Salford Red Devils wound up by the High Court

End of an era for an historic Rugby League but some hope remains

Salford Red Devils have been wound up by the High Court after failing to settle outstanding debts.

Author | Michael Haldsworth

A winding up petition issued against Salford City Reds (2013) Limited, the company behind the 152 year old club, had been postponed four times before Wednesday’s hearing resulted in liquidation.

The collapse caps a deeply unsettled year marked by a mass departure of players, late payment of wages, heavy defeats and the loss of their Super League place for 2026 following the end of season grading.

Salford, Challenge Cup winners in 1938 and runners up in the 2019 Grand Final, were due to compete in the Championship next season and are listed to host Oldham on 16 January.

With the start of the campaign just over six weeks away, there is now considerable doubt over whether they can fulfil those fixtures as the future remains uncertain.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and Salford mayor Paul Dennett met Rugby Football League officials in October to argue for a phoenix club to be admitted to the second tier next season.

What is next then?

In a statement the club said they hoped their "proud name and history can live on and continue to represent the people of Salford".

The club first appeared in court in June, having reportedly owed £500,000 to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

The petition was initially delayed after assurances that a bridging loan would cover the tax bill, with further extensions granted in early September, late October and again last month.

Following the ruling, the club said they understood "the gravity of this situation and the uncertainty this creates for everyone connected" with the Red Devils.