Ex-Salford winger Caton-Brown bids for club

Former Salford Red Devils winger Mason Caton-Brown has launched a bid to take over the club as part of a consortium.

Salford were wound up after 152 years at the High Court on Wednesday over outstanding debts.

Former chief executive Chris Irwin said later on Wednesday that he is working with his own consortium to try and salvage the liquidated club.

Caton-Brown, as part of The Phoenix Bid consortium, has submitted an application to the Rugby Football League (RFL) to operate a Salford-based team at the CorpAcq Stadium.

"This isn't just about rebuilding a club, it's about rebuilding belief," said the 32-year-old, who made 32 Salford appearances between 2014 and 2016.

"Salford means everything to me as a club and is part of my story. We want to create something the city can be proud of again; a club that stands for honesty, sustainability, and genuine community connection."

Caton-Brown is joined in his bid by Malcolm Crompton, former chairman of the Forever Reds Supporters Trust, businessman Paul Hancock and Ashley Washington, a local tech entrepreneur.

On Thursday, The Phoenix Bid said "positive discussions" had been held with Salford City Council over the usage of the CorpAcq Stadium.

The announcement of their bid comes following an RFL board meeting on Thursday morning during which Salford Red Devils' membership of the league was officially terminated.

The board also set a deadline of Wednesday, 17 December for submissions to take over the club.