As we begin the countdown to what is sure to be another exciting 2025 Betfred Super League season, Salford Red Devils are delighted to reveal a restructure of our Club’s leadership group.
Earlier this afternoon, it was confirmed Head Coach, Paul Rowley will become the new Director of Rugby from November 1st, 2025.
Other significant off-field changes will help drive the Club forward and build on Salford City Council’s recent acquisition of the Salford Community Stadium.
The first of which sees Managing Director, Paul King become the new Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.
His focus will switch primarily onto negotiating our position with the stadium and the local authority, on strategic direction, and executing longer-term projects – including the drive for financial sustainability.
On the exciting staff restructure, Paul has said:“We are at a juncture with the club now whereby our on-field consistency enables us to compete at the very highest level.
“If we are to kick and challenge for silverware, we need greater commercial returns and a wider audience to enable us to make the moves for marquee talent that we will need to achieve this.
“We also need the ability to sweat all available stadium assets whilst working strongly in collaboration with the local authority and Sale Sharks.”
The Club is also excited to reveal the appointment of Claire Butters as our new Chief Operating Officer.
Claire has considerable experience in brand, agency and rights-holder business most recently at Sale Sharks, where she held the role of Sales and Marketing Director.
Her focus as COO will be on enhancing our off-field commercial performance across all revenue streams and building the brand, and profile of the club.
On the potential of what Salford can achieve, Claire has said: “It’s a pivotal time for the Club and I believe we’re on the cusp of something special.
“There’s so much opportunity for growth and I know we can establish ourselves as a major force across Rugby League, and an important club in the City of Salford.”
On the appointment of Claire, Paul King has added:“I am delighted to secure Claire’s services.
“She has been known to us for some time, primarily with her lead in greatly enhancing the Shark’s average attendance over the last few years.
“Claire’s immediate focus will be on income generation areas. The role will carry a seat on the club board from 2025.”
Finally, Club Director, Paul Trainor will transition into Director of Foundation and Rugby Partnerships.
In this role, Paul will take over as lead for the Salford Red Devils Foundation with immediate effect.
On what his role aims to achieve, Paul Trainor has explained: “The Foundation has always been the charitable arm of the club and the advent of the club’s rugby strategy.
“However, it will facilitate the Foundation coming under the club’s umbrella, whilst retaining its independent governance structure.
“My initial focus will be developing the Rugby strategy, supporting the educational pathway and increasing the grassroots visibility across Salford and Greater Manchester.”
“I would like to pay tribute to the outgoing Neil Blackburn and thank him for his work in ensuring the Foundation continues to have a significant impact on the local community.”
“Alongside my work with the Foundation, I will be focussing on building and maintaining local, and international partnerships, which enhance the club’s profile, player pathway, educational provision and community programmes.”