To many Salford City are seen as a lower league side who have been bankrolled with a vision to make it to the top – but there is much more to the club than first meets the eye.
This weekend we will be heading to a new ground as we aim to build on our current form against an ambitious side who currently sit just shy of the play-off places.
Ahead of our trip to the Peninsula Stadium, we provide a rundown of everything you need to know about our League Two rivals.
A BRIEF HISTORY
Founded in 1940 as Salford Central, the team largely competed in the lower leagues before being promoted to the Manchester Football League in 1963. Their name was then changed to Salford Amateurs, with the current nickname ‘Ammies’ deriving from it.
The name was then changed to simply being Salford as the club moved to it’s current home in Moor Lane in 1978. A steady climb up the non-league circuit followed – including promotion to the North West Counties League in 1986 – which coincided with the addition of City to the name.
Between 2006 and 2014 the club rose to its highest position of step eight in the pyramid, the Northern Premier League Division One North. During that period they pulled off a great escape that saw them fight back from being 15 points adrift of safety.
In 2014, the Project 92 Limited consortium, made up of former Manchester United players Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, and Paul Scholes, completed its takeover of the club with a vision of putting its name on the map. Five promotions have since followed, alongside the team going professional as well as there being a change in badge and kit colour.
Former England captain David Beckham now owns a minority share, whilst Valencia owner Peter Lim is also a part owner. The club also won the EFL Trophy in the 2019/20 campaign, marking another memorable day in its blossoming history.
THE GAFFER
Neil Wood is a largely inexperienced manager at Football League level, with his only previous experience of coaching coming with Manchester United’s Under-23s. A total of 17 academy players made their first-team debuts during his time with the Red Devils.
Now he is tasked with helping the Ammies push on to League One at the third time of asking, with his predecessors having largely fallen by the wayside in pursuit of this lofty ambition. The hope from the owners is that the former Coventry City midfielder can be the one to change that.
THE SQUAD
Boasting an average age of around 25, the club’s current squad has good experience in the form of midfielders Ryan Watson, Matty Lund and Stevie Mallan. Whilst they also have talented Premier League youngsters amongst their ranks - Ethan Galbraith, Lorent Tolaj and Jack Jenkins – who have arrived on loan from Man United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Leeds respectively.
Ashley Eastham, Jason Lowe and Ibou Touray have been on the scene the longest in terms of appearances. Strikers Matt Smith and Callum Hendry provide the main threat up front for the side, with Conor McAleny also being a proven forward option.
THEY PLAYED FOR BOTH
The club’s current number one goalkeeper is former Don, Tom King, with the shot-stopper having previously turned out for our side in 2018 whilst on loan from Millwall.
Striker Tom Elliott turned out for the Ammies between 2020 and 2022 and was a key part of our side that achieved promotion in 2016 under Neal Ardley. He played just south of 100 games for Wimbledon and became a fans’ favourite before moving on in 2017.
THE STADIUM
Built: 1978 (expanded 2016)
Capacity: 5,106 (seated 2,240)
Address: Salford, M7 3PZ
Food on offer inside the ground includes; a selection of Pies, Pies with Peas and Gravy, Double Burgers (with Cheese and/or Onions), Burgers (with Cheese and/or Onions), Plain Burgers, Hot Dogs, Sausage & Chips, Cone of Chips and Tray of Chips (with Curry Sauce or Gravy).
Despite the stadium being situated in a residential area, there aren’t any pubs close by. The Star Inn on Back Hope Street in Higher Broughton is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the ground.
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR SATURDAY
Dons supporters will be accomodated in the East Stand terrace (standing only) or the North Stand Block H (seats) with the following prices (same for standing and seating):
Adult - £15
Concessions (16-21 years inclusive and 60 or over on day of game) - £10
Under-16s (aged between 5 and 15 on day of game) - £5
Under-5s free (ticket only required for a reserved seat - charged at £5)
Buy from our online ticket shop.
Please note that wheelchair users can be accommodated in front of block H or in front of block B (North Stand). Both views are at ground level, but the option for block B is situated in front of seated home supporters and offers a considerably better view of the game. For information on this, please contact 020 3988 7863.
PICS: Pro Sports Images