We can confirm Ryan Brierley has today left Salford Red Devils.
Back in 2021, the Scotland international completed his dream move to the club he supported as a child, and regularly watched games at the Willows with friends and family.
Brierley, working closely alongside our Head Coach, Paul Rowley, has transformed himself into one of the competition’s finest fullbacks.
Across his time at the Red Devils, the 33-year-old donned the Red shirt 95 times, including a personal landmark of 300 in the Betfred Super League.
His 35 tries often came at big moments, and his standout individual campaign across 2023 secured both Coaches’ and Supporters’ Player of the Year at our annual awards ceremony.
Penning his final message, Brierley said: “I’ve lived my childhood dream by representing Salford Red Devils. It’s all I ever wanted: to wear the badge, play for this city, and give everything I had for this club.
“Furthermore, to have been given the honour of captaining Salford is something I’ll hold onto for the rest of my life. No one can ever take that away from me.
“This season has been incredibly tough, mentally, emotionally and physically. It’s been the most difficult period of my career, and I’ve done everything I can to keep going, to stay strong, to keep believing in better days ahead.
“Despite everything, I stayed in the hope that things would turn a corner. I stayed out of loyalty, out of love for the club, and out of belief in what we could still build.
“But sometimes, no matter how much you care, you reach a point where something has to give, for your own wellbeing, and for those around you.
“Making the decision to leave has broken my heart, but I know it’s the right one for the club and myself at this moment in time. I find peace in the fact that the club will benefit, even if it is just for the short term.
“I want to say a massive thank you to Paul King, Paul Rowley and his staff, the backroom team, office staff and especially my teammates, who’ve been my brothers through some of the darkest times this year.
“And finally, to the fans. You are everything. You’ve made me feel like one of your own from day one. You’ve supported me and my family through the highs and the lows, and I hope you feel I gave you all I had in return.
“Your belief in me has meant more than words can ever express. You’ve given me everything I ever dreamed of.
“This is goodbye for now. I leave with a heavy heart, full of love and gratitude, but I’ll always carry Salford with me. I’ll be praying this club gets back to where it belongs.
“Thank you for letting me live the dream. Forever, Salford.”
Everyone at the Club would like to thank Ryan for his incredible contributions since 2021 and wishes him all the best in his future career.
