{{Short description|Football club in Greater Manchester, England}} {{EngvarB|date=May 2019}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}} {{Infobox football club | clubname = Salford City | fullname = Salford City Football Club | website = {{URL|https://www.salfordcityfc.co.uk|salfordcityfc.co.uk}} | image = Salford City FC crest.svg | image_size = 135px | nickname = The Ammies | founded = {{Start date and age|df=y|1940}} (as "Salford Central") | ground = [[Moor Lane]] | capacity = 5,108 (2,246 seated)<ref name="StadiumDB">{{cite web |title=England: See what Salford City are building in less than a year |url=http://stadiumdb.com/news/2017/07/england_see_what_salford_city_are_building_in_less_than_a_year |publisher=StadiumDB |date=21 July 2017 |access-date=22 July 2017}}</ref> | owner = [[#Ownership|Project 92 Limited]] | chairman = | manager = [[Karl Robinson]] | mgrtitle = Head Coach | current = 2025–26 Salford City F.C. season | league = {{English football updater|SalfordC}} | season = {{English football updater|SalfordC2}} | position = {{English football updater|SalfordC3}} | pattern_la1 = _salfordcity2526h | pattern_b1 = _salfordcity2526h | pattern_ra1 = _salfordcity2526h | pattern_sh1 = _salfordcity2526h | pattern_so1 = _3_stripes_red | leftarm1 = FF0000 | body1 = FF0000 | rightarm1 = FF0000 | shorts1 = FFFFFF | socks1 = FFFFFF | pattern_la2 = _salford2526a | pattern_b2 = _saldorf2526a | pattern_ra2 = _salford2526a | pattern_sh2 = _salford2526a | pattern_so2 = _3_stripes_yellow | leftarm2 = 000000 | body2 = 000000 | rightarm2 = 000000 | shorts2 = 000000 | socks2 = 000000 | pattern_la3 = _salfordcity2526t | pattern_b3 = _salfordcity2526t | pattern_ra3 = _salfordcity2526t | pattern_sh3 = _salfordcity2526t | pattern_so3 = _3_stripes_white | leftarm3 = FFFFFF | body3 = FFFFFF | rightarm3 = FFFFFF | shorts3 = 000000 | socks3 = 000000 }}
'''Salford City Football Club''' is a professional [[association football]] club based in [[Salford]], [[Greater Manchester]], England. The club competes in [[EFL League Two]], the fourth tier of the [[English football league system]].
Founded as Salford Central in 1940, the club initially competed in local amateur football leagues before being admitted to the [[Manchester Football League|Manchester League]] in 1963. During the 1970s, the club achieved success in regional competitions, winning the [[Lancashire County Football Association|Lancashire Amateur Cup]] in 1971, 1973, and 1975, and the [[Manchester Premier Cup]] in 1978 and 1979. In 1980, Salford joined the [[Cheshire County League]], which merged with the [[North West Counties Football League]] (NWCFL) in 1982. The club adopted the name Salford City in 1989 and gained promotion to the [[Northern Premier League]] (NPL) in 2008. In the club's first season at that level, it avoided relegation by securing its league status on the final day of the season.
In 2014, the club was acquired by former [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] players [[Nicky Butt]], [[Ryan Giggs]], [[Gary Neville]], [[Phil Neville]], and [[Paul Scholes]], alongside Singaporean businessman [[Peter Lim]]. [[David Beckham]] subsequently acquired a 10% stake in the club from Lim in 2019. In August 2024, Neville purchased Lim's remaining shareholding. On 8 May 2025, the club announced that it had been acquired by a new ownership group led by Beckham and Neville, which also included US businessman [[Declan Kelly (businessman)|Declan Kelly]] and [[Mervyn Davies, Baron Davies of Abersoch]].<ref>{{Cite web | title=Salford City FC Acquired by New Ownership Group {{!}} Official Salford City FC website | url=https://www.salfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2025/may/08/salford-city-fc-acquired-by-new-ownership-group-led-by-david-beckham--gary-neville--lord-mervyn-davies-and-declan-kelly/ | access-date=2025-08-04 | website=www.salfordcityfc.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dalleres |first=Frank |date=2025-05-08 |title=Beckham, Neville, PR guru Kelly and Lord Davies take over Salford |url=https://www.cityam.com/beckham-neville-pr-guru-kelly-and-lord-davies-take-over-salford-city/ |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=City AM |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Salford City play their home matches at [[Moor Lane]], a stadium that underwent extensive redevelopment between 2016 and 2017. The ground is currently known as the Peninsula Stadium under a sponsorship agreement. Throughout much of the club's history, the team wore tangerine shirts and black shorts, although its colours were changed to red shirts and white shorts following the 2014 takeover. The club's nickname, "The Ammies", derives from its former name, Salford Amateurs, which was used from the early 1960s until the early 1970s. The club's anthem is "[[Dirty Old Town]]", written by Salford-born songwriter [[Ewan MacColl]] and popularised by [[The Pogues]].
==History== {{See also|List of Salford City F. C. seasons}}
=== The Ammies in amateur football (1940{{En dash}}1982) === The club was founded in 1940 as '''Salford Central''', named after a Salford church where the club was founded.<ref name="SCM">{{cite news |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=912 |title=Salford six |date=13 March 2011 |access-date=17 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> The club competed in local leagues until 1963, when they were promoted to the [[Manchester Football League]] and changed the club name to '''Salford Amateurs'''. Now nicknamed "The Ammies", Salford won the [[Lancashire County Football Association]] (LFA) Amateur Cup for the first time in 1971, beating Aintree Villa 4–0 at [[Old Trafford]], with all four goals arriving in extra time.<ref>{{cite news |title=Aintree sunk by four extra time goals |date=8 May 1971 |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |page=15}}</ref> They won a second LFA Amateur Cup in 1973, defeating Langton 3–1 at Old Trafford.<ref>{{cite news |title=Champions take a new name |date=5 May 1973 |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |page=35}}</ref> and won a third in 1975 by beating [[Waterloo Dock A.F.C.|Waterloo Dock]] 2–1 at [[Maine Road]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Salford 2-1 Waterloo |date=2 May 1975 |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |page=32}}</ref> Salford came close to a fourth cup success in 1977, reaching the semi-finals before losing to Blackpool Rangers.<ref>{{cite news |title=ICI face ex-England star Pointer in final |date=19 April 1977 |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |page=17}}</ref>
Further success arrived for Salford later in the decade in the form of the [[Manchester Premier Cup]], which the club lifted in 1978 and 1979. The club changed their name once more, dropping the Amateurs moniker to become known simply as '''Salford''', and moved into their current home [[Moor Lane]] in 1978.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Duncan |title=Salford City – Peninsula Stadium |url=http://www.footballgroundguide.com/leagues/salford-city-moor-lane.html |publisher=Football Ground Guide |access-date=19 August 2018}}</ref> In the [[1980–81 FA Vase|1980–81]] season, Salford reached the fourth round of the [[FA Vase]], losing 2–0 to eventual winners [[Whickham F.C.|Whickham]]. Following restoration of the ground and a merger with Anson Villa, Salford entered the [[Cheshire County League]] in the same season,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/the-club/history-of-the-club/ |title=History of the club |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford City Official Website}}</ref> finishing 15th and 16th in Division 2,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/engcheshirehist.html |title=England - Cheshire County League |access-date=25 September 2020 |publisher=[[Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation]] |work=[[RSSSF]]}}</ref> before the league amalgamated with the [[Lancashire Combination]] to form the [[North West Counties Football League]] (NWCFL).
=== North West Counties League (1982{{En dash}}2008) === Salford started off in the second division of the NWCFL, and were promoted to the first division in 1986 despite finishing 18th, due to a reshuffling of the pyramid. The club would adopt its current name of '''Salford City''' in 1989 and, the following season, they returned to the final of the Manchester Premier Cup, losing to [[Curzon Ashton F.C.|Curzon Ashton]]. Later in 1990, they entered the [[FA Cup]] for the first time to mark the club's 50th anniversary, losing 3–0 to [[Warrington Town F.C.|Warrington Town]]. Brief highlights of the game were included in the BBC's coverage of the buildup to the 1991 FA Cup final. Salford would later be relegated out of Division One into Division Two at the end of the [[1990–91 North West Counties Football League|1990–91]] season, though a league restructuring saw them immediately promoted [[1991–92 North West Counties Football League|the following season]]. The [[2001–02 North West Counties Football League|2001–02]] saw Salford narrowly miss out on major success; despite amassing 97 points, they missed out on promotion to [[Prescot Cables F.C.|Prescot Cables]] on [[goal difference]], and also made another appearance in the final of the Manchester Premier Cup in 2002, but lost 3–1 to [[Ashton United F.C.|Ashton United]] at [[Boundary Park]]. Manager Andy Brown resigned in March of [[2002–03 North West Counties Football League|the next season]], with their title challenge collapsing following a post-Christmas run of one win in 10, culminating in a 4–0 defeat to [[Skelmersdale United F.C.|Skelmersdale United]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/boss-brown-quits-beleaguered-city-1139542 |title=Boss Brown quits beleaguered City |date=3 March 2003 |access-date=23 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref>
In the 2003–04 season, with the team 16 points behind [[Mossley A.F.C.|Mossley]] despite being again considered amongst the favourites for the league, the club sacked Chris Wilcock and replaced him with former player Mark Molyneaux.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/non-league-football-molyneaux-takes-1156678 |title=Molyneaux takes charge at Salford |date=12 November 2003 |access-date=9 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> He lasted less than a year before resigning, citing financial restrictions placed on him by the club.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/salford-boss-leaves-mark-1110895 |title=Salford boss leaves Mark |date=22 June 2004 |access-date=9 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> He was replaced by Darren Lyons.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/salford-end-rocky-period-1117628 |title=Salford end rocky period |date=22 June 2004 |access-date=9 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> In the 2004–05 season, Salford reached the third round of the [[FA Vase]] before losing 2–1 to [[West Allotment Celtic F.C.|West Allotment Celtic]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/not-allot-to-choose-1134077 |title=Not Allot to choose |date=13 December 2004 |access-date=22 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> In March, they appointed [[John Foster (footballer)|John Foster]] as manager to replace Darren Lyons, with his first game being a 5–1 victory over [[Atherton Collieries A.F.C.|Atherton Collieries]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/new-boss-new-focus-1063338 |title=New boss, new focus! |date=4 March 2005 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> At the end of the season, Foster left his role as manager,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/foster-exits-salford-post-1071351 |title=Foster exits Salford post |date=20 June 2005 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> and was replaced by [[Irlam F.C.|Irlam]] manager Gary Fellows.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/citys-new-boss-1074730 |title=City's new boss |date=20 June 2005 |access-date=12 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> Fellows began his reign with a 4–2 win against [[Glossop North End A.F.C.|Glossop North End]], followed by a 4–2 loss to title favourites [[Cammell Laird 1907 F.C.|Cammell Laird]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/the-city-slickers-1082607 |title=The City slickers! |date=18 August 2005 |access-date=13 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref>
In January 2006, Salford pulled off a coup by signing former [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] starlet [[Ben Thornley]], with the hopes of boosting matchday attendance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/salford-sign-ben-thornley-1018814 |title=Salford sign Ben Thornley |date=19 January 2006 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> Having defeated [[Ramsbottom United F.C.|Ramsbottom United]] 2–1, Salford reached the NWCFL League Challenge Cup semi-finals for the first time,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/city-on-a-high-1025184 |title=City on a high |date=2 March 2020 |access-date=17 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> where they overcome a first leg loss to beat [[Oldham Borough F.C.|Oldham Town]] 2–1 over two legs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/cup-glory-1026007 |title=Cup glory |date=30 March 2020 |access-date=17 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> In May, Salford won the final, overcoming holders Cammell Laird 3–2 in the final; goals from Jamie Baguley, Jon Robinson and Callum Higginbottom gave Salford a 3–0 lead which eventually won Salford the trophy, the first time they had achieved silverware in their 24 years as a semi-professional team.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/first-city-trophy-1031218 |title=First City trophy |date=4 May 2006 |access-date=9 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> However, the club would miss out on promotion on the last day of the season, with a 1–0 loss to Cammell Laird dropping them to fifth, with restructuring of the league meaning only three teams would be promoted.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/city-miss-out-on-promotion-1031614 |title=City miss out on promotion |date=18 May 2006 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref>
====2006 to 2008: Push for promotion==== In June, local businessman and former Salford player Darren Quick became the new Salford chairman, taking over from Ged Carter,<ref name="Quick">{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/city-chairman-makes-quick-impression-1034792 |title=City chairman makes Quick impression |date=29 June 2006 |access-date=13 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> and was being quoted as saying that he was targeting [[National League (English football)|Conference]] football within six years, while promising Fellows a bigger budget to help the club fulfil their potential.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/conference-call-1034414 |title=Conference call |date=15 June 2006 |access-date=13 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> The season began with a 3–1 home loss to Curzon Ashton, despite having gone a goal up after 15 minutes,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/city-rue-missed-chances-in-opening-1040684 |title=City rue missed chances in opening day defeat |date=17 August 2006 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> but followed with five wins on the bounce to move into third in the table.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/city-go-third-1043279 |title=City go third |date=7 September 2006 |access-date=24 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> On 3 October, Salford played a home league game against [[F.C. United of Manchester]] at [[The Willows, Salford|The Willows]], previous home of [[rugby league]] side [[Salford Red Devils|Salford City Reds]]; Salford won the game 2–1 in front of a crowd of 4,058,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/salford-city-2-fc-united-1044118 |title=Salford City 2 FC United 1 |date=3 October 2006 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> leaving Fellows to be confident of a title challenge.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/were-title-challengers-1046226 |title='We're title challengers' |date=5 October 2006 |access-date=13 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> After consecutively beating [[Stone Dominoes F.C.|Stone Dominoes]] and [[Squires Gate F.C.|Squires Gate]] 5–0 and 4–0 respectively, Salford moved level on points with FC United in December,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/city-followers-on-cloud-nine-1052711 |title=City followers on cloud nine |date=14 December 2006 |access-date=24 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> and then became sole league-leaders at Christmas having picked up four points from games against [[Newcastle Town F.C.|Newcastle Town]] and [[Maine Road F.C.|Maine Road]], with Fellows restating his belief the club could go on to win the league.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/city-still-top-1053063 |title=City still top |date=27 December 2006 |access-date=13 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref>
In the 2007–08 season, Salford were again amongst the favourites for promotion, and began their campaign with back-to-back 2–1 victories against [[Formby F.C.|Formby]] and [[Winsford United F.C.|Winsford United]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/dream-start-for-city-1002772 |title=Dream start for City |date=16 August 2007 |access-date=18 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> They went unbeaten in nine games before suffering a 1–0 defeat to [[Silsden F.C.|Silsden]] in late October.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/salford-city-0-silsden-1-1009469 |title=Salford City 0 Silsden 1 |date=1 November 2007 |access-date=24 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> They ended their campaign by defeating league champions [[Trafford F.C.|Trafford]] 3–0 followed two days later by a 2–1 win against [[Runcorn Linnets F.C.|Runcorn Linnets]], meaning the club finished second in Division One of the North West Counties League,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-finish-second-952225 |title=City finish second |date=10 April 2008 |access-date=13 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> and after weeks of uncertainty, the FA confirmed that the club had been promoted to Division One North of the NPL, the eighth tier of the [[English football league system]] and what would be the highest level the club had ever played at.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/salford-city-promoted-at-last-954637 |title=Salford City promoted at last |date=18 May 2008 |access-date=12 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> Salford would also enter the FA Vase for the final time in [[2007–08 FA Vase|this season]], achieving their joint-best run after beating [[Hallam F.C.|Hallam]] 3–0,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/salford-city-3-hallam-0-1014774 |title=Salford City 3 Hallam 0 |date=20 December 2007 |access-date=17 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> before suffering a surprise 3–1 defeat to [[Coventry Sphinx F.C.|Coventry Sphinx]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Gammie |first=Walter |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/sphinx-eye-rise-up-non-league-pyramid-hr289307kp2 |title=Sphinx eye rise up non League pyramid |date=28 January 2008 |access-date=17 September 2020 |work=[[The Times]] |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
=== The Great Escape (2008{{En dash}}2009) === {{more|2008–09 Northern Premier League#Division One North}} The club suffered a difficult start in the NPL, losing six of their first seven matches, including shipping four goals in three consecutive games to [[Clitheroe F.C.|Clitheroe]], [[Mossley A.F.C.|Mossley]], and [[Bamber Bridge F.C.|Bamber Bridge]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-strife-966804 |title=City strife! |date=10 September 2008 |access-date=13 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> a run of form which resulted in Fellows being relieved of his managerial duties in October 2008.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rodgers |first=Tom |date=3 October 2008 |title=Salford City Gaffer sacked |url=http://www.salfordonline.com/sport_page/8837-salford_city_gaffer_sacked.html |url-status=dead |publisher=Salford Online News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402102108/http://www.salfordonline.com/sport_page/8837-salford_city_gaffer_sacked.html |archive-date=2 April 2015 |access-date=27 February 2015}}</ref> In the two fixtures following his departure, the team picked up their second point of the season against [[Colwyn Bay F.C.|Colwyn Bay]], followed by a victory in the [[2008–09 FA Trophy|FA Trophy]] preliminary stage against [[Gresley Rovers F.C.|Gresley Rovers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/a-fine-response-969642 |title=A fine response |date=7 October 2008 |access-date=13 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> Salford moved to appoint former [[Bridlington Town A.F.C.|Bridlington Town]] and [[Stockport Sports F.C.|Stockport Sports]] manager Ashley Berry as the new manager, with Greg Challender as his assistant, and he quickly made experienced midfielder [[Neil Redfearn]] their first signing.<ref>{{cite web |title=City appoint Berry as boss |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-appoint-berry-as-boss-971066 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=22 October 2008 |access-date=27 February 2015}}</ref> His first game in charge did not bring about a change in fortunes, losing 6–2 at home to [[Trafford F.C.|Trafford]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/salford-city-2-trafford-6-971734 |title=Salford City 2 Trafford 6 |date=25 October 2008 |access-date=9 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> Berry's first win in charge, and the club's first league win of the season, came on 15 November, when they defeated Mossley despite going behind in the 19th minute.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-chalk-first-win-973781 |title=City chalk first win |date=15 November 2008 |access-date=9 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref>
After only two months and with results still not improving, Berry was sacked, with chairman Darren Quick citing the club's desperation to not be relegated after only one season in the division.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/ashes-to-ashes-977042 |title=Ashes to Ashes |date=22 December 2008 |access-date=13 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> Berry was replaced the following month by former [[Flixton F.C.|Flixton]] manager Paul Wright;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-get-wright-man-for-the-job-906660 |title=City get Wright man for the job |date=5 January 2009 |access-date=27 February 2015 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> however, Salford were unaware of a pre-existing suspension he had received from [[the Football Association]] for a "serious touchline breach", meaning Wright was unable to start work until March and thus forcing the club to appoint their fourth manager of the season, Neil Hall,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/boss-no-4-steps-in-as-salford-908301 |title=Boss No 4 steps in as Salford regroup |date=23 January 2009 |access-date=13 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> who deputised for the first two months of 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Salford City FC – The Great Escape |url=http://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=44 |publisher=Salford Star |date=8 March 2009 |access-date=27 February 2015}}</ref> By the time Wright took up his position, Salford were languishing at the bottom of the league, having achieved one win and a total of eight points from their first 26 games, leaving them 15 points adrift from safety.
A second win of the season finally came in March, when new signing Steve Foster scored all five goals in a 5–3 away win at [[Lancaster City F.C.|Lancaster City]]. This was followed three days later by defeat, an 8–1 shellacking from [[Wakefield F.C.|Wakefield]], a game where Salford went into the break level before conceding seven second-half goals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/boom-to-gloom-913274 |title=Boom to gloom |date=12 March 2009 |access-date=9 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> Their first victory of the season at Moor Lane came at the end of March, a 1–0 win against [[Bamber Bridge F.C.|Bamber Bridge]] also marking Salford's first [[Shutout|clean sheet]] of the season,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/moor-pain-ends-915414 |title=Moor pain ends |date=2 April 2009 |access-date=26 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> and meant they had more than halved the points deficit to their closest relegation rival.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?ID=73 |title=Rossendale United, Harrogate Railway Athletic, Radcliffe Borough... you must be quaking |date=28 March 2009 |access-date=11 March 2021 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> The club's form continued to improve, and they achieved an important 3–1 victory over relegation rivals [[Rossendale United F.C.|Rossendale United]] at the beginning of April, a game dubbed "''The Game of Death''".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?ID=124 |title=Stuff the Champions League - Salford triumph in the Game of Death |date=30 April 2009 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> Over the Easter weekend, Salford picked up a further four points with a 2–2 draw with [[Chorley]] followed by a 3–1 win over [[Warrington Town F.C.|Warrington Town]], meaning they now sat only four points behind Rossendale with a game in hand.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/revival-continues-916782 |title=Revival continues |date=16 April 2009 |access-date=26 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> Salford won their game in hand against [[Harrogate Railway Athletic F.C.|Harrogate Railway Athletic]], but lost 4–1 to Skelmersdale United, meaning the relegation battle would be decided in the last round of fixtures.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/win-or-bust-city-917467 |title=Win or bust City |date=23 April 2009 |access-date=26 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref>
Survival was secured on the final day of the season with a 5–2 win away at [[Garforth Town A.F.C.|Garforth Town]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/citys-great-escape-918136 |title=City's Great Escape |date=30 April 2009 |access-date=27 February 2015 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> It was a turnaround in fortunes dubbed "The Great Escape"; the club had been bottom of the table continuously since their third game of the season, were relying on Rossendale losing to Mossley, and were losing their own game 1–0 at half-time.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-in-greatest-ever-escape-918140 |title=City in 'greatest ever' escape |date=30 April 2009 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref>
{{#invoke:sports rbr table|table|legendpos=b|header=Matchday |label1=Ground |res1=A/H/H/A/H/A/A/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/H/H/A/H/H/H/H/H/H/A/H/A/A/A/A/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/H/A/A |label2=Result |res2=L/D/L/L/L/L/L/D/L/L/L/L/W/D/L/L/L/L/L/D/L/L/D/L/L/L/W/L/L/W/W/L/W/W/W/D/W/W/L/W |label3=Position |res3=17/20/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/21/20 |text_H=Home |text_A=Away |color_W=green2 |text_W=Win |color_D=yellow2 |text_D=Draw |color_L=red2 |text_L=Loss |color1=gold |color_2-3=green1 |color_4-7=yellow1 |color_24=red1 |source=[http://www.statto.com/football/teams/salford-city/2008-2009/results Statto.com] |date=26 September 2020 }}
=== Northern Premier League (2009{{En dash}}2014) === The 2009–10 season saw strong performances in the [[2009–10 FA Cup qualifying rounds|FA Cup]] and the [[2009–10 FA Trophy|FA Trophy]], with the club reaching the third qualification stage of both competitions, eventually losing in extra time to [[Blyth Spartans A.F.C.|Blyth Spartans]] in the FA Cup in October,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/blyth-spartans-2-salford-city-932846 |title=Blyth Spartans 2 Salford City 1 (after extra time) |date=22 October 2009 |access-date=17 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> before succumbing to a last minute defeat to [[King's Lynn F.C.|King's Lynn]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=363 |title=Last minute heartache for Salford |date=22 November 2009 |access-date=17 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> In October, arsonists burned down Salford's clubhouse, destroying memorabilia and photographs collected for over 20 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/salford-football-history-up-in-flames-931465 |title=Salford football history up in flames |work=Manchester Evening News |date=6 October 2009 |access-date=12 September 2020}}</ref> In February 2010, having lost four of their last five home matches, Salford parted company with Wright.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wright-leaves-salford-city-882886 |title=Wright leaves Salford City |work=Manchester Evening News |date=11 February 2010 |access-date=8 September 2020}}</ref> Chairman Darren Quick took the unusual step of taking on the role of caretaker manager, to be assisted by the club's former manager Mark Molyneaux, with the pair taking four points of a possible six after beating Garforth Town 1–0 and drawing with Wakefield.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-closer-to-safety-883248 |title=City closer to safety |date=18 February 2010 |access-date=9 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> A few weeks later, it was revealed the pair would be in charge until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Giblin |first=Andrew |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/city-hold-off-boss-hunt-884896 |title=City hold off boss hunt |date=11 March 2010 |access-date=9 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> Under the pair, the team again enjoyed a strong finish to the season, taking 36 points from the remaining games and finishing 11th in the table, their highest ever league finish.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=545 |title=Super Super Super Salford City sign off with win |date=25 April 2010 |access-date=12 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref>
Salford started the [[2010–11 Northern Premier League|2010–11 season]] in similar form to the end of the previous; a last minute equaliser earned a 2–2 draw with [[Trafford F.C.|Trafford]] which was followed with a 2–1 away to [[Prescot Cables F.C.|Prescot Cables]], meaning they sat in eighth place, their highest league position since promotion two years earlier.<ref>{{cite web |last=Giblin |first=Andrew |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-on-an-early-high-897481 |title=City on an early high |date=26 August 2010 |access-date=9 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> But their form soon took a downturn; following two heavy home defeats in the league in four days, 4–0 to [[Chester F.C.|Chester]] and 5–0 to [[Skelmersdale United F.C.|Skelmersdale United]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=690 |title=Salford City Chester |date=25 September 2010 |access-date=9 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=696 |title=Salford City Skelmersdale United |date=29 September 2010 |access-date=9 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> and a 4–1 defeat in the FA Trophy qualification to [[Ossett Albion A.F.C.|Ossett Albion]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=700 |title=Salford City Ossett Albion |date=2 October 2010 |access-date=9 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> Quick decided to end his tenure as caretaker manager having lost six games in a row.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/six-losses-in-a-row-for-salford-city-899950 |title=Six losses in a row for Salford City |date=30 September 2010 |access-date=12 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> He quickly replaced himself with Rhodri Giggs, who would act as player-manager, and he began his reign with a 4–0 win against [[Durham City A.F.C.|Durham City]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=703 |title=Rhodri Giggs new Salford manager |date=5 October 2010 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> Results continued to improve under Giggs, managing to win his first six games in charge which resulted in Salford being just outside the promotion places.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=749 |title=Rhodri Giggs' Tangerine Army win again |date=7 November 2010 |access-date=12 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> However, after losing star striker Steve Foster to [[Chorley F.C.|Chorley]] in March, Salford lost 6–2 to Durham.<ref name="SCM"/> It was Foster's replacement [[Jack Redshaw]] who would help Salford rediscover their form, scoring the second in a 2–1 win against Wakefield for the club's first win in seven games,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/welcome-win-for-salford-city-857040 |title=Welcome win for Salford City |date=24 March 2011 |access-date=17 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> before taking his tally to five goals in four games by scoring both goals in a 2–0 win over struggling [[Leigh Genesis F.C.|Leigh Genesis]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ammies-make-it-two-in-a-row-857566 |title=Ammies make it two in a row |date=31 March 2011 |access-date=17 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> After picking up four points from six against during the Easter weekend against [[Prescot Cables F.C.|Prescot Cables]] and [[Warrington Town F.C.|Warrington Town]], Salford moved into the top ten,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/salford-city-0-prescot-cables-859517 |title=Salford City 0 Prescot Cables 0 |date=28 April 2011 |access-date=15 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> and eventually finished the season in 12th position.
The club began well in [[2011–12 Northern Premier League|2011–12]], with hopes of a playoff push, but a poor run of form at the start of 2012, combined with the frequent departure of the club's top players, including Player of the Year Matty Cross to Warrington,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nonleague.pitchero.com/uncategorized/cross-joins-the-wire-7380/ |title=Cross Joins the Wire |date=13 October 2011 |access-date=7 September 2021 |work=Non-League |publisher=Pitchero}}</ref> resulted in a mid-table finish. After the final home game of the season, Giggs announced he was resigning from the post with immediate effect,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=1347 |title=Rhodri Giggs resigns from Salford City |date=15 April 2012 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> with club captain Darren Hockenhull taking over the final two games against [[AFC Fylde]] and Ossett Albion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/what-a-week-for-salford-city-687041 |title=What a week for Salford City |date=19 April 2012 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref>
In May 2012, the club appointed [[Darren Sheridan]] as the new manager.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-barrow-boss-darren-sheridan-688104 |title=Former Barrow boss Darren Sheridan is Rhodri Giggs' successor at Salford City |date=10 May 2012 |access-date=27 February 2015 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> The [[2012–13 Northern Premier League|2012–13 league season]] started well, and the club also enjoyed a local derby in the preliminary round of the [[2012–13 FA Cup|FA Cup]] against [[FC United of Manchester]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=1499 |title=Salford City vs FC United of Manchester Ticket Details & FA Cup Preview |date=17 September 2012 |access-date=27 February 2015 |publisher=Salford Star}}</ref> Over 1,300 fans were in attendance at Moor Lane to watch a narrow loss in a five-goal thriller.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/salford-city-2-fc-united-695895 |title=Salford City 2 FC United of Manchester 3 |date=27 September 2012 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> Sheridan's tenure lasted only eight months, resigning in January 2013 following a review of the club's budget, with his final game being a 5–2 win against Wakefield despite being down to 8 players.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=1657 |title=Salford City hit five against sorry Wakefield |date=13 January 2013 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Browne |first=Gavin |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/stockport-county-spring-a-shock-as-darije-1242276 |title=Stockport County spring a shock as Kalezic takes reins |date=25 January 2013 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> Salford appointed Andy Heald as caretaker manager,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.evostikleague.co.uk/ammies-hand-heald-caretaker-role-12624/ |title=Ammies Hand Heald Caretaker Role |date=22 January 2013 |access-date=27 February 2015 |work=Manchester Evening News |archive-date=2 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902000530/http://www.betvictornorthernpremier.co.uk/ammies-hand-heald-caretaker-role-12624/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> before announcing his permanent appointment a month later.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.salfordonline.com/sport_page/41428-andy_heald_scores_top_job_at_salford.html |title=Andy Heald scores top job at Salford |date=28 February 2013 |access-date=27 February 2015 |publisher=Salford Online |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402125226/http://www.salfordonline.com/sport_page/41428-andy_heald_scores_top_job_at_salford.html |archive-date=2 April 2015 }}</ref> Before his first game, club captain Jimmy Holden departed, defender Jameel Ibe left for [[York City F.C.|York City]], and striker Danny Heffernan returned to Australia; Heald managed the team to a 2–2 draw with Mossley.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=1677 |title=Salford City battle for point at table topping Mossley |date=3 February 2013 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> Under his leadership, Salford finished a disappointing 16th place, which included a 6–0 battering by Trafford,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=1757 |title=Salford City go missing in Trafford |date=1 April 2013 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> but enjoyed a run to the final of the Manchester Premier Cup where they faced Mossley at [[Edgeley Park]]; despite a rousing late comeback to level the game at 2–2, Salford lost 4–2 in the resulting penalty shoot-out.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/mossley-2-salford-city-2-2501948 |title=Mossley 2 Salford City 2 (Mossley win 4-2 on pens): Lilywhites lift Manchester Premier Cup |date=28 March 2013 |access-date=8 September 2020 |publisher=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> At the end of the season, Heald and his assistant Chris Thompson left the club by mutual consent, citing business and family commitments.<ref>{{cite web |last=Coney |first=Steven |url=https://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/latest-news/northern-premier-league/5801/salford-city-lose-their-managerial-team/ |title=Salford City Lose Their Managerial Team |date=10 May 2013 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=[[The Non-League Paper]]}}</ref>
Ahead of the [[2013–14 Northern Premier League|2013–14 campaign]], the club experienced several major changes; club legend Barry Massay and [[Phil Power]] were appointed as joint managers, Salford based businesswoman Karen Baird took over as chairman from the long-serving Quick, and the first team squad now had a "Salford core", having retained only three players from the previous season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=1910 |title=Salford City FC gunning for greatness |date=11 August 2013 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> The new management team got off to a strong start, beginning with a first ever opening day victory in the division, a 1–0 victory over [[Harrogate Railway Athletic F.C.|Harrogate Railway Athletic]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=1915 |title=Salford City FC gunning for greatness |date=18 August 2013 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> and were unbeaten after the first six games of the season until a 2–0 defeat to [[Burscough F.C.|Burscough]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=1955 |title=Salford City unbeaten run ends at Burscough |date=21 September 2013 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> Form began to dip, winning just one of their next twelve games before a 2–1 away win against Ossett Albion in November.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=2026 |title=Super Salford City FC overcome Ossett Albion |date=10 November 2013 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> The decision was made to reshuffle the management team with Power assuming sole managerial responsibility and Massay dropping down to an assistant managerial role, before subsequently leaving the club completely a month later.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nonleague.pitchero.com/news/massay-stands-down-at-salford-26698/ |title=Massay Stands Down at Salford |date=14 November 2013 |access-date=25 February 2015 |work=Non-League |publisher=Pitchero Non-League}}</ref> In their next game, Salford scored their most ever goals in a game in the division when they defeated [[Kendal Town F.C.|Kendal Town]] 6–3 at home.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=2033 |title=Salford City FC run riot at Moor Lane |date=16 November 2013 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref>
=== Takeover by the Class of '92 (2014{{En dash}}2017) === {{See also|Salford City F.C.#Ownership|label 1=Ownership of Salford City}} On 27 March 2014, it was announced that, subject to FA and NPL approval, Salford would be taken over by the ''Project 92 Limited'' consortium, a group consisting of former [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] players [[Nicky Butt]], [[Ryan Giggs]], [[Gary Neville]], [[Phil Neville]], and [[Paul Scholes]], known collectively as the ''Class of '92'', expected to be completed by the summer.<ref name="CO92TO1">{{cite web |last=Keegan |first=Mike |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/class-92-buy-salford-city-6887407 |title=Class of '92 stars agree deal to buy Salford City FC |date=27 March 2014 |access-date=27 March 2014 |work=[[Manchester Evening News]]}}</ref><ref name="CO92TO2">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/mar/27/class-of-1992-salford-city-deal-agreed |title='Class of 1992' agree deal to purchase Salford City |date=27 March 2014 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> Chairman Karen Baird described it as "massive", saying it would secure the future of the club.<ref>{{cite web |last=Keegan |first=Mike |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/pints-points-promise-salford-city-6895123 |title=Pints, points and promise: Salford City kick-off new era with win |date=30 March 2014 |access-date=17 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> At the following Salford games, a 3–2 win over [[Farsley Celtic F.C.|Farsley Celtic]] and a 3–1 home loss to [[New Mills A.F.C.|New Mills]], fans chanted "We are Tangerine" in protest at rumours the club's colours would be changed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=2212 |title=Man United's Class of '92 miss Salford City Class at Farsley |date=29 March 2014 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=2220 |title=Salford City FC beached on sand of new times |date=5 April 2014 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> Fan unrest continued to grow until the final game of the season, a 3–1 loss to Prescot Cables, which meant Salford finished the season in 12th position.<ref name="ColourChange">{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=2248 |title=Man United Class of '92 inspire rebellion over possible Salford City FC shirt colour change |date=27 April 2014 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> [[File:Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley.jpg|thumb|328x328px|Bernard Morley (left) and Anthony Johnson were appointed joint-managers in January 2015.]] With the proposed takeover of the club completed, the new ownership team were present at pre-season training in July 2014, at which Giggs suggested the consortium had ambitious aims for the non-league club, with a target of [[Football League Championship|Championship]] level football within 15 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itv.com/news/granada/update/2014-07-11/class-of-92-aiming-high-for-salford-city-fc/ |title=Class of 92 have high hopes for Salford City FC |publisher=[[Itv.com|ITV]] |date=11 July 2014 |access-date=13 July 2014}}</ref> It was confirmed that Baird would remain the club's chairman and Power would continue as manager. Prior to the start of the 2014–15 season, the club announced a showcase match against a "Class of '92 XI" featuring all five of the new owners<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27337181 |title=Ryan Giggs to play for 'Class of 92' side |publisher=[[BBC]] |date=9 May 2014 |access-date=9 May 2014}}</ref> which Salford City went on to win 5–1.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sheen |first=Tom |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/class-of-92-vs-salford-city-match-report-scholes-giggs-and-the-nevilles-beaten-by-the-non-league-9656415.html |title=Class of '92 vs Salford City match report: Scholes, Giggs and Neville brothers beaten by the non-league team they own |date=8 August 2014 |access-date=26 August 2020 |work=The Independent}}</ref> The 2014–15 season began with a 4–1 win at Moor Lane against [[Scarborough Athletic F.C.|Scarborough Athletic]], with several hardcore fans refusing to attend in protest to the changing of the club colours and badge, while the ''[[Salford Star]]'' dubbed the group ''The Class of [[Vincent Tan]]'' in reference to the [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] owner who had also changed the club colours to red.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=2370 |title=Salford City FC see red with the Class of '92 |date=17 August 2014 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> The good start continued, with Salford unbeaten in the first 13 games. In September, the ownership team announced that they had agreed to sell a 50% stake in the club to Singapore–based billionaire [[Peter Lim]], the owner of [[Valencia CF|Valencia]].<ref name="Lim1">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/sep/22/salford-city-peter-lim-class-of-92 |title=Peter Lim to buy 50% stake in Salford City from Class of '92 |date=22 September 2014 |access-date=22 September 2014 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/11113782/Singapore-businessman-Peter-Lim-joins-forces-with-ex-Manchester-United-players-and-invests-in-Salford-City-FC.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/11113782/Singapore-businessman-Peter-Lim-joins-forces-with-ex-Manchester-United-players-and-invests-in-Salford-City-FC.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Singapore businessman Peter Lim joins forces with ex-Manchester United players and invests in Salford City FC |date=22 September 2014 |access-date=22 September 2014 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
Despite the promising start, a dip in form during December resulted in only four wins from the following 11 matches, which saw the team fall behind [[Darlington F.C.|Darlington]] at the top of the league. As a result, Power was sacked in January 2015 after 18 months in the role.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.salfordonline.com/sport_page/54087-salford_city_sack_manager_phil_power.html |title=Salford City sack manager Phil Power |publisher=Salford Online |date=3 January 2015 |access-date=25 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226133249/http://www.salfordonline.com/sport_page/54087-salford_city_sack_manager_phil_power.html |archive-date=26 February 2015 }}</ref> Scholes and Phil Neville acted as caretaker managers for the subsequent match against [[Kendal Town F.C.|Kendal Town]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Scholes and Neville step in as Salford City caretakers |url=http://en.espn.co.uk/blogs/sport/story/386039.html |work=ESPN |access-date=26 August 2020 |date=4 January 2015}}</ref> before announcing the arrival of the new managerial team of Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley.<ref>{{cite web |last=Watters |first=David |title=Johnson and Morley confirmed as new managers |url=https://www.thenpl.co.uk/johnson-and-morley-confirmed-as-new-managers-22482 |work=The Northern Premier League |access-date=26 August 2020 |date=3 January 2015}}</ref> Johnson and Morley had led Ramsbottom United to promotion from the NPL Division One North during the previous season. The new managerial team went on to win 15 of the remaining 17 matches of the season, a feat which saw them regain their place at the top of the table. With Darlington failing to win their penultimate match of the season, Salford were crowned champions, guaranteeing promotion to the NPL Premier Division.<ref name="promotion2015">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32407664 |title=FC United and Salford City both secure promotion |publisher=[[BBC]] |date=21 April 2015 |access-date=25 April 2015}}</ref> The championship was celebrated with Salford recording their ninth consecutive win in a 5–0 victory over [[Ossett Town]] in front of a crowd of over 1,100.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/champions-salford-city-fc-celebrate-9120322 |title=Champions! Salford City FC celebrate winning Evo-Stik North title |work=[[Manchester Evening News]] |date=25 April 2015 |access-date=25 April 2015}}</ref> {{football squad on pitch|align=left|width=225 |GK_nat=England |GK='''[[Jay Lynch (footballer)|J. Lynch]]''' |RB_nat=England |RB='''C. Lynch''' |RCB_nat=England |RCB='''Dawson''' |LCB_nat=England |LCB='''Howson''' |LB_nat=Republic of Ireland|LB='''[[Stephen O'Halloran|O'Halloran]]''' |RCM_nat=England |RCM='''Stopforth''' |CM_nat=England | CM='''Burton''' |LCM_nat=England |LCM='''[[Lewis Hardcastle|Hardcastle]]''' |RCF_nat=England |RCF='''Hulme''' |CF_nat=England |CF='''[[Danny Webber|Webber]]''' |LCF_nat=England |LCF='''[[James Poole (footballer)|Poole]]''' |caption = FA Cup starting line-up vs [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]], the club's first ever first round cup match }} Johnson and Morley's first full season at the club began with a 0–0 home draw with [[Marine F.C.|Marine]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Higgins |first=Adam |url=http://www.salfordnow.co.uk/2015/08/15/salford-city-held-by-marine-in-season-opener/ |title=Salford City held to goalless draw by Marine in season opener |date=15 August 2015 |access-date=15 September 2020 |work=Salford Now |archive-date=16 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916202223/http://www.salfordnow.co.uk/2015/08/15/salford-city-held-by-marine-in-season-opener/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The club reached the 1st round of the FA Cup for the first time in their 25-year association with the competition, having defeated fellow league side [[Whitby Town F.C.|Whitby Town]], Curzon Ashton and [[Bradford (Park Avenue) A.F.C.|Bradford (Park Avenue)]] from the National League North, and [[Southport F.C.|Southport]] from the National League in the qualifying rounds. In front of a sell-out crowd of 1,400 and airing live on the [[BBC]], Salford scored a famous 2–0 win over [[EFL League Two|League Two]] side [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]] at Moor Lane, with goals from [[Danny Webber]] and substitute Richie Allen.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/salford-city-vs-notts-co/352023 |title=Salford City 2-0 Notts County: Part-timers reach FA Cup second round |date=7 November 2015 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=Sky Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Johnston |first=Neil |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34674206 |title=Salford City 2-0 Notts County |date=7 November 2015 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=BBC}}</ref> In the 2nd round, they were drawn at home to another League Two side, [[Hartlepool United F.C.|Hartlepool United]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/nov/09/salford-city-hartlepool-united-fa-cup-second-round |title=Salford City rewarded with home draw against Hartlepool United |date=9 November 2015 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> A 1–1 draw, again televised on the BBC,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34788646 |title=FA Cup: Salford City's tie with Hartlepool to be shown on BBC |date=11 November 2015 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> earned Salford a replay,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/salford-city-vs-hartlepool/report/352263 |title=Salford 1-1 Hartlepool: Part-timers earn replay against League Two side |date=5 December 2015 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=Sky Sports}}</ref> this time aired on [[BT Sport]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Slater |first=Chris |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/salford-city-again-tv-stars-10568124 |title=Salford City again TV stars with FA Cup replay at Hartlepool to be screened live by BT Sport |date=8 December 2015 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> where they took Hartlepool to extra-time before succumbing 2–0.<ref>{{cite web |last=Moorcroft |first=Will |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/hartlepool-2-0-aet-salford-10607091 |title=Hartlepool 2-0 (AET) Salford City: FA Cup dream ends for Ammies |date=15 December 2015 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref>
In January, Salford beat [[Barwell F.C.|Barwell]] 7–0 to move second in the table.<ref>{{cite web |last=Moorcroft |first=Will |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/salford-city-7-barwell-0-10680480 |title=Salford City 7 Barwell 0 Evo-Stik Premier: James Poole grabs hat-trick as Ammies run wild |date=3 January 2016 |access-date=15 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> Having been in the top five places for the majority of the season, Salford eventually finished third behind champions Darlington 1883 and runners-up Blyth Spartans to claim a playoff place. Ashton United were defeated 3–1 in the semi-final at Moor Lane, which was followed up four days later with a 3–2 win over [[Workington A.F.C.|Workington]] at the same venue in front of nearly 2,000 spectators. The Ammies' scored twice in the final eleven minutes to claim their place in the [[National League North]] for the 2016–17 season, the highest level the club had ever reached in their 76-year history.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36178979 |title=Salford City promoted to National League North |date=30 April 2016 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref>
Johnson and Morley celebrated their 100th game in charge on 19 November, with Salford picking up a 3–0 win against [[Worcester City F.C.|Worcester City]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Bullin |first=Matt |url=http://www.salfordnow.co.uk/2016/11/21/salford-city-managers-awarded-after-100-games/ |title=Salford City managers awarded after 100 games |date=21 November 2016 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=Salford Now}}</ref>
===Turning professional (2017{{En dash}}2019) === {{football squad on pitch|align=right|width=250 |GK_nat=England |GK='''[[Chris Neal|Neal]]''' |RB_nat=Gibraltar |RB='''[[Scott Wiseman|Wiseman]]''' |RCB_nat= England |RCB='''[[Liam Hogan|Hogan]]''' |CB_nat=Montserrat |CB='''[[Nathan Pond|Pond]]''' |LCB_nat=England |LCB='''[[Carl Piergianni|Piergianni]]''' |LB_nat=Gambia |LB='''[[Ibou Touray|Touray]]''' |RCM_nat=Saint Kitts and Nevis |RCM='''[[Lois Maynard|Maynard]]''' |CM_nat=England |CM='''Mafuta''' |AM_nat=England |AM='''[[Devonte Redmond|Redmond]]''' |LCM_nat=England |LCM='''[[Danny Whitehead|Whitehead]]''' |CF_nat=England |CF='''[[Emmanuel Dieseruvwe|Dieseruvwe]]''' |caption = [[2019 National League play-off final]] starting line-up. }}
In March 2017, Johnson and Morley both signed two-year full-time contracts, starting from 1 April.<ref>{{cite web |last=Prenderville |first=Liam |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/salford-city-go-full-time-9980715 |title=Salford City to go full time from next season as Class of 92 club close in on Football League |date=7 March 2017 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=The Mirror}}</ref> The club also announced that from 1 July, players with the club would become full-time professional players. Salford appointed [[Chris Casper]], who was part of the ''Class of '92'', as the club's sporting director in charge of ''Academy 92''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/english-conference/story/3153851/former-man-united-player-chris-casper-joins-class-of-92-at-salford-city |title=Former Man United player Chris Casper joins Class of '92 at Salford City |date=6 July 2017 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=ESPN}}</ref> Ahead of their first professional campaign, the owners outlined their target to eventually reach the [[Premier League]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Cundall |first=Billy |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10973347/gary-neville-and-ryan-giggs-target-taking-salford-city-to-the-premier-league |title=Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs target taking Salford City to the Premier League |date=4 August 2017 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=Sky Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/class-of-%2792-target-premier-league/93502 |title=Class of '92 target Premier League for Salford City FC |date=4 August 2017 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=Sporting Life}}</ref> In May, Salford lost in the National League North play-off semi-final, being defeated on penalties by [[FC Halifax Town]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nonleague.pitchero.com/news/the-national-league-north/shaymen-v-magpies-national-north-finale/ |title=It's Shaymen v Magpies In National North Finale |date=7 May 2017 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=Pitchero Non-League}}</ref>
On 12 August, Mani Ogunrinde and Anointed Chukwu became the first ''Academy 92'' players to represent the first team, when they came on as late substitutes in a 2–0 away win against [[A.F.C. Telford United|Telford United]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/o-is-for-ogunrinde/ |title=A to Z of Salford: O is for… Ogunrinde |date=16 June 2020 |access-date=12 September 2020 |work=Salford City Official Website}}</ref> On 21 April 2018, with promotion rivals [[Harrogate Town A.F.C.|Harrogate Town]] losing away to Bradford P.A.,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=4467 |title=Salford City FC win promotion to Vanarama National League |date=22 April 2018 |access-date=12 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> the club were promoted as champions of the National League North with one game to play,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43852748 |title=Salford City: Club co-owned by former Man Utd players promoted to National League |date=21 April 2018 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> and in the process secured promotion to [[National League (division)|National League]], once again re-setting the bar for the highest level the club had ever attained.<ref>{{cite web |last=Britton |first=Paul |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/party-time-class-92-again-14560205 |title=Party time for the Class of '92 again as Salford City FC become league champions |date=21 April 2018 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://sport.bt.com/football/salford-secure-promotion-to-national-league-S11364265826703 |title=Salford secure promotion to National League |date=21 April 2018 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=BT Sport}}</ref> On 8 May, it was announced Johnson and Morley had left the club by mutual consent, due to irreconcilable differences regarding performance and contract length.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kilpatrick |first=James |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/promoted-salford-city-part-ways-joint-managers-anthony-johnson-and-bernard-morley |title=Promoted Salford City part ways with joint-managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley |date=8 May 2018 |access-date=6 September 2020 |publisher=[[FourFourTwo]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11363950/salford-city-joint-managers-anthony-johnson-and-bernard-morley-leave-after-promotion |title=Salford City joint-managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley leave after promotion |date=8 May 2018 |access-date=6 September 2020 |publisher=Sky Sports}}</ref> On 14 May, [[Graham Alexander]] was appointed as the club's new manager after signing a four-year contract.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44108008 |title=Graham Alexander: Salford City appoint ex-Scunthorpe manager |date=14 May 2018 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=15 May 2018}}</ref>
Ahead of the season, Salford were regarded as favourites to take the one automatic promotion place,<ref>{{cite web |last=Kelly |first=James |url=https://thesefootballtimes.co/2018/07/27/how-a-dated-promotion-system-is-facilitating-salford-citys-heavy-spending/ |title=How a dated promotion system is facilitating Salford City's heavy spending |date=27 July 2018 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=These Football Times}}</ref> but faced criticism for their spending and were accused of trying to "steal" a place in the Football League.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jul/20/gary-neville-and-salford-city-accused-of-trying-to-steal-football-league-place |title=Gary Neville and Salford City accused of trying to 'steal' Football League place |date=20 July 2018 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44894821 |title=Gary Neville: Salford City owner in Twitter row with Accrington's Andy Holt |date=19 July 2018 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> In their first game in the National League on 4 August, they drew 1–1 with promotion rivals [[Leyton Orient F.C.|Leyton Orient]], with their goal being scored by [[Rory Gaffney]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44989672 |title=Salford City 1-1 Leyton Orient |date=4 August 2018 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> Their first victory in the division was achieved on 14 August, with a 2–1 home win against [[FC Halifax Town|Halifax Town]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45093098 |title=Salford City 2-1 FC Halifax Town |date=14 August 2018 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> Salford reached the first round of the FA Cup for the second time and earned a replay after an away draw at League One [[Shrewsbury Town F.C.|Shrewsbury Town]], before succumbing to a 3–1 home defeat in the replay.<ref>{{cite web |last=Doherty |first=Joseph |url=http://www.salfordnow.co.uk/2018/10/22/salford-city-through-to-fa-cup-first-round/ |title=Salford City through to FA Cup first round |date=22 October 2018 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Now}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Richards |first=Alex |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fa-cup-first-round-draw-13460786 |title=FA Cup first round draw in full as Salford City head to League One Shrewsbury Town |date=22 October 2018 |access-date=15 September 2020 |work=Daily Mirror}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46087405 |title=Shrewsbury Town 1-1 Salford City |date=11 November 2018 |access-date=15 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Pilnick |first=Brent |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46189622 |title=Salford City 1-3 Shrewsbury Town: Managerless Shrews progress to second round |date=21 November 2018 |access-date=15 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> Salford suffered three consecutive defeats in the Christmas period which left them in third place, five points behind the summit.<ref>{{cite web |last=Adcock |first=Jack |url=http://www.salfordnow.co.uk/2019/01/03/salford-city-festive-review-is-2019-the-year-of-the-ammies/ |title=Salford City festive review: Is 2019 the year of The Ammies? |date=3 January 2019 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Now}}</ref>
They quickly closed the gap on leaders Leyton Orient, winning 3–0 in the reverse fixture at [[Brisbane Road]] on 5 January.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46707436 |title=Leyton Orient 0-3 Salford City |date=5 January 2019 |access-date=15 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> Later that month it was announced that [[David Beckham]] was set to join his Class of '92 teammates as part owner of the club, taking 10% of the club previously held by Peter Lim.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46972871 |title=David Beckham to become shareholder of National League club Salford |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 January 2019 |access-date=23 January 2019}}</ref> Salford would go on a 10 match unbeaten run,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47904488 |title=Boreham Wood 2-3 Salford City |date=19 April 2019 |access-date=15 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> but would finally miss out on the title, and automatic promotion, by losing their final games of the season, meaning the club finished third in the table behind champions Orient and [[Solihull Moors F.C.|Solihull Moors]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Gregory |first=Charlie |url=http://www.salfordnow.co.uk/2019/04/30/national-league-play-offs-salfords-path-to-the-football-league-explained/ |title=National League Play-Offs: Salford's path to the Football League explained |date=30 April 2019 |access-date=15 September 2020 |work=Salford Now}}</ref>
During the season, Salford played their first ever games in the [[FA Trophy]] proper, a 3–1 win over [[Gateshead F.C.|Gateshead]] in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/matches/salford-city-v-gateshead-18121819/ |title=Dev Double Downs Heed |date=18 December 2018 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=Salford City Official Website}}</ref> Salford reached the [[2019 National League play-off final|National League play-off final]] after overcoming [[Eastleigh F.C.|Eastleigh]] in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw, meaning they would play at [[Wembley Stadium]] for the first time in their history.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48123408 |title=Salford City 1–1 Eastleigh (Salford win 4-3 on penalties) |date=11 May 2019 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> On 11 May 2019, they beat AFC Fylde 3–0 in the final, with goals from [[Emmanuel Dieseruvwe]], [[Carl Piergianni]], and [[Ibou Touray]];<ref>{{cite web |last=Rindl |first=Josef |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48158693 |title=AFC Fylde 0–3 Salford City |date=11 May 2019 |access-date=11 May 2019 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> this marked the first time Salford had ever reached the [[English Football League|Football League]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/salford-city-promoted-league-two-national-league-class-92-neville-a8909781.html |title=Salford City promoted to Football League for first time as David Beckham watches on |date=11 May 2019 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=The Independent}}</ref> During the summer, the club appointed [[Warren Joyce]] to manage their first ever development squad, designed to be a stepping stone between the academy and the first team.<ref>{{cite web |last=Marshall |first=Tyrone |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/salford-warren-joyce-man-utd-16562378 |title=Salford City appoint former Manchester United coach to new role |date=10 July 2019 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref>
===Football league (2019{{En dash}}present)=== {{multiple image|image1=Graham Alexander 26-10-2013 1.jpg| total_width =350|image2=Liam_Hogan.png|footer=Manager [[Graham Alexander]] (''left'') and captain [[Liam Hogan]] (''right'') helped Salford City reach the [[English Football League|Football League]] for the first time.}} {{football squad on pitch|align=right|width=250 |GK_nat=Czech Republic |GK='''[[Václav Hladký|Hladký]]''' |RB_nat=England |RB='''[[Tom Clarke (footballer, born 1987)|Clarke]]''' |RCB_nat= England |RCB='''[[Ashley Eastham|Eastham]]''' |LCB_nat=England |LCB='''[[Jordan Turnbull|Turnbull]]''' |LB_nat=Gambia |LB='''[[Ibou Touray|Touray]]''' |RM_nat=Ireland |RM='''[[Richie Towell|Towell]]''' |RCM_nat=England |RCM='''[[Jason Lowe (footballer)|Lowe]]''' |LCM_nat=England |LCM='''[[Oscar Threlkeld|Threlkeld]]''' |LM_nat=England |LM='''[[Ashley Hunter (footballer)|Hunter]]''' |SS_nat=England |SS='''[[Brandon Thomas-Asante|Thomas-Asante]]''' |CF_nat=England |CF='''[[James Wilson (footballer, born 1995)|Wilson]]''' |caption = [[2020 EFL Trophy final]] starting line-up. }}
They began [[2019-20 Salford City F.C. season|their first season]] in the league with a 2–0 win against [[Stevenage F.C.|Stevenage]], with both goals coming from Dieseruvwe.<ref>{{cite web |title=Salford City 2-0 Stevenage |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49135873 |access-date=3 August 2019 |work=BBC Sport |date=3 August 2019}}</ref> Salford would take part in two competitions for the first time; they lost their first ever game in the [[EFL Cup|League Cup]] 3–0 at home to [[Leeds United A.F.C.|Leeds United]] in front of 4,518 fans, a record attendance at Moor Lane.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gholam |first=Simeon |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/salford-city-vs-leeds/411029 |title=Salford City 0-3 Leeds: Eddie Nketiah scores debut goal in Carabao Cup tie |date=13 August 2019 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=Sky Sports}}</ref> Later in the season, the club would reach the [[2020 EFL Trophy final|EFL Trophy final]] after defeating [[Newport County A.F.C.|Newport County]] via a penalty shootout, where they were due to play [[EFL League One|League One]] side [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]];<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51494329 |title=Newport County 0–0 Salford City (5–6 on penalties) |date=19 February 2020 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> the game was postponed indefinitely following the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordcitynews.co.uk/sport/18315969.coronavirus-crisis-sees-salford-citys-wembley-trip-postponed/ |title=Coronavirus crisis sees Salford City's Wembley trip postponed |date=18 March 2020 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=Salford City News |publisher=[[Newsquest]] |archive-date=27 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427064515/https://www.salfordcitynews.co.uk/sport/18315969.coronavirus-crisis-sees-salford-citys-wembley-trip-postponed/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In June, the league season was officially cut short after League Two clubs voted by an "overwhelmingly majority", with the league table to be decided on a [[points per game]] basis, meaning Salford finished their début season in the Football League in 11th.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wallworth |first=Luke |url=http://www.salfordnow.co.uk/2020/06/11/football-salford-city-maiden-league-two-campaign-cut-short-as-clubs-vote-to-end-the-season/ |title=Salford City maiden League Two campaign cut short as clubs vote to end the season |date=11 June 2020 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Now}}</ref> Later that month, Salford took the decision to scrap their under-18 team, deciding to focus exclusively on the development squad.<ref>{{cite web |last=Stone |first=Simon |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53166278 |title=Salford City: League Two club choose to scrap Under-18 team |date=24 June 2020 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> Phil Neville said that the reason was both financial and because lower-league clubs could not attract the best youth players, and that the club would have a better chance developing 18 to 20 year olds under Warren Joyce.<ref>{{cite web |last=Stone |first=Simon |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54080695 |title=Phil Neville: 'Salford City's focus has shifted from developing youth' |date=9 September 2020 |access-date=13 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref>
In September 2020, it was announced that following a meeting held by the EFL with representatives from both Salford and Portsmouth, that the EFL Trophy final would now take place in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordcitynews.co.uk/sport/national/18724823.efl-trophy-final-portsmouth-salford-postponed-2021/ |title=EFL Trophy final between Portsmouth and Salford postponed until 2021 |date=16 September 2020 |access-date=8 November 2020 |work=Salford City News |publisher=[[Newsquest]] |archive-date=28 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228055229/https://www.salfordcitynews.co.uk/sport/national/18724823.efl-trophy-final-portsmouth-salford-postponed-2021/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Alexander departed the club on 12 October with the club 5th in the league; co-owner Scholes took the job on an interim basis.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12102506/paul-scholes-named-salford-city-interim-head-coach-after-graham-alexander-sacking |title=Paul Scholes named Salford City interim head coach after Graham Alexander sacking |date=12 October 2020 |access-date=12 October 2020 |work=[[Sky Sports]]}}</ref> Alexander declared himself "disappointed"<ref>{{cite web |last=Alexander |first=Graham |author-link=Graham Alexander |url=http://leaguemanagers.com/news/lma-latest/graham-alexander-salford-city-statement/ |title=Graham Alexander statement |date=15 October 2020 |access-date=31 October 2020 |work=[[League Managers Association]] |archive-date=18 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118081128/http://leaguemanagers.com/news/lma-latest/graham-alexander-salford-city-statement/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> but said he hoped he gave everybody at the club "some great times to remember".<ref>{{cite web |last=Wallworth |first=Luke |url=http://www.salfordnow.co.uk/2020/10/15/i-hope-we-gave-you-some-great-times-to-remember-alexander-issues-statement-following-salford-city-dismissal/ |title="I hope we gave you some great times to remember" – Alexander issues statement following Salford City dismissal |date=15 October 2020 |access-date=31 October 2020 |work=Salford Now}}</ref> Scholes quickly ruled out taking the position on a permanent basis, citing the need for a more experienced manager.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kerr |first=Regan |url=http://www.salfordnow.co.uk/2020/10/19/we-need-to-find-an-experienced-manager-paul-scholes-rules-himself-out-of-job-as-salford-narrowly-lose-to-port-vale/ |title="We need to find an experienced manager" – Paul Scholes rules himself out of job as Salford narrowly lose to Port Vale |date=19 October 2020 |access-date=31 October 2020 |work=Salford Now}}</ref>
On 4 November, the club announced that former Salford player [[Richie Wellens]], would be their new manager.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lanceley |first=Matthew |url=http://www.salfordnow.co.uk/2020/11/04/richie-wellens-appointed-salford-city-manager/ |title=Richie Wellens appointed Salford City manager |date=4 November 2020 |access-date=4 November 2020 |work=Salford Now}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theleaguepaper.com/featured/11476/salford-city-appoint-richie-wellens-as-new-manager/ |title=Salford City appoint Richie Wellens as new manager |date=4 November 2020 |access-date=4 November 2020 |work=The Football League Paper}}</ref> Wellens guided Salford to victory in the rescheduled EFL Trophy final; a 0–0 draw was followed by a penalty shootout, with Salford winning 4–2 after successful penalties by Burgess, Dieseruvwe, [[Brandon Thomas-Asante]], and [[Jason Lowe (footballer)|Jason Lowe]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/mar/13/portsmouth-salford-city-efl-trophy-final-report |title=Salford sink Portsmouth in EFL Trophy final to become 24-hour champions |date=13 March 2021 |access-date=15 March 2021 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Thorpe |first=Chris |url=https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/portsmouth-0-0-salford-city-aet-2-4-pens-flw-reports-as-lowe-seals-cup-success-for-the-ammies/ |title=Portsmouth 0-0 Salford City (AET) (2-4 Pens): FLW reports as Lowe seals cup success for the Ammies |date=13 March 2021 |access-date=15 March 2021 |work=Football League World}}</ref> However, Wellens' time at the club came to an end on 22 March, departing Salford by mutual consent following a run of one win in eight games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12253693/salford-part-company-with-richie-wellens-just-over-a-week-after-papa-johns-trophy-final-win |title=Salford part company with Richie Wellens just over a week after Papa John's Trophy final win |date=22 March 2021 |access-date=22 March 2021 |work=Sky Sports}}</ref> [[Gary Bowyer]] was his replacement in charge, signing a deal until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/salford-city-gary-bowyer-manager-b1821100.html |title=Salford City appoint Gary Bowyer as manager for remainder of season |date=23 March 2021 |access-date=23 March 2021 |work=The Independent}}</ref> However, he managed the club's worst start to a campaign since the 2014 takeover, with no wins in the opening four games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newschainonline.com/sport/mens-sport/football/gary-bowyer-not-concerned-about-results-coming-as-salford-lose-to-swindon-220491 |title=Gary Bowyer not concerned about results coming as Salford lose to Swindon |work=Newschain |date=21 August 2021 |access-date=18 October 2021}}</ref>
In October 2022, Gary Neville stepped down as the club's chief executive, being replaced by fellow co-owner Nicky Butt.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hay |first=Anthony |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3748964/2022/10/31/butt-neville-salford-city/ |title=Nicky Butt replaces Gary Neville as Salford City chief executive |work=[[The Athletic]] |date=31 October 2022 |access-date=1 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |agency=[[PA Media]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/oct/31/nicky-butt-delighted-to-replace-gary-neville-as-chief-executive-of-salford |title=Nicky Butt 'delighted' to replace Gary Neville as chief executive of Salford |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=31 October 2022 |access-date=1 July 2023}}</ref>
In January 2025, they were performing well in EFL League Two, occupying third place in the league table. They were also successful in the early rounds of the FA Cup, winning both the first and second matches, booking a third-round encounter with Premier League title holders [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] at the [[Etihad stadium]]. With over 5,000 Salford fans making the five mile trip, the match resulted in an 8–0 defeat, the worst in the club's history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manchester City 8-0 Salford City: Jack Grealish ends drought in FA Cup romp |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/crmngkjg221t |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref> Despite the heavy defeat, Salford City made history by reaching the third round of the tournament for the first time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sagoo |first=Balraj |date=30 November 2024 |title=Ammies into FA Cup Third Round for the first time |url=https://www.salfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2024/november/30/ammies-into-fa-cup-third-round-for-the-first-time/ |access-date=26 April 2025 |website=Salford City Football Club}}</ref>
==Stadium== {{Main|Moor Lane}} [[File:The Peninsula Stadium - Salford City.jpg|thumb|328x328px|Moor Lane, home of Salford City.]] Salford play their home games at [[Moor Lane]], known as the Peninsula Stadium for sponsorship reasons, located in the [[Kersal, Salford, Greater Manchester|Kersal]] area of [[Salford]]. The stadium has a capacity of 5,108.<ref name="StadiumDB">{{cite web |title=England: See what Salford City are building in less than a year |url=http://stadiumdb.com/news/2017/07/england_see_what_salford_city_are_building_in_less_than_a_year |publisher=StadiumDB |date=21 July 2017 |access-date=22 July 2017}}</ref> The club has played their games at Moor Lane since 1978.
In December 2015, [[Salford City Council]] approved planning permission for the capacity of the ground to be increased from 2,163 to 5,172.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=3615 |title=Salford City stadium gets planning passed amidst residents fury |date=15 December 2015 |access-date=20 January 2021 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> In October of the following year, Salford unveiled plans to renovate the ground to comply with standards of the Football League, which would increase the capacity to 5,100.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=3536 |title=Salford City FC stadium plans revealed in full |date=29 October 2016 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> The plans included terraced stands behind the goals, a supporters' club with a capacity of 600, and executive seating.<ref>{{cite web |last=Whaling |first=James |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/class-92-owned-salford-city-9040809 |title=Class of '92 owned Salford City release plans for redevelopment of Moor Lane ground |date=13 October 2016 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Daily Mirror}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Fitzgerald |first=Todd |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/watch-salford-city-unveil-plans-12021556 |title=Salford City unveil plans for new stadium |date=13 October 2016 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref>
In December, it was revealed Salford faced objections from hundreds of local residents, and the newly formed Kersal Moor Residents' Association, regarding the club's proposals, with worries over traffic and parking.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fitzgerald |first=Todd |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/residents-team-up-oppose-uniteds-12301579 |title=Residents team up to oppose United's Class of '92 plans to rebuild Salford City's stadium |date=10 December 2016 |access-date=1 November 2019 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> However, later that month, Salford City Council granted permission for the ground's development.<ref>{{cite web |last=Coney |first=Steven |url=https://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/latest-news/conference-premier/17878/salford-city-get-planning-permission-for-redevelopment-of-their-moor-lane-home/ |title=Salford City get planning permission for redevelopment of their Moor Lane home |date=16 December 2016 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=The Non-League Paper}}</ref> This involved completely demolishing the Moor Lane ground, the club's home since 1978, and putting in four new stands.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dobson |first=Charlotte |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/live-plans-demolish-salford-citys-12324570 |title=Live: Salford City FC new stadium plans approved by planning bosses |date=15 December 2016 |access-date=1 November 2019 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> By the end of February, two stands had already been completed as the club tried to beat a March deadline with regards to ground grading.<ref>{{cite web |last=Flanagan |first=Aaron |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/salford-city-stadium-progressing-rapid-9791889 |title=Salford City stadium progressing at rapid rate as Class of 92's club gets set for Football League |date=10 February 2017 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Daily Mirror}}</ref> In May, the "iconic" main stand was demolished as building work progressed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=3906 |title=Salford City FC iconic main stand at Moor Lane demolished |date=28 May 2017 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref>
On 19 October 2017, the newly built ground was renamed Peninsula Stadium for sponsorship reasons, and was unveiled by the ''Class of '92'''s former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson;<ref>{{cite web |last=Roue |first=Lucy |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/salford-city-rename-stadium-after-13783211 |title=Salford City rename stadium after sponsorship deal |date=19 October 2017 |access-date=2 March 2018 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> the renaming was part a five-year deal with a local entrepreneur [[Peter Done]], who founded the law employment experts Peninsula in Salford.<ref>{{cite web |last=Roue |first=Lucy |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/salford-city-rename-stadium-after-13783211 |title=Salford City rename stadium after sponsorship deal with local entrepreneur |date=19 October 2020 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> The ground has floodlights in the shape of the club badge,<ref name="SalfordRise">{{cite web |last=Mitten |first=Andy |url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/lifestyle/article/rise-of-salford-city |title=The rise and rise of Salford City |date=15 August 2019 |access-date=10 September 2020 |work=[[GQ]]}}</ref> while the terraces are "tight, steep, and covered", and has a leafy backdrop with a nearby church spire visible from within the ground.<ref name="SalfordRise"/> <!--In 2021, the clubs' owners announced they would be purchasing the [[AJ Bell|Salford City Stadium]], located in the [[Barton upon Irwell]] region of the city, as part of a joint venture with [[rugby union]] team [[Sale Sharks]], who had been tenants at the ground since 2012. The club will move to the stadium for the [[2022–23 English Football League|2022–23]] season. Concurrently, Salford agreed to sell Moor Lane to [[Salford City Council]], allowing previous tenants of the Salford City Stadium, [[rugby league]] team [[Salford Red Devils]] a new location in which to play.--->
==Colors and club badge== [[File:Coat of Arms of Salford City Council.svg|upright|thumb|City of Salford Coat of Arms]] The club's colours are red, white and black, which were originally used in 1980. Prior to the change in ownership in 2014, the club played in tangerine and black, and had also previously worn tangerine and white. Many Salford supporters were unhappy with the change at the time, with the manager at the time, Phil Power, describing the issue as "delicate".<ref name="ColourChange"/> The team also previously wore green in the 1970s, and had used various blue kits throughout the years; orange became their colour when dealing with financial difficulties and borrowed old kits from [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]].<ref name="SalfordRise"/> In October 2025, the club announced that they would be reverting to wearing orange from the end of the season.<ref> {{cite web|url=https://www.salfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2025/october/13/fans-vote-for-colour-change/|title=Fans vote for colour change|website=www.salfordcityfc.co.uk|date=13 October 2025|accessdate=14 October 2025}}</ref>
The club's logo also changed during 2014 to 2026, replacing a [[Lion (heraldry)|rampant lion]] with one described as "bolder, more forward-facing",<ref>{{cite web |last=Ogden |first=Chris |url=https://thesetpieces.com/latest-posts/the-lion-rampant-how-salford-citys-on-field-rise-has-reinvigorated-the-local-area/ |title=The Lion Rampant: How Salford City's on-field rise has reinvigorated the local area |date=17 September 2018 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=The Set Pieces}}</ref> and the shape of the logo is said to replicate the hull of the ships in Salford's docks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=2370 |title=Salford City see red with the Class of '92 |date=17 August 2014 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> It was then reverted back to a round badge, inspired from the previous badges, from the 2026-27 season.
The club adopted two mottos from the coat of arms of the [[City of Salford]]; the original motto "''Integrity & Industry''" features on the club kit, while the current city motto "''The Welfare of the People is the Highest Law''", translated from the Latin "''Salus Populi Suprema Lex''", is featured on the stadium walls.<ref>{{cite web |last=Brown |first=James |url=https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/top-stories/sky-sports-football-pundit-gary-neville-1-6450379 |title=Gary Neville: The political pundit |date=4 January 2020 |access-date=12 September 2020 |work=[[The New European]] |archive-date=12 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212015956/https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/top-stories/sky-sports-football-pundit-gary-neville-1-6450379 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/i-is-for-integrity-industry/ |title=A to Z of Salford: I is for… Integrity & Industry |date=10 June 2020 |access-date=10 September 2020 |work=Salford City Official Website}}</ref>
===Kit suppliers and shirt sponsors=== In 2013, Salford announced that the club's new main sponsors would be Manchester-based insurance brokers Champion Insurance.<ref>{{cite web |last=Walters |first=David |url=https://www.thenpl.co.uk/just-champion-at-ammies-15537 |title=Just Champion At Ammies |date=12 August 2013 |access-date=17 September 2020 |work=[[Northern Premier League]] Official Website}}</ref> They were replaced in 2015 by LED Hut,<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://ledhut.co.uk/blogs/news/led-hut-proud-sponsors-of-salford-city-fc |title=LED Hut Sponsors Of Salford City FC |date=2 July 2015 |access-date=2 July 2022 |publisher=LED Hut}}</ref> and in 2017, the club signed a long-term deal with [[Soccer Saturday]] Super 6 to become the shirt sponsor.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10933645/salford-city-sign-long-term-shirt-sponsorship-deal-with-soccer-saturdays-super-6-game |title=Salford City sign long-term shirt sponsorship deal with Soccer Saturday's Super 6 game |date=2 July 2017 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=[[Sky Sports]]}}</ref> Upon the expiration of the deal, [[telecommunications]] company [[TalkTalk Group|TalkTalk]] became Salford's lead sponsor until the end of the 2023–24 season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ord |first=Matthew |url=https://www.insidermedia.com/news/north-west/talktalk-extends-salford-city-deal |title=TalkTalk extends Salford City deal |date=9 September 2020 |access-date=10 September 2020 |work=Insider Media}}</ref>
In 2015, the club announced their kits would be supplied by [[Umbro]] after signing a five-year contract.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ostick |first=Chris |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/salford-city-umbro-class-92-10387188 |title=Salford City sign five-year kit deal with Umbro |date=4 November 2015 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=[[Manchester Evening News]]}}</ref> However, in 2019, Italian sportswear brand [[Kappa (brand)|Kappa]] were confirmed to be the new manufacturer of Salford's kits on a three-year deal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/kappa-new-kit-supplier/ |title=Kappa signed up as Salford City kit suppliers |date=1 July 2019 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=Salford City Official Website}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Davison |first=Karl |url=https://salford.media/sport/salfordfc/salford-city-debut-their-new-third-kit-as-they-sign-a-three-year-kit-deal-with-kappa-r14/ |title=Salford City debut their new third kit as they sign a three year kit deal with Kappa |date=1 July 2019 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=Salford.Media |archive-date=28 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228152914/https://salford.media/sport/salfordfc/salford-city-debut-their-new-third-kit-as-they-sign-a-three-year-kit-deal-with-kappa-r14/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> After the conclusion of this arrangement, [[Castore (brand)|Castore]] became the manufacturer of Salford's kits from the [[2022–23 Salford City F.C. season|2022–23 season]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://castore.com/blogs/press/castore-and-salford-city-announce-new-multi-year-partnership |title=Castore and Salford City announce new multi-year partnership |date=24 May 2022 |access-date=2 July 2022 |publisher=[[Castore (brand)|Castore]]}}</ref>
Tables of kit suppliers and shirt sponsors appear below:<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Salford_City/salford_city.html |title=Salford City FC |access-date=29 September 2022}}</ref> {| |valign="top" width="0%"| {|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" |- !Period!!Supplier!!Sponsor |- |2006–07||rowspan=4|ProStar||[[ArcelorMittal]] |- |2007–08||Avis Steel |- |2008–09||[[ArcelorMittal]] |- |2009–10||rowspan=3|1010 Taxis |- |2010–11||[[Lotto Sport Italia|Lotto]] |- |2011–13||Stanno |- |2013–14||SK Kits||rowspan=2|Champion Insurance |- |2014–15||[[Carbrini Sportswear|Carbrini]] |- |2015–17||rowspan=2|[[Umbro]]||LED Hut |- |2017–19||rowspan=2|[[Soccer Saturday]] Super6 |- |2019–20||rowspan=2|[[Kappa (brand)|Kappa]] |- |2020–22|| rowspan="2" |[[TalkTalk Group|TalkTalk]] |- |2022–23||[[Castore (brand)|Castore]] |- |2023–24 | rowspan="2" |[[Adidas]] |[[Salboy]] |- |2024– |[[Fireball Cinnamon Whisky|Fireball]] |} |}
==Supporters and rivalries== At each home game the team walks out to [[The Pogues]]' cover of [[Dirty Old Town]], the 1949 [[Ewan McColl]] song inspired by the singer's childhood in Salford.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/25232622/man-united-legends-dream-big-salford-city-fc |title=Man United legends dream big with Salford City FC |date=13 November 2018 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=13 November 2018}}</ref><ref name="SalfordRise"/> Following the takeover by the ''Class of '92'', Salford's fanbase and resulting attendance figures has steadily grown;<ref>{{cite web |last=Theobald |first=Christopher |url=http://www.salfordnow.co.uk/2019/11/29/ammies-attendance-rise-since-class-of-92-takeover/ |title=Ammies crowds soar since Class of '92 takeover |date=29 November 2019 |access-date=10 September 2020 |work=Salford Now}}</ref><ref name="SalfordRise"/> ahead of their début season as a Football League club, Salford had sold over 1,900 season tickets, an increase of approximately 800 from the previous season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Marshall |first=Tyrone |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/salford-city-season-tickets-sold-16656453 |title=How many season tickets Salford City have sold ahead of historic Football League season |date=31 July 2019 |access-date=10 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> The rise in fanbase has in part been attributed to many [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] supporters opting to attend games at Salford due to the cost of attending games at Old Trafford and the relative affordability of a season ticket at Moor Lane.<ref name="SalfordRise"/>
Since their promotion to the Football League, the club do not maintain any strong rivalries. However, a survey conducted in August 2019 suggested that supporters of the club consider near neighbours [[Oldham Athletic A.F.C.|Oldham Athletic]], [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]], [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]] and [[Rochdale F.C.|Rochdale]] to be the club's main rivals. However, none of these clubs yet reciprocate the rivalry. The 2019 survey also revealed that smaller rivalries with [[Accrington Stanley F.C.|Accrington Stanley]], [[Macclesfield Town F.C.|Macclesfield Town]] and [[Crewe Alexandra F.C.|Crewe Alexandra]] also exist.<ref name="survey">{{Cite web |url=https://www.givemesport.com/1500300-the-top-five-rivals-of-english-footballs-top-92-clubs-revealed |title=The top five rivals of English football's top 92 clubs revealed |date=27 August 2019 |publisher=Give Me Sport}}</ref>
Fans of the club also maintain a dislike for [[East London]]-based [[Leyton Orient F.C.|Leyton Orient]] due to the race for the [[2018–19 National League]] title, which Orient eventually won.<ref name="survey"/> During the club's non-league days, they maintained rivalries with [[Curzon Ashton F.C.|Curzon Ashton]], [[Darlington F.C.|Darlington]], [[FC United of Manchester]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/r-is-for-rivalries/ |title=A to Z of Salford: R is for… Rivalries |date=18 June 2020 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford City Official Website}}</ref> [[Ashton United F.C.|Ashton United]] and [[Radcliffe F.C.|Radcliffe Borough]].
The club has three mascots, a [[List of animal names#L|pride]] of [[Anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] [[lion]]s named Bobby, Billy, and Babs;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.football-stadiums.co.uk/grounds/england/moor-lane/ |title=Peninsula Stadium (Moor Lane): Salford City FC |access-date=11 March 2021 |work=Football-Stadiums|date=8 August 2018 }}</ref> the latter two were named as part of a competition in local schools.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/name-mascots-win-tickets-school/ |title=Name the Mascots and win tickets for your school! |date=26 September 2017 |access-date=11 March 2021 |work=Salford City Official Website}}</ref>
==Ownership== For many years, local businessman and former player Harold Brearley was in charge of Salford, helping take the club from local leagues into the semi-professional North West Counties League in 1982, and was instrumental in moving the club to their current home of Moor Lane in 1979.<ref>{{cite web |last=McCauley |first=Frank |url=https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/h-is-for-harold-brearley/ |title=A to Z of Salford: H is for… Harold Brearley |date=9 June 2020 |access-date=12 September 2020 |work=Salford City Official Website}}</ref> In June 2006, local businessman and former Salford player Darren Quick became the new Salford chairman, taking over from Ged Carter.<ref name="Quick"/> In December 2013, Salford club president Dave Russell held secret talks with former [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] players [[Gary Neville]] and [[Ryan Giggs]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Garside |first=Kevin |url=https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/salford-city-class-of-92-gary-neville-238400 |title=How Salford City and the Class of '92 altered perceptions in this 'dirty old town' |date=21 December 2018 |access-date=15 September 2020 |work=[[I (British newspaper)|i]]}}</ref>
In February 2014, it was revealed by a local newspaper, the ''Salford Star'', that as well as Gary Neville and Giggs, fellow former [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] players [[Nicky Butt]], [[Phil Neville]], and [[Paul Scholes]], known collectively as the ''Class of '92'', were in talks with the club regarding "major investment".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=2133 |title=Salford City FC to get investment from Giggs, Beckham, Neville and the Class of 92 |date=6 February 2014 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> Gary Neville and Giggs were said to be concerned with the lack of talent produced at grassroots level, and chose Salford due to the club's proximity to [[The Cliff (training ground)|The Cliff]], the former training ground used by Manchester United when the pair were youngsters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/gary-neville-and-ryan-giggs-follow-in-the-footsteps-of-david-beckham-as-they-begin-talks-to-invest-9114407.html |title=Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs follow in the footsteps of David Beckham as they begin talks to invest in non-league Salford City |date=7 February 2014 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=The Independent}}</ref> With talks ongoing, four of the prospective buyers (Butt, Giggs, Gary Neville, and Scholes) attended the 2–0 home defeat to [[Curzon Ashton F.C.|Curzon Ashton]] on 1 March.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=2170 |title=Salford City FC sees Giggs, Scholes, Butt and Neville visit |date=1 March 2014 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Salford Star}}</ref> On 27 March, it was announced that, subject to [[The Football Association|Football Association]] and NPL approval, the group had agreed a deal to takeover the club, expected to be completed by the summer.<ref name="CO92TO1"/><ref name="CO92TO2"/> In September, Singaporean businessman [[Peter Lim]] bought a 50% stake in the club, subject to FA approval.<ref name="Lim1"/> Lim said his involvement would be philanthropic,<ref>{{cite web |last=Conn |first=David |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/sep/29/peter-lim-salford-city-third-party-ownership-class-of-92 |title=Peter Lim: Salford City investment not connected to third-party ownership |date=29 September 2014 |access-date=22 February 2021 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> part of a long-term business partnership with Gary Neville.<ref>{{cite web |last=Conn |first=David |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/dec/02/gary-neville-peter-lim-class-of-92 |title=How Gary Neville and Class of 92 fitted into Peter Lim business plan |date=2 December 2015 |access-date=22 February 2021 |work=The Guardian}}</ref>
Ahead of the club's first season in the National League in 2018, the club received interest free loans totalling approximately £2.4m, allowing the club to invest in players such as [[Adam Rooney]] from Scottish team [[Aberdeen F.C.|Aberdeen]] for a fee reported as £300k.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lee |first=David |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/football-beckham-cheers-as-peter-lim-class-of-92s-salford-gain-football-league |title=Football: Peter Lim eyes bigger things with Salford City after promotion to League Two |date=13 May 2019 |access-date=22 February 2021 |work=[[The Straits Times]]}}</ref> In 2020, it was revealed that the owners had invested a further £2.5m to aid the club's push for promotion, as well as to develop the club off the pitch.<ref>{{cite web |last=Stone |first=Simon |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51031407 |title=Salford City's existing shareholders have invested an extra £2.5m in the League Two club |date=8 January 2020 |access-date=22 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> Later that year, the club chose not to place staff on [[furlough]] amidst the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom]] despite potential savings of £350k.<ref>{{cite web |last=McDougall |first=John |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/salford-city-beckham-furlough-neville-18117385 |title=Salford City chose not to furlough staff because David Beckham co-owns the club - Gary Neville |date=20 April 2020 |access-date=22 February 2021 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref>
In August 2024 it was announced that Gary Neville had acquired Lim's stake in Salford.<ref>{{cite web |title=Neville acquires Lim's Salford City stake |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c1474ry9g4zo |website=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=11 January 2025 |date=2 August 2024}}</ref>
The Club announced in May 2025 that it had been acquired by a new ownership group, led by David Beckham and Gary Neville, together with US-based businessman Declan Kelly and Lord Mervyn Davies. The acquisition has been uniquely structured, through a members club made up of nine shareholders including Dream Sports Group (India’s leading sports technology company), Colin Ryan (Founder, Clipper Street Capital), Frank Ryan (Global Co-Chair, Global Co-CEO, and Americas Chair, DLA Piper), Nick Woodhouse (Executive Vice Chairman, Authentic Brands Group), and Shravin Mittal (Founder of Unbound). Fellow Class of '92 members Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes will no longer be shareholders, but they will continue to have roles in the Club across technical, football, commercial, recruitment and the SCFC foundation.
==In the media== Ahead of the club's first ever FA Cup tie against Notts County in 2015, Salford were featured in a [[BBC One]] two-part documentary series titled ''Class of 92: Out of Their League'', which showcased the first season under the ownership of the group following their takeover the previous year.<ref>{{cite web |last=Evans |first=Denise |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/film-and-tv/class-92-out-league-documentary-10292563 |title=Class of 92: Out of Their League documentary - what to expect |date=20 October 2015 |access-date=10 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> ''[[The Independent]]'' described it as "enthralling",<ref>{{cite web |last=O'Grady |first=Sean |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/class-of-92-out-of-their-league-tv-review-the-spirited-van-drivers-of-salford-almost-make-football-a6723396.html |title=Class of '92: Out Of Their League, TV review: Salford's spirited van drivers almost make football look attractive |date=6 November 2015 |access-date=10 September 2020 |work=The Independent}}</ref> while ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' described it as an "honest, appealing portrait" of non-league football.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rees |first=Jasper |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/tv-and-radio-reviews/11964332/Class-of-92-Out-of-Their-League-BBC-One-review-honest.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/tv-and-radio-reviews/11964332/Class-of-92-Out-of-Their-League-BBC-One-review-honest.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Class of 92: Out of Their League, BBC One, review: 'honest' |date=30 October 2015 |access-date=10 September 2020 |work=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The BBC later commissioned a second series in February 2016, describing the first as a "resounding success".<ref>{{cite web |last=Slater |first=Chris |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/salford-city-class-92-documentary-10941600 |title=Salford City Class of 92 documentary gets second series on BBC |date=24 February 2016 |access-date=10 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> A third series aired in 2017 on [[Sky Sports]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11161677/class-of-92-full-time-sky-sports-documentary-with-ryan-giggs-paul-scholes-nicky-butt-gary-and-phil-neville |title=Class of '92 Full Time - Sky Sports documentary with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Gary and Phil Neville |date=12 November 2017 |access-date=10 September 2020 |work=Sky Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Costello |first=Alex |url=http://www.salfordnow.co.uk/2017/12/11/salford-city-documentary-catches-class-92/ |title=Salford City documentary catches up with the Class of 92 |date=11 December 2017 |access-date=10 September 2020 |work=Salford Now}}</ref>
==Players==
===First-team squad=== {{updated|5 May 2026|<ref>{{cite web |title=Men's Team |url=https://www.salfordcityfc.co.uk/teams |work=salfordcityfc.co.uk |access-date=24 January 2024}}</ref>}} {{Fs start}} {{Fs player|no=1|nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=[[Matty Young (footballer, born 2006)|Matthew Young]]}} {{Fs player|no=2|nat=CGO|pos=DF|name=[[Loick Ayina]]}} {{Fs player|no=3|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Kevin Berkoe]]}} {{Fs player|no=5|nat=SCO|pos=DF|name=[[Michael Rose (footballer, born 1995)|Michael Rose]]}} {{Fs player|no=6|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Ollie Turton]]}} {{Fs player|no=7|nat=WAL|pos=MF|name=[[Ben Woodburn]]}} {{Fs player|no=8|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Jorge Grant]]}} {{Fs player|no=10|nat=NED|pos=MF|name=[[Kelly N'Mai]]}} {{Fs player|no=11|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=[[Jay Bird (footballer)|Jay Bird]]}} {{Fs player|no=15|nat=WAL|pos=DF|name=[[Brandon Cooper]]}} {{Fs player|no=17|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Josh Austerfield]]}} {{Fs player|no=18|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Matt Butcher (footballer)|Matt Butcher]]}} {{Fs mid}} {{Fs player|no=21|nat=SLE|pos=MF|name=[[Kallum Cesay]]}} {{Fs player|no=22|nat=NGA|pos=DF|name=[[Adebola Oluwo]]}} {{Fs player|no=23|nat=NGA|pos=FW|name=[[Daniel Udoh]]}} {{Fs player|no=26|nat=IRL|pos=FW|name=[[Ryan Graydon]]}} {{Fs player|no=28|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Zach Awe]]}} {{Fs player|no=29|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Luke Garbutt]]|other=[[Captain (association football)|captain]]}} {{Fs player|no=30|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=[[Kyrell Malcolm]]}} {{Fs player|no=45|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Rosaire Longelo]]}} {{Fs end}}
===Development squad=== {{updated|10 August 2024|<ref name="The Teams - Development Squad">{{cite web|title=The Teams - Development Squad |url=https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/salford-city-teams/?team=Development%20Squad |work=Salford City FC |access-date=31 January 2023}}</ref>}} {{Fs start}} {{Fs player|no=31|nat=NGA|pos=DF|name=[[Tosin Olopade]]}} {{Fs player|no=32|nat=AUS|pos=MF|name=Jai Curran-Nicholls}} {{Fs player|no=34|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Ruben Butt}} {{Fs player|no=35|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Bruno Padovani}} {{Fs player|no=36|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Jacob Lara}} {{Fs mid}} {{Fs player|no=37|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Marshall Heys}} {{Fs player|no=39|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Alfie Bairstow}} {{Fs player|no=41|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Luca Jackson}} {{Fs player|no=42|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Harry Showman}} {{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Harry O'Gara}} {{Fs end}}
===Player of the Season Awards=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" !'''Season''' !Players' Player !Supporters' Player !Ref |- |'''2008–09''' | colspan="2" |{{Flagicon|ENG}} Steve Foster | |- |'''2009–10''' |{{Flagicon|ENG}} Martyn Andrews |{{Flagicon|ENG}} Martyn Andrews<br />{{Flagicon|WAL}} Rhodri Giggs | |- |'''2010–11''' |{{Flagicon|ENG}} Darren Hockenhull |{{Flagicon|ENG}} Matty Cross | |- |'''2011–12''' | colspan="2" |{{Flagicon|ENG}} Darren Hockenhull | |- |'''2012–13''' |{{Flagicon|ENG}} Jamie Rother |{{Flagicon|ENG}} [[Ritchie Branagan]] | |- |'''2013–14''' | colspan="2" |{{Flagicon|ENG}} Aaron Walters | |- |'''2014–15''' |{{Flagicon|ENG}} Chris Lynch |{{Flagicon|ENG}} [[Gareth Seddon]] | |- |'''2015–16''' | colspan="2" |{{Flagicon|ENG}} Chris Lynch | |- |'''2016–17''' |{{Flagicon|ENG}} Scott Burton |{{Flagicon|KNA}} [[Michael Nottingham]] | |- |'''2017–18''' |{{Flagicon|ENG}} [[Liam Hogan]] |{{Flagicon|ENG}} [[Carl Piergianni]] |<ref>{{cite news|url=https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/player-of-the-year-201718/ |title=Salford City Player of the Year 2017-18 |publisher=Salford City FC |date=24 April 2018 |access-date=29 September 2022}}</ref> |- |'''2018–19''' | colspan="2" |{{Flagicon|ENG}} [[Carl Piergianni]] |<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/news/2020/january/06012020-piergianni-signs-for-latics/ |title=SIGNING: Piergianni Joins Latics On Loan |publisher=Oldham Athletic AFC |date=6 January 2020 |access-date=29 September 2022}}</ref> |- |'''2019–20''' | colspan="2" |{{Flagicon|GAM}} [[Ibou Touray]] |<ref>{{cite news|url=https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/end-of-season-awards-1920/ |title=2019-20 End of Season Awards |publisher=Salford City FC |date=24 July 2020 |access-date=29 September 2022}}</ref> |- |'''2020–21''' | colspan="2" |{{Flagicon|CZE}} [[Václav Hladký]] |<ref>{{cite news|url=https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/hladky-signs-for-ipswich-280621/ |title=Hladký leaves for Ipswich Town |publisher=Salford City FC |date=28 June 2021 |access-date=29 September 2022}}</ref> |- |'''2021–22''' |{{Flagicon|ENG}} [[Jason Lowe (footballer)|Jason Lowe]] |{{Flagicon|IRE}} [[Corrie Ndaba]] |<ref>{{cite news|url=https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/player-of-the-season-202122/ |title=Corrie Ndaba and Jason Lowe scoop Player of the Season awards |publisher=Salford City FC |date=2 May 2022 |access-date=29 September 2022}}</ref> |- |'''2022–23''' |{{Flagicon|ENG}} [[Elliot Watt]] |{{Flagicon|ENG}} [[Callum Hendry]] |<ref>{{cite news |url=https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/end-of-season-awards-080523/ |title=Hendry and Watt win in end of year awards |publisher=Salford City FC |date=8 May 2023 |access-date=29 May 2023}}</ref> |}
==Non-playing staff==
=== Club officials === {| class="wikitable" !Position !Name |- |Owner(s) |{{Flag icon|ENG}} [[David Beckham]] {{Flag icon|ENG}} [[Gary Neville]] |- |Chief Executive Officer |{{Flag icon|ENG}} Gavin Fleig |- |Chief Business Owner |{{Flag icon|ENG}} Ronan Joyce |- |Managing Director |{{Flag icon|ENG}} David Gooch |}
=== Coaching staff === {| class="wikitable" |- !Position !Staff |- |Head Coach |{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Karl Robinson]] |- |Assistant Coach |{{flagicon|NIR}} [[Alex Bruce (footballer, born 1984)|Alex Bruce]] |- |B-Team Coach||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Danny Byrne]] |- |Head of Goalkeeping||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Paul Gerrard]] |- |Physiotherapist||{{flagicon|ENG}} Jake Cunningham |- |Sports scientist||{{flagicon|ENG}} James Parr |- |Club doctor||{{flagicon|ENG}} Mubin Ibrahim |- |Kitman||{{flagicon|ENG}} Will Moore |- |Academy head coach||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Dean Marney (footballer)|Dean Marney]] |}
===Managerial history=== {| class="wikitable" !Name !Period !Achievements |- |{{flagicon|England}} Gary Fellows || 2005–08 || [[2007–08 North West Counties Football League#Division One|2007–08 NWCFL Division One]] (''promotion'') |- |{{flagicon|England}} Ashley Berry || 2008 || |- |{{flagicon|England}} Neil Hall || 2009 || |- |{{flagicon|England}} Paul Wright || 2009–10 || |- |{{flagicon|Wales}} Rhodri Giggs || 2010–12 || |- |{{flagicon|England}} [[Darren Sheridan]] || 2012–13 || |- |{{flagicon|England}} Andy Heald || 2013–14 || |- |{{flagicon|England}} [[Phil Power]] || 2014–15 || |- |{{flagicon|England}} Anthony Johnson<br />{{flagicon|England}} Bernard Morley || 2015–18 ||[[2014–15 Northern Premier League#Division One North|2014–15 NPL Division One North]]<br />[[2015–16 Northern Premier League#Premier Division|2015–16 NPL Premier Division]]<br />[[2017–18 National League#National League North|2017–18 National League North]] |- |{{flagicon|Scotland}} [[Graham Alexander]] || 2018–20 ||[[2019 National League play-off final|2019 National League play-offs]] |- |{{flagicon|England}} [[Richie Wellens]] || 2020–21 ||[[2020 EFL Trophy Final|2019–20 EFL Trophy]] |- |{{flagicon|England}} [[Gary Bowyer]] || 2021–22 || |- |{{flagicon|England}} [[Neil Wood]] || 2022–2023 || |- |{{flagicon|England}} [[Karl Robinson]] || 2023– || |}
==Club records== === Anson Villa FC === *Best league performance: 15th in [[Cheshire Association Football League|Mid-Cheshire Association Football League Division Two]], 1978–79<ref name="FCHD3" /> *Best [[FA Vase]] performance: Fifth round, [[1976–77 FA Vase|1976–77]]<ref name="FCHD3">{{Fchd|id=ANSONVIL|name=Anson Villa}}</ref>
=== Salford Amateurs FC === *Best [[FA Vase]] performance: Second round, 1978–79<ref name="FCHD4">{{Fchd|id=SALFORDA|name=Salford Amateurs}}</ref>
=== Salford FC === *Best league performance: 15th in [[North West Counties Football League|North West Counties Football League Division One]], 1984–85 and 1987–88<ref name="FCHD">{{Fchd|id=SALFORD|name=Salford}}</ref> *Best [[FA Vase]] performance: Fourth round, [[1980–81 FA Vase|1980–81]]<ref name="FCHD" />
===Salford City FC=== *Best league performance: 4th in [[EFL League Two]] (level 4), [[2025–26 EFL League Two|2025–26]]<ref name="FCHD2">{{Fchd|id=SALFORDC|name=Salford City}}</ref> *Best [[FA Cup]] performance: Fourth round, [[2025–26 FA Cup|2025–26]]<ref name="FCHD2" /> *Best [[EFL Cup]] performance: Third round, [[2023–24 EFL Cup|2023–24]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 September 2023 |title=REACTION {{!}} Carabao Cup run ended by Burnley |url=https://www.salfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2023/september/26/reaction-carabao-cup-run-ended-by-burnley/ |access-date=26 April 2025 |website=Salford City Football Club}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/leeds-salford-efl-cup-highlights-30817922 |title=Leeds suffer EFL Cup upset as League Two side Salford make history with shootout win |author=David McDonnell |publisher=The Mirror |date=29 August 2023 |access-date=30 August 2023}}</ref> *Best [[EFL Trophy]] performance: Winners, [[2019–20 EFL Trophy|2019–20]]<ref name="FCHD2" /> *Best [[FA Trophy]] performance: Third round, [[2018–19 FA Trophy|2018–19]] (replay)<ref name="FCHD2" /> *Best [[FA Vase]] performance: Fourth round, 2007–08<ref name="FCHD2" /> *Record cup attendance: 4,518 vs. [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]], League Cup first round, 13 August 2019 *Record league attendance: 4,058 vs. [[F.C. United of Manchester|FC United of Manchester]], North West Counties Football League, 3 October 2006
==Honours== '''League''' * [[National League (division)|National League]] (level 5) **Play-off winners: [[2018–19 National League#Play-offs|2019]] *[[National League North]] (level 6) **Champions: [[2017–18 National League|2017–18]] *[[Northern Premier League]] (level 7) **Play-off winners: [[2015–16 Northern Premier League|2016]] *Northern Premier League Division One North (level 8) **Champions: [[2014–15 Northern Premier League#Division One North|2014–15]]<ref name="promotion2015" /> *North West Counties League Premier Division (level 9) **2nd place promotion: [[2007–08 North West Counties Football League|2007–08]]
'''Cup''' *[[EFL Trophy]] **Winners: [[2019–20 EFL Trophy|2019–20]] *[[Manchester Premier Cup]] **Winners: 1977–78, 1978–79 *[[North West Counties Football League|North West Counties League]] League Challenge Cup **Winners: [[2005–06 in English football|2005–06]] *Lancashire Amateur Cup **Winners: 1971, 1973, 1975
==Salford City Lionesses== {{Infobox football club | clubname = Salford City Lionesses | website = {{URL|https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/}} | founded = {{Start date and age|df=y|2018}} | ground = St. Ambrose RC High School | owner = [[#Ownership|Project 92 Limited]] | manager = Connor Wild | league = [[North West Women's Regional Football League]] | season = 2023–24 | position = 10th<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fulltime.thefa.com/index.html;jsessionid=7E72D994EF8CD038BC9BB94BE9FEC709?selectedSeason=321874303&selectedFixtureGroupAgeGroup=0&selectedDivision=319275546&selectedCompetition=0 |title=North West Womens Regional League |website=[[The FA]]}}</ref> | pattern_la1 = | pattern_b1 = _adidastabela23r | pattern_ra1 = | pattern_sh1 = _adidaswhite | pattern_so1 = _3_white_stripes | leftarm1 = FF0000 | body1 = FF0000 | rightarm1 = FF0000 | shorts1 = 000000 | socks1 = 000000 | pattern_la2 = | pattern_b2 = _adidastabela23w | pattern_ra2 = | pattern_so2 = _3_white_stripes | pattern_sh2 = _adidaswhite | leftarm2 = FFFFFF | body2 = FFFFFF | rightarm2 = FFFFFF | shorts2 = 000000 | socks2 = 000000 }} In 2018, the club set up a [[Women's association football|women's]] team, named the Salford City Lionesses,<ref name="Lionesses">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44031458 |title=Salford City: Club co-owned by former Man Utd players to add women's team |date=7 May 2018 |access-date=30 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> with the team to play in the [[Greater Manchester Women's Football League]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Collinson |first=Beth |url=http://www.salfordnow.co.uk/2018/05/08/class-92-salford-city-lionesses-womens/ |title=Class of 92 announces Salford City Lionesses new women's team |date=8 May 2018 |access-date=30 September 2020 |work=Salford Now}}</ref> In the first game of the season, they recorded a 13–0 win against Urmston Meadowside, with Feiruz Abdullahi scoring six.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://stealingfiveyards.com/2018/09/18/round-up-emphatic-win-for-salford-city-whilst-didsbury-record-first-win/ |title=Round up: Emphatic win for Salford City whilst Didsbury record first win |date=18 September 2018 |access-date=30 September 2020 |work=Stealing Five Yards}}</ref> In the team's first season, they won the league championship with a goal difference of +116 and reached three cup finals, winning two and losing one which was the only defeat of the season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Burr |first=James |url=http://www.salfordnow.co.uk/2019/04/30/salford-lionesses-secure-league-title-in-dominant-first-season/ |title=Salford Lionesses secure League title in dominant first season |date=30 April 2019 |access-date=30 September 2020 |work=Salford Now}}</ref> The Lionesses competed in the [[Women's FA Cup]] for the first time during the [[2020–21 Women's FA Cup|2020–21 season]], losing in the preliminary round to [[Morecambe FC Women|Morecambe]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Tomas |first=Fiona |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/09/19/salford-city-lionesses-make-fa-womens-cup-debut/ |title=Salford City Lionesses to make FA Women's Cup debut |date=19 September 2020 |access-date=13 November 2022 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The [[2021–22 Women's FA Cup|following season]], Salford reached the FA Cup proper, advancing to second round before losing to [[Newcastle United W.F.C.|Newcastle United]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/lioness-matches/salford-city-lionesses-vs-newcastle-united-women-281121/ |title=Salford City Lionesses 0-4 Newcastle United Women :Snow progression this time |date=28 November 2021 |access-date=13 November 2022 |work=Salford City F.C.}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category}} *{{Official website|https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/}} {{BBC football info|salford-city|Salford City}} *{{fchd |id=SALFORDC |name=Salford City }}
{{Salford City F.C.}} {{Salford City F.C. seasons}} {{EFL League Two}} {{Football in Greater Manchester}} {{Authority control}} {{Coord|53|30|48|N|2|16|36|W|region:GB_type:landmark|display=title}}
[[Category:Salford City F.C.| ]] [[Category:1940 establishments in England]] [[Category:Association football clubs established in 1940]] [[Category:Football clubs in Manchester]] [[Category:Men's football clubs in England]] [[Category:EFL Trophy winners]] [[Category:North West Counties Football League clubs]] [[Category:Northern Premier League clubs]] [[Category:English Football League clubs]] [[Category:Cheshire County League clubs]] [[Category:National League (English football) clubs]] [[Category:Professional football clubs in England]]