Salford City's Dramatic Ownership Transformation
A seismic shift in the ownership structure of Salford City Football Club has fundamentally altered the involvement of Manchester United's legendary Class of '92. The comprehensive restructure, which unfolded throughout 2024 and 2025, has systematically removed four of the six original members from their financial stakes in the club they helped resurrect.
The 2025 Buyout and New Corporate Era
In a decisive move finalized in May 2025, Gary Neville and David Beckham orchestrated a buyout of their former teammates' shares. This transaction officially terminated the shareholder status of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and Phil Neville, marking the end of their formal ownership roles at the Peninsula Stadium. The club is now governed by a new consortium that represents a significant departure from its local, player-owned origins.
The controlling entity is led by US-based businessman Declan Kelly, founder of Consello, and Lord Mervyn Davies, who both serve as Co-Chairs. In a further corporate consolidation, global insurance giant AIG—formerly the front-of-shirt sponsor for Manchester United—became the club's largest shareholder in December 2025 through an expanded strategic partnership. This investment has substantially diluted the original ownership model, embedding the club within a more institutional financial framework.
Individual Roles and Departures Post-Restructure
Paul Scholes maintains a crucial technical presence despite relinquishing his ownership stake. He continues as the club's Director of Recruitment, overseeing scouting operations and player acquisitions, thereby directly influencing the first-team squad under manager Karl Robinson.
Ryan Giggs formally concluded his involvement with the Ammies' football operations in September 2025, stepping down from his position as Director of Football. This exit followed his earlier transition from co-owner to a technical role, severing his last formal ties to the club.
Nicky Butt departed from his executive duties as Chief Executive Officer in late 2024, opting to return to coaching. Although he remains a respected figure at the club, he no longer occupies a board seat or holds any shareholder interest following the 2025 restructuring.
Phil Neville saw his tenure as a club director terminated in October 2025 as part of the corporate streamlining process. He now focuses entirely on his managerial career in the United States, with no remaining administrative or financial connection to Salford City.
Enduring Figures and Corporate Structure
Gary Neville and David Beckham stand as the sole remaining co-owners from the original Class of '92 group within the new consortium. Gary Neville remains particularly active, frequently representing the ownership in public engagements and strategic discussions. The club continues to operate under its parent company, Project 92 Limited, though control has transitioned from a six-way split among former teammates to a structure dominated by institutional investors like AIG and the Beckham-Neville partnership.
This ownership overhaul signifies a profound evolution for Salford City, moving from a sentimental project driven by football legends to a more conventional, corporately managed football enterprise. The changes reflect broader trends in football club ownership while reshaping the legacy of the Class of '92's involvement with the club they famously helped elevate from the lower leagues.
