Gary Neville has dismissed suggestions of jealousy towards Wrexham's Hollywood-inspired success, insisting Salford City are on a different path to the Welsh club. The former Manchester United defender, who co-owns Salford with other Class of '92 alumni, including David Beckham, spoke out after Wrexham's rapid rise from the National League to the Championship under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Neville acknowledged that Salford's progress has stalled since reaching League Two in 2019, while Wrexham have surged ahead with three consecutive promotions. However, he emphasised that Salford's new ownership group, which includes Beckham, has a clear plan to reach the Championship within the next five years without relying on unsustainable spending.
'No, I don't wish I was any other football club,' Neville told FourFourTwo magazine. 'With new owners, we've got a plan whereby in four to five years, I'd like to think Salford would be more successful on the pitch. We will also have invested in our training ground and stadium, and be in a position whereby we can achieve sustainability.'
Neville stressed that Salford's approach differs from Wrexham's, which has involved significant financial backing from its celebrity owners. Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, he explained that he and Beckham have committed funds for the next four to five years but will not drastically alter the club's budget model.
'Me and Becks decided that we would put money in for the next four or five years... We won't change the budget, and to reverse out of the model we already have, you need two or three years,' Neville said, adding that Wrexham and Birmingham City are operating with 'hundreds of millions' that Salford cannot match.
Despite Wrexham's higher profile, bolstered by the 'Welcome to Wrexham' documentary series, Neville remains focused on Salford's long-term goal of sustainability. The Ammies featured in their own BBC documentary during the early years of the Class of '92 takeover, but Neville is determined to chart a different course for the club.
