Hell to heaven in 12 months as Harrison Hanson arrives

1 year ago today I sat in Pendleton church with a lot of salford fans listening to then chairman John Wilkinson deliver the most horrific news that the club I have followed for 20 years man and boy was broken and were about to go out of business unless a buyer could be found.

Fast forward 12 months to the present day and we now stand on the edge of something potentially huge. 

I follow a club that has ambitions, that can attract world class players who hopefully with the investment behind the scenes can take us to the next level and beyond and a owner who so far hasn't put a foot wrong and put his money where his mouth is regarding player recruitment and expanding the game in the city.

I don't think I will get drunk on any success which may or may not come our way in the future and forget where we came from as a club a plucky under dog who sometimes got its day.

It now looks like we might be one of the top dogs, a dog that finally after years of toil, frustration and missing out on the big day might get ita place on the top table.

With the signing of local lad come good Harrison Hanson from wigan and such a long contract covering his peak years must send message to the people of Salford and other clubs in rugby league that Salford Red Devils finally mean business.

Im urging any of you who like sport in the city of Salford and Manchester to back your local team this is our moment I would hate for you to miss out on the greatest show in town.

Thanks for reading ill leave you with this thought IF Salford somehow manage to lift a Challenge cup or super league trophy in the next few years they will surely make a box office film of our journey from Rags to richest surely you would want to be an extra in it??

The story of 2013 and looking forward to 2014

As the succesful Rugby League World Cup brings down the curtain on a long season of Rugby League us Salford Red Devils fans can look back at a very eventful season.

The story so far...

The whole story read back sounds like a roller coaster of a thriller movie.  The dooms day scenario in January, Dr Marwan Koukash arriving saving the club, making headlines both on and off the field from the "wow" comback against Hull KR, beating Huddersfield on good Friday to off field celebrations at the magic weekend when beating Widnes.

There has also been negative points which made headlines from having 14 men on the field v Castleford in the dying minutes causing us to losing the 2 points, Warrington players being hit by a plastic bottles during their celebrations and eventually finishing bottom of the pile in 2013.

Like all good movies the end inspires you to think that the best is yet to come in a sequal with Dr Koukash embracing our history with the " Red Devils" name change, bringing home prodigal son Adrian Morley and also signing current International players for the 2014 season like Rangi Chase and Gaz Hock.

The club should be congratulated on their recent visits to different parts of the city to drum up new support.

This seems to have had a positive effect with record breaking season ticket / merchandise sales both online and in the new club shop during a recent open day held at the stadium.  

The stadium now equipped with a new state of the art gym for the players, a players room where team meetings can be held and a museum where objects from Salfords rich history can be viewed is a massive step forward.

The amazing plans for part of pre season training in the new year to be in South Africa shows how far the club has come in such a small amount of time.

I would like to thank all the players and staff at Salford Red Devils both on and off the field who gave their all in the 2013 season in such trying circumstances. Im sure that the 2014 season will be a totally different and positive experience for you.

The sound of success from a sound cloud

With all the positive stuff going on with Salford Red Devils over the last few weeks I got the opportunity to be involved in a new independent podcast about Salford Red Devils called "Devil in the detail" with Patrick Noone interviewing players and basically chewing the fat about all things Salford.

The link to the show can be seen below feel free to have a listen

https://m.soundcloud.com/devil-in-the-detail-srd/devil-in-the-detail-pilot

It was a very enjoyable experience and with positive feedback from listeners I look forward to further shows in the new year starting in January.

The future is bright, The future is Red

With the off season in full swing old salford would have gone into hibernation a long time ago waking up 2nd week in February.
The new "Super Salford" couldn't be any different when making headlines from Dr Koukash appearing on New Zealands top radio station promoting Salford / dropping hints we might be in with a chance of getting Sonny Bill Williams in a red shirt in the near future.

A possible cross code game against Sale sharks (which deserves a whole seperate blog on the positives and negatives of such a event happening and will get written) and rumours we are on the verge of signing Harrison Hanson son of Salford cult hero Shane Hanson from Wigan.
I have been dreaming for this kind of publicity all my salford supporting life.

Its such a breath of fresh air creating positivity around the club and on the terrace which can only be a good thing.

Happy Christmas and a Red New year

As this will be my last blog for 2013 I would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year and thanks for reading.

Friday v Sunday? Big decision for Salford Red Devils

As the 2013 draws to an end fans look forward to exciting times which will arrive at Barton in 2014.

With a host of new signings most of them international class Salford Red Devils will should be more competitive on the field and hopefully thrill the long suffering spectators. The big question is what day of the week will Salford play?

On the terrace fans are divided between Friday night rugby and Sunday rugby, with a recent poll conducted on a unofficial fans page both days only had a couple of percent between them.

Friday night is Rugby night?

There are lots of advantages to Friday night rugby league for Salford,  there is no chance of a clash with Manchester United or city so fans don't have to choose where they spend their cash.
Ask yourself do you have more money on you on a Friday afternoon for the weekend than you do on a Sunday for example. 

I suggest it may be easier to sell the clubs corporate facilities on a Friday to businesses in the area to treat staff or potential clients
.
You also get more match related stories on a Saturday as no football has been played.

Playing on a Friday also means no school for kids on a Saturday so they could potentially sleep in and recover from the night before.

The players themselves may have a few extra days rest in between matches if one week they play Friday and the next Sunday, over the whole season if the fixtures run right could mean they have up to an extra week or more days than most to prepare for the next game.

Sizzling Sunday Rugby

Playing Sunday will allow the club to provide entertainment both before and after the game for the whole family to come down as a unit and enjoy.

We played a lot over the years on a Sunday many lapsed fans may find it easier to come back and support the Red devils on a weekly basis if they played on the same day they use to go.

The away support paticularly from Yorkshire should grow providing more money for the stadium people and the club.

People who enjoy a few beers with friends will probably have extended days out with as there would be no rush to go anywhere.

The good, The bad and the Ugly

Even tho there is positive aspects for both days there is also negatives.

Friday night rugby means late nights for young children so you limit the amount of future fans the club can pick up.

Traffic on a Friday is always heavy and with the rush hour early that day If a big crowd was expected would probably run into the back end of it.

People travelling from further afield both out of towns Reds and away support have travel plans limited due to time and work related issues

Playing Friday doesn't really allow the club to do much fans related exercises as its a rush to get to the ground and too late after.

Sundays will also be effected by traffic,  situated by the Trafford Centre one of the busiest shopping centres in the world our support joining the ques will effect the flow of traffic both entering and exiting the ground and the surrounding area.

The amount of traffic in the area I feel the supporters buses from Trafford Centre and eccles currently running at 1 every hour can see that going as the traffic will be too heavy on a Sunday.

Traffic may effect any away support as standing traffic heading to the Trafford Centre will certainly effect the amount of time it will take fans to get to the ground from the motorway as all the customers going shopping have to pass the Salford junction.

Also kickoff time will come into play when sale play on a Sunday its midday kickoff to avoid traffic would the supporters of Sunday like a midday kickoff?  Ill stick my neck out and say no salford fans would want that.

Sundays will also be effected by football lets say United or City were playing at 4pm against a title rival or against each other will our part time / fair weather / new fans drag themselves away from the pub and miss the game if Salford were against an average team like Wakefield I fear they wouldn't.

Decision time

Its a massive decision for Dr Marwan Koukash to make but in my own opinion Friday night rugby is the only way to go, you don't have other distractions which may effect attendance of people who will watch Salford "sometimes".

Whatever the Dr decides ill be there Friday or Sunday but ive already been converted its the potential fans he needs to 2nd guess
 

A thank you and the Red Revolution has started today

Well the day has finally arrived, today is the day us Salford fans get to know what Dr Marwan Koukash has planned for our great club.

It is only 10 months since one of its darkest days in Pendleton church when then chairman John Wilkinson delivered the heart breaking news to a couple of hundred Salford fans that the end was nigh. Without serious investment because of horrendous debts the club was finished.

Since that moment the fans dug in came together and showed unbelievable heart and will to show that Salford Rugby League club meant so much to so many.

Even tho people sweated blood, organising events, emptied savings accounts or just gave what they could it would all have been invain but for one man.

Today I would like to use my blog to thank Dr Marwan Koukash.
Not only for taking a chance on my Salford saving it from falling into an oblivion I would also like to thank him for putting the feel good factor back into supporting the club I have followed through thick, thin, and wafer.

Feel good factor

Since the good Dr took over he has been outstanding media and promotion wise.
All news stories were positive we made heads turn, spin and then fall off with rumoured bids and offers for players from all over the world.

People both inside the game and out have had to stand up and take notice about our plans somthing at Salford before the good Dr were unable or unwilling to do.

He promised star players, he said next season will be different and he would do everything in his power to turn the club round and without spoiling his surprises it seems he has delivered it with bells on.

The man himself is always approachable often seen on the terrace mingling with fans. It takes a special man to walk and talk with kings and paupers and treat them both the same and it looks to me the good Dr is that man.

With season tickets for the 2014 season and offers for the world cup also announced today many Reds who arnt already on cloud 9 will be with good noises being made about next seasons shirts arriving in time for Christmas

With all our rumoured signs to be confirmed soon we will have a idea what kind of force we might be next season.
Its far too early for bold predictions about what salford will do but to play safe ive booked off the challenge cup final weekend just in case ;-)

Red Devils returning

I would also like to thank the good Dr for embracing our history and adding the Red Devils to our name.

As Salford are the original Red Devils because of our exploits in france beating every opponent on the tour in 1934.

This happened years before Manchester United adopted it and Salford announcing their name change basically reclaiming it was a massive plus and was applauded from the roof tops.

"Sons and fathers sing this story....of the Salfords march to glory"

Well what a crazy season we have had both on and off the field, will be remembered for the most devastating lows in preseason to today which can only be described as massive and positive for the future.

Lets all move on together both club and fans and embark on this once in a life time adventure from where we are now to the very top of rugby league.

I don't think it will be easy there will be lots of swings and roundabouts on the way but lets enjoy the journey.

The Reds Revolution has begun...

Well since my last blog Salford have started their recruitment for 2014 with new signings Francis Meli, Adrian Morley and Junior Sau.

As all three a very solid professionals and better than what we currently have. Its certainly a bold statement by Dr Marwan Koukash and with further business in the transfer market to be announced in the future its certainly a good time to be a Red Devil.

If the Doctors quest for further transfer targets are successful and the likes of Rangi Chase, Puliatula and Harrison Hanson pull on the Red shirt next season our expectations will be sky high.

Personally I do hope we dont get carried away with next season, it will take a long time for our new Salford "Galaticos" to bed in and with the new found "jealousy" from other clubs fans there will be a lot of people looking to knock salford of their perch.

Dr Marwan has stated he demands a top 4 finish but realistically finishing 8th, a dabble at the playoffs and a good cup run would be a success in my opinion.

We shall see what happens but the truth is the Doctor is a winner so who knows his fairytale 4th place finish might not be too far away.

On the field performances have been a mixed bag. Great team performance against the widnes vikings at the magic weekend ensured a deserved victory there.

 Wakefield and Saints at home ended up blow out scorelines but only after salford were in the arm wrestle for a little while and finally good 1st half performance and hanging on for a victory against London Broncos gives me hope that Noble has the players going in the right direction.

I look forward to the remaining games of the season as traditionally its a time salford usually take their foot of the gas and start looking for their winter break.

This season will hopefully be different,  with the current players eather playing for contracts at salford or elsewhere Marwan and Brian Noble cracking the wip should allow there to be no standing still and admiring the view when it comes to the performances both individually and collectively between now and the end of the season.

Personally I feel we have a few more wins in us between now and the end of the season which will hopefully ensure we dont finish bottom of the table.

We are each our own devil, and we make this world our hell.

Well lots has happened in the world of Salford City Reds since my last blog both good and bad.

Brian Noble has settled into his new job but lost the services of assistant coach Sean Long to Wigan Warriors, Long who was given credit for some of our attacking displays since taking up his role and nurturing talents such as Theo Fagas and Mark Sneyd will in my opinion be a big loss.

Time and people move on so I would like to welcome Andy Hay and Stuart Donlan to Salford.  Both were solid professionals on the field and im sure they have taken a lot from coaches they have played for during their careers and with Brian Noble at the head of our coaching Pyramid its somthing to build on.

The Devil wears prada...and a salford shirt

Dr Koukash decision to rename our club Salford Red Devils is a wonderful decision,  as we are the original Red Devils because of our exploits in france in the 1930s it can be seen as a hat tip to our history and heritage.

I never really bought into the "city reds" tag line we had no identity for the outside world to buy into. (what is a city red??)

With our new identity The Red Devils v the Giants or Wolves gives the match a bit of sparkle and hopefully allow our marketing department to reach out to the people of salford and surrounding areas and promote and start building our fanbase.

Another great decision made by the good Dr was promoting the Bradford game with students in the area and going into schools and giving away free tickets to the children and free parking on a matchday.

Even tho im not a big fan of free tickets as they usually end up in the hands of Reds who are looking for a "free week" this time it seemed to have worked with a big crowd of 5500.

Even tho the match ended up being a bit of a stodge fest and salford lost I saw and heard enough from families attending that they enjoyed the experience and would come again.

The trick for the Doctor is not to fall into the trap the previous management did and give away tickets to anyone who wants one. If I was in control (it would be a mad mad world of I was) I'd be back to the schools with tickets for a fiver and be building a relationships with these schools sending Players/Neville, the Dr again and even our Marketing department to see if we could tap into what the youth want and make salford a club the children can buy into.

Children who are supporters are so important if you get enough bitten by the bug of following salford they will be a supporter all their lives which will be great for the future.

12....13...14....oh bugger...

Brian Nobles 1st win as Salford coach was overshaddowed by the news we fielded a extra man at a crucial time of the game against Castleford.  Even tho the extra man was only on for less than a minute the RFL seemed fit to fine Salford £10, 000.

Personally I think its an outrageous decision but I do feel that because the Dr is our new owner and he hasnt held back in his views on what needs to change in the game. Its more of a attempt to put him back in his box by the RFL.

I think the way the Doctor goes about his business is brilliant roughing up feathers where ever he can and basically promoting salford and the sport.
I say more power to your elbow Marwan dont take a backward step.

As for form we have lost heavy to both wigan and Warrington in the last few weeks and lost to Bradford but ive read Nobbys book and in there he does state that teams who are going through change often go backwards 1st before going forward so im not too concerned.

Fact remains Brian Noble has a big job on and can't really be judged until he gets his hands on his players next season.

In the mean time lets hope the current set of players who have this golden opportunity to stake a claim for a contract and shirt continue to give 100%, pick up a few more wins and move off the bottom of the table.

Never a dull moment moving forward and Welcome Brian Noble

  Well what an exciting 5 weeks its been to be a Salford fan, Alan Hunte took over head coach duties while the doctor was searching for a new coach.
His approach has been a breath of fresh air giving young players an extended run in the team rather than the usual suspects which has resulted in much more positive performances and results.

Defensively we look stronger and the players look to be enjoying their rugby again which can only be a positive thing for Salford and the direction the club is going.
Special mentions to Sneyd, Fagas, Griffin and Dixon who have certainly found another gear with the "Rugby Genius" in charge and im sure we will be reaping the rewards of blooding these players in the near future.

Guess who? go on Guess again

Well now the search for head coach has finished and Brian Noble has been appointed can I take this opportunity to congratulate the club on their performance during the selection process.
Usually somebody knows what is going on though hearsay or being in the right place at the right time.
Through excellent spin in the media with the "which Brian?" Guessing game and strong leadership by Reds CEO Ed Farish not being drawn into any answers the cat was only let out of the bag when the Dr was seen mooching round Doncaster Races with Noble by his side.

Ive read Brian Nobles book Coaching winning teams and I do feel he is the right man for the job.
This job is arguably his biggest challenge to date building a successful team with a winning mentality from a club with a culture which doesn't have any will test him to the limit
It will take time but for the 1st time in my life time (31 years) we have installed a head coach who has been a successful head coach before who is respected throughout the game.

Brian Noble builds successful teams which is what is needed here and I for one wish him all the best as we currently lie bottom of the superleague the challenge is there for all to see.

Where ever salford play that's where we'll be......if you tell me!

As we share the stadium with the sale sharks and even tho I have no interest in the game of rugby union I have taken an interest in how they do the simple things off the field.
Every home game they and their supporters trust produce posters advertising any events supporters trust related / club related / away game travel info and stick them up in the bar area and around the ground for fans to digest

They arnt pieces of marketing genius its basically a list of all the away games in that month, the time the coach leaves, how much and where you can buy a ticket allowing people to plan ahead when it comes to supporting the team away from home.

Our very own supporters trust FOREVER REDS (www.foreverreds.co.uk) has followed suit with adverts for sponsor a try fundraiser, Retro bag and T-shirts selling and publicising meetings to people who are unaware they take place. Im sure in the future further events will be organised and promoted accordingly.
The club eventually got organised and produced a very good poster to advertise the St Helens away game / travel but then shot its self in the foot with no details regarding travel to Bradford Easter Monday.

Consistency is key im sure our away following would increase in number and give better support if coach travel to away games were advertised and deals perhaps in conjunction with Forever Reds or the new Junior Devils scheme (when its finally announced) were offered to fans who pick and choose their away games.

I just want the Salford City Stadium to feel like home on a matchday. With the stadium management team decorating the supporters bar with salford memorabilia, salford badges appearing around the place on kiosks and grand plans of further personalisation in the future its just the little things that make all the difference.

So come on club lets get the message out.