Peel Extends Reds Sponsorship

The Trafford Centre has renewed its team and shirt sponsorship with Salford City Reds, which will see the Peel – owned shopping and leisure destination remain as the Reds’ shirt sponsor until 2012.
The two year deal will see The Trafford Centre embark on its 6th year of sponsorship with the Reds in 2010 and will include The Trafford Centre logo on both the home and away shirts, as well as throughout The Willows stadium, bringing regional and national branding opportunities to this world class facility.
Chosen by the Rugby Football League as the venue for the 2009 Super League Launch, The Trafford Centre attracted rugby fans from all the country for the event and will continue to work closely with the Reds on a range of external and centre based community and promotional events throughout the year.

Gordon McKinnon, Director of Operations at The Trafford Centre, said:

‘The Trafford Centre is delighted to have secured this sponsorship deal with one of the North’s premier sports clubs. As the UK’s favourite shopping and leisure destination, it’s important to us to take part in the communities we serve – and to do so with partners who really matter to our shoppers. We wish the players all the best of luck in the coming season, and we know they’ll wear their Trafford Centre strips with pride.”

Salford City Reds’ CEO, David Tarry said:

“The club and the game of Super league are able to deliver high levels of branding exposure and promotional activity on a regional and national stage, which is the key to success at this level.”

With a current trend of professional sports clubs struggling to secure the same levels of sponsorship in today’s difficult financial climate, the Reds have retained all kit sponsors for the 2010 season including Salford City Council, The MEN, Godliman and Watson Homes, Bullen Conservation and Salford Van Hire and also welcome the newly established Salford City College as a sponsor for next season, in a shirt deal totalling in excess of £400,000.

“The Club are fortunate to have such an array of quality blue chip commercial partners, particularly The Trafford Centre,” Tarry continued

To increase sponsorship incomes in this vital area at a time when many are struggling is a testament to the resolve and commitment they have

Ratchford Gets England Call

Salford City Reds ‘Players’ Player of the Year’ Stefan Ratchford has been named as one of the 13 players released this morning, (Thursday) in Tony Smith’s England train- on squad for the forthcoming 2009 Gillette Four Nations.
Hailed by Reds Chairman, John Wilkinson, as a future top class international half-back, Stefan has certainly turned heads in a season that has raised his Super League profile to a whole new level and the 21 year old is relishing the opportunity to train with England’s Elite.
“It’s a great honour to be called up.” Ratchford enthused.
“I feel lucky to be going out there and playing Super League every week but this really is a big deal for me.”
One year into a three year contract, Stefan is a product of the Reds’ Academy and was voted the U21’s player of the year in 2007, making six Super League first team appearances for the Reds in the same year.
“The club have been great and I really have to thank them for giving me the opportunity to play in Super League.
“I now have another great opportunity ahead of me and intend to go out and make the most of it,” said Ratchford.
Head Coach Shaun McRae was also delighted with Ratchford’s call up commenting:
“Stefan has had a terrific season for the Reds and it just goes to show, no matter which team you play for, someone is out there monitoring performance and talent will be recognised.”
The players named this morning (with names of the community club where they played as a junior) are as follows:
Tom Briscoe (Hull FC, Featherstone Lions)
Sam Burgess (Bradford Bulls, Dewsbury Moor)
Garreth Carvell (Warrington Wolves, Stanningley)
Tony Clubb (Harlequins, Greenwich Admirals)
Gareth Ellis (Wests Tigers, Castleford Lock Lane)
Mickey Higham (Warrington Wolves, Leigh Miners)
Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook (Harlequins, Greenwich Admirals)
Adrian Morley (Warrington Wolves, Eccles)
Richard Myler (Salford City Reds, Halton West Bank)
Stefan Ratchford (Salford City Reds, Wigan St Patricks)
Paul Sykes (Bradford Bulls, Thornhill Trojans)
Danny Tickle (Hull FC, Parkside Golborne)
Ben Westwood (Warrington Wolves, Normanton Knights)

Reds Tag Along to Garden Party

The Salford Garden Party is a great day of free family fun and you’re invited!
This is the third year of the popular garden party, hosted by Salford City Council, and Salford City Reds are delighted to be involved.
You’ll get the chance to meet top players and children can enjoy a game of tag rugby with our community team.
There’s also loads of other free entertainment, including face painters, performances from local singing and dancing talent and a circus skills workshop. Plus, if you have a pet pooch you think is a top dog, bring it on the day to enter the Hot Dog competition.
Got a burning question you’d like answering? In the Big Ask you can put your question to a panel of leading politicians. Face the People is a chance to put questions to a panel of senior members from Salford’s Crime Reduction Partnership. On the day there’s also the opportunity to find out what the council can do for you.

The garden party starts at 12 noon and goes on until 4pm on Saturday 19 September and takes place on the lawns at the front of the Civic Centre in Swinton.

‘Stop smoking, start living’ success

Salford City Reds Foundation’s partnership with NHS Salford continues to go from strength to strength after the latest Read more

Reds Part Company With Naylor

Salford City Reds confirm Scott Naylor’s departure from the club, following the last game of the season at the Willows against Leeds Rhinos on Friday evening (11 September)
Assistant coach to Shaun McRae, Naylor had been with the reds for 5 years and the decision comes following the restructure of the football department as they prepare for the 2010 season.
Reds Director of Football Steve Simms said:
“The Salford City Reds Board of Directors would like to thank Scott for all his hard work and service during his years here at Salford City Reds.  We wish Scott all the best for the future”
Joining the Reds in 2004 as Head Coach of the Senior Academy, Naylor became assistant Coach to Shaun McRae at the beginning of the 2009 campaign.

Having played for the Reds for the Reds in the 1996 Challenge cup clash between Salford and Wigan he will be remembered as a member of the team that went on to break Wigan’s long standing domination of the Challenge Cup

The Reds went on to win 26-16 with Scott scoring two tries – the second of which was a 40 metre run to the line resulting in Scott losing a boot

Coaches Lavish Praise On Reds

Opposing Super League Head Coaches Shaun McRae and Brian McClennan were quick to heap to praise on the Salford City Reds after the Willows had almost pulled off a remarkable double against the Super League Champions. It was a memorable night for many reasons, not least the farewell to Super League of veterans Robbie Paul and Craig Stapleton, but as the fans cheered every player off the field it was clear that despite the downs they had enjoyed plenty of ups in the first season back in the big time.

McClennan said: “It’s a good feeling. It’s been two long rounds and we got the job done despite coming up against a side I thought performed well and tried really hard.

“There’s a lot of respect there, they beat us at Headingley and they had a crack at us tonight. We had to work really hard and that’s good preparation for the finals.

“But it’s nice to pick up the award and having won the last match made it even better.”

Of the award the Rhinos picked up on Friday night, the Leeds coach said: “We’re glad to have picked up this award but to me it looks like a lid which you stick on top of a cup. You’ve got to get the cup so that’s what we’ll try and do.”

Salford coach Shaun McRae, who can only see Leeds and their rivals St Helens contesting the Grand Final, said: “It’s game number 10 where we’ve lost by eight points or less so it kind of reflects our season.

“We’ve had opportunities but haven’t been patient enough to maximise those or to seize the game.

“I thought tonight 12-12 at half-time was a fair scoreline but in the second half we lost it in the first 20 minutes. We turned over far too much ball and spent too long defending our line.”

Robbie Signs Off In Super League Thriller

The curtain came down on the Reds first season back in the big-time, alongside Super League legend Robbie Paul – playing his last ever game in the competition, with Salford running back-to-back Champions Leeds Rhinos close again, having beaten them once this season at Headingley already. Roaring into a 12-0 lead the Reds were eventually pegged back to 12-30 before coming strong once again to turn it into another six-point ball-game, only to eventually lose out to the Rhinos 24-30, a result that saw the Yorkshiremen lift the League Leaders Trophy at The Willows.

Match Report

Reigning engage Super League champions Leeds survived a late fightback at The Willows to lift the League Leader’s Shield.

The Rhinos had put one hand on it with last week’s victory over St Helens, and on Friday night ensured they would top the table for the first time in five years.

Luke Adamson and John Wilshere both scored converted tries to give the hosts a shock lead, but Kallum Watkins and Jay Pitts helped the Rhinos come roaring back.

Luke Burgess, Brent Webb and Carl Ablett all crossed for the visitors in the second half and Leeds came out on top, despite a late rally which saw Stuart Littler and Stefan Ratchford cross.

Leeds had an early score ruled out for a forward pass, denying Scott Donald who crossed in the corner.

The home side took the lead in the 15th minute when they were rewarded for their sheer persistence.

Adamson did well to finish a well-crafted score after Salford cleverly drew defenders into the middle of the pitch before working the ball wide.

Craig Stapleton then managed to find Adamson who withstood a couple of Leeds challenges on his way to the line and Wilshere converted.

The Rhinos, clearly rocked on their heels, conceded a second try when Wilshere finished well in the corner.

The initial break was made by scrum-half Ratchford in open play and while the Rhinos defence struggled to get back, the ball was thrown left and the Reds winger marked his final appearance for the club with a well-taken effort.

Wilshere then added the extras before the Rhinos came up with an answer 10 minutes before the interval.

A brilliant break from Ryan Hall, which showed just why he is the Super League’s top scorer, resulted in Watkins racing between the posts from halfway.

Centre Lee Smith left the scores 12-6 in Salford’s favour with the conversion, while Wilshere sent a penalty wide for the hosts.

But Pitts crossed the whitewash for a debut try following a good spell of possession on the stroke of half-time, with Smith levelling.

Leeds looked lively after the break and Salford’s defence did well to withstand the early barrage of pressure.

The Rhinos could sense the Reds were struggling and in the 49th minute replacement Luke Burgess dropped over the line to the right of the posts after yet another lengthy spell with the ball in hand – Smith made it three from three with the boot.

Salford were doing all the defending and the Rhinos scored a fourth try in the 56th minute when full-back Webb, who found himself in acres of space, plucked a Rob Burrow kick from the night sky and, with his legs already pumping crossed unopposed. The conversion under the posts was a formality for Smith.

The visitors’ relentless pressure told as Ablett managed to add a fifth try in front of the huge contingent of Leeds fans.

Reds centre Littler scored a great opportunist effort in the 73rd minute as he exploited a gaping hole in the Leeds defence.

And just two minutes later Robbie Paul sent Ratchford through and he made it a six-point ball game with a brilliant solo effort which saw him sprint from well inside his own half past several static defenders.

Match Facts

Salford 24-30 Leeds

Salford (12) 24
Tries: Adamson, Wilsher, Littler, Ratchford Goals: Wilshere 4

Leeds (12) 30
Tries: Watkins, Pitts, Burgess, Webb, Ablett Goals: Smith 5

Salford: Fitzpatrick, Wilshere, Henry, Littler, McGilvray, Smith, Ratchford, Cashmere, Alker, Stapleton, Sibbit, Adamson, Swain. Replacements: Leuluai, Paul, Sidlow, Nash.

Leeds: Webb, Donald, Smith, Watkins, Hall, Ablett, Burrow, Leuluai, Diskin, Peacock, Lauitiiti, Kirke, Worrall. Replacements: Jones-Bishop, Bailey, Burgess, Pitts.

Referee: T Alibert (Toulouse)

Scoop the Jackpot (9 Sept)

Now’s the time to find out if you are one of this week’s big winners on the Reds’ Golden Bond lottery. Each week you could win up to £10000 for a single £1 stake…think of how you could spend that money this Winter. Read more

Big Red Hunts Rhinos

Salford City Reds Australian Prop Craig Stapleton will play his last game on Friday at The Willows against back to back champions Leeds Rhinos.

Craig will be returning home to Sydney and will be aiming to secure a contract with an NRL club but will initially play some games in a local competition.

It has been an absolute pleasure to play alongside and be captained by Malc.  Everything he does is 100%, with him there are no short cuts or stones left unturned.

Craig enthused “I have really enjoyed my time at the Reds and last season was especially good.  However, I have chatted things over with my wife early in the year and we decide to go back home with the children to resettle in Australia.”

“This season in Super League has been a bit up and down; nevertheless we have enjoyed some historic wins, especially against Hull in the Challenge Cup and Champions Leeds at Headingley”

“I don’t have any regrets about coming to England again, I have enjoyed my football.”

Stapleton had particular praise for Reds Captain Malcolm Alker “It has been an absolute pleasure to play alongside and be captained by Malc.  Everything he does is 100%, with him there are no short cuts or stones left unturned.  He is a great competitor, a top pro and a great example for young players to copy.  He is without doubt the best captain I have been led by.”

Stapleton believes the club has a bright future as this season has seen a lot of youngsters get significant game time.  “Luke Adamson impresses me.  I’ve seen the way he has matured into a leader and he has a great career ahead of him.  Stefan Ratchford is another player to look out for.  Everyone rightly raves about Richie Myler but Stef has just as much talent and promise.”

“With Jewitt, Sidlow and Nash the talent is there and it bodes well for the club.”

“I’m really sad to to be leaving. Tonight will be potentially my last professional game. I have a few “maybes” back in Australia but they are all dependent on other things. I really would like to say thank you to all the Salford fans who have been fantastic to me for two years. It has been a really special time for me and I will never forget it.”

Stapleton is relishing his last game under the lights at the Willows “The lads have been great and there are a number of us leaving at the end of this season so we are all highly motivated to sign off on a high note against the Rhinos on Friday night”

Massive Boost For Reds As Big Phil Signs Deal

Salford City Reds received a huge boost today when Big Phil Leuluai put pen to paper on a new one-year deal to stay at The Willows

Phil who has played a massive impact role off the bench in all but one Super League game this season is the Club’s second top metre-maker with 2347m this term, as well as having the third most carries and being the second best offloader in the 26 rounds played to date.

I am really, really happy to be here next year. The fans and everybody at the club have been nothing but great with me and it will be a pleasure to play for the Reds in 2010.

Fans’ favourite Phil will now take his place in Friday’s line-up against his nephew Kylie with his future at the Reds secure.

He said: “I am really, really happy to be here next year. The fans and everybody at the club have been nothing but great with me and it will be a pleasure to play for the Reds in 2010. My family are really settled in Salford, my boys play in the local amateur leagues and every since we moved to the city from Sydney we have been made to feel very much at home.”

Tickets for Friday night’s clash against Leeds Rhinos are still on sale. Call 0870 118 1914 to book your place to the end-of-season finale.

Next Page »