our junior fans the very merriest of Christmas.

Rush To Get Your Season Ticket

Due to the phenomenal success of our Free Replica Shirt offer when you buy a season ticket, Salford City Reds would like to remind fans once more that have not yet taken up the deal, that they only have until 22 December to do so.

This offer will not be extended so toime really is running out.

Season Tickets for Juniors also include away games and all tickets include the first three group stage fixtures for the Northern Rail Cup.

To purchase your 2008 season ticket simply book online, call us, or pop into the club shop as soon as possible.

The shop has extended opening hours until 8PM each Thursday in the run up to Christmas to enable all fans to get down to take part in this once-in-a lifetime offer.

Salfordian Christmas £1 Appeal

The Salfordian Hotel is a charming period hotel run by the Salfordian Trust that provides Salford residents and guests with excellent holiday facilities in picturesque Southport, overlooking Hesketh Park where the hotel is situated in its own lovely grounds.

Please help the Salfordian Trust by donating just £1 this Christmas to help bring friendship and joy into lives of our citizens who are maybe in the autumn of their lives but who still feel that they are young at heart.

Please either hand your donation into the Club Shop at Salford City Reds, or send a cheque made payable to the Salfordian Trust c/o Patricia Goldsmith, Director, Salford City Reds, The Willows, Salford M5 5FQ

Reds to Start with Away Fixtures

Salford City Reds will begin both their Northern Rail Cup and National League One campaigns with away fixtures as they prepare to embark upon what will be a historic season for the club, come what may.

In a year where the Reds will learn the fate of their Super League franchise application, and one that will see construction begin on the new stadium at Barton the Reds have been paired with Swinton, Rochdale and Oldham in the group stages of the Northern Rail Cup comencing on 3 February with an away tie at Rochdale’s Spotland.

The first game at The Willows will be against local rivals Oldham five days later.

National League 1 kicks off on Friday 21 March with a tough trip to Leigh Centurions, whereas the first visitors to The Willows in that particular competition will be newly-promoted Featherstone Rovers on Easter Monday.