CHRIS Irwin insisted Salford Red Devils will recieve the long-promised funding from their new owners despite increasing scepticism over the viability of their takeover.
A statement released by the Betfred Super League club on March 4 claimed the funds from the consortium which were cleared to take over the Red Devils were being delayed pending regulatory clearance, and are still awaited.
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s 28-0 defeat at home to Leeds Rhinos, Salford CEO Irwin was adamant the money would arrive having seen proof of the funds, although he did not specify a timeframe and understood the viewpoint of the doubters.
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“That’s what I’ve been told by the owners and that’s all I’ve got to go on,” Irwin told Sky Sports.
“It’s just asking questions and seeing transactions from the owners to the banks, and chatting with [RFL CEO] Tony Sutton and seeing the transactions themselves.
“That’s all I have to go off, and have to take the word and trust of the owners.
“I can understand why people would be sceptical.”
Consortium members Saia Kailahi and Curtis Brown met with Red Devils players and staff on Tuesday, with a new deadline of the middle of May reportedly being set for funds to arrive.
Irwin gave assurances April’s payroll would be met and that March’s delayed wages were funded by the new owners.
However, Irwin confirmed the club’s historic debts had not been wiped clean yet as was originally announced when the takeover was approved by the RFL.
“I was ill-advised at that point by the owners that part of the agreement when they came in was to clear all debts and the funds were due to land imminently,” Irwin said.
“Unfortunately, that’s not been the case and I can only apologise for that.”
Salford remain under a £1.2million sustainability cap and continue to lose players, with captain Kallum Watkins moving back to Leeds this week.
Chris Atkin and Deon Cross are both expected to depart in the coming days as well, and Irwin did not rule out further sales in an effort to ensure the club’s financial viability.
Nevertheless, he insisted the Red Devils have a bright future, with them promised a 20 percent share in the ownership of Salford Community Stadium as part of the takeover.
“The club is in safe hands and I will ensure that…by cutting our cloth accordingly and ensuring we run in a way which is sustainable for the future, and that’s what I’m working on at the moment,” Irwin said.
“I can only do what I can control, I’m fully with the fans, I’m heartbroken by the situation I’m in.
“I came in with the premise these funds were going to be here and I could start building this business.
“We’re just waiting for them.”
