(foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Salford City released 17 players after David Beckham and Gary Neville's takeover, as part of an ambitious five-year plan to reach the Championship by 2029.
David Beckham and Gary Neville have wasted no time reshaping Salford City after completing a fresh takeover of the League Two club, releasing 17 players as they aim to accelerate their push towards the Championship.
The club, co-owned by members of Manchester United’s famed Class of '92, finished eighth in League Two this season and are now taking a ruthless approach to overhaul the squad. The long-term goal? Achieve promotion to the Championship within five years.
Among the players released are experienced names like Ryan Watson, Matthew Lund, Conor McAleny, and Liam Shephard. Others let go include Jon Taylor, Callum Morton, Jez Davies, Marcus Dackers, and Kenny McNair, as well as a host of academy and fringe players.
With these changes, Salford now have just 13 senior players on their books, including those whose contract extensions were triggered automatically. Recruitment for the 2025/26 season is already underway as the club sets sights on a push for League One promotion in 2026.
The reshuffle follows the acquisition of the club by Beckham, Neville, and new investors including Lord Mervyn Davies and businessman Declan Kelly. The rest of the Class of '92 – Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Phil Neville – have now been bought out as part of the transition.
“If you want to get out of League Two, there can be no room for sentimentality,” said a club source, as the Beckham-Neville era officially kicks into gear.