Statement here for those who couldn't make the link work"The club has come a long way during my tenure since arriving in 2013 when it was in a perilous position. This year has seen the club have its most successful season in Super League, not just on the field but off it in the way it has shaped its business and financial position.

Under a young local coach, we have seen a team of quality, proven Super League players finish fourth in the regular season and take part in a closely fought semi-final of the Challenge Cup. Off-field, under the guidance of a former Club player as our CEO, we have managed to reduce the operating losses to 20 percent of those in 2014 which has stabilised the club at this time.

Moving forward I strongly believe that the additional investment in recruitment towards the end of last season, combined with an off season in which the coaches can prepare, we will see the team improve further and genuinely compete for a top four finish and an equally successful Cup run.

I further believe that commercial decisions I have recently taken, combined with the business partnerships and arrangements I have already secured will, with the strong support of the local community who buy season tickets and regularly attend games, means that the club can become self sufficient.

As I have always said, I am merely a custodian of the club, which will always be bigger than any individual who owns it, and will continue longer than any one person can run it. To this end the club, quite rightly, must always belong to the fans and the local community of Salford. I will continue to hold very high regard for our fans and the wider community supporting us and because of this have rejected lucrative offers to relocate or rebrand the club because I have seen that there is an overwhelming passion from the fans to retain the Salford name.

I have now instructed my legal team, subject to RFL approval, to establish a trust to take ownership of the club for the benefit of the fans and the local community of Salford. I will appoint a board of trustees to include local Salford businessmen and a representative of the fans to be elected by the season ticket holders, which will ensure the fans have a prominent voice in the running of the club. I am confident that the new structure at the Club under the guidance of the Trustees will see the Club continue to make progress on and off the pitch.

During my time running the club I have faced many challenges which I have met head on and I, along with my family, have had many great times, creating very fond memories and friendships that will stay with us. I have genuinely grown to absolutely love the game of Rugby League and the Red Devils and still care deeply about it. My decision is nothing to do with the operation of the game or the RFL, with whom during my time I have challenged but also enjoyed a fantastic working relationship, especially during 2017 and they have my ongoing respect. I look forward to joining our loyal supporters and all my friends when i visit in the grandstands at the stadium next season."[/i

Wouldn't surprise me if he decides to be the 'Eric Perez' of a franchise. Possible Montreal? New York? etc.

He’s rebranding us?

Fear for Salford. Isn't their rent £400k per year? Not sure if they get any revenue from food, beer sales. With crowds as low as 1.5k, someone will have to put their hand in their pocket.

Sounds familiar.

New York Red Bulls RL. Koukash takes over at Odsal and immediately moves the franchise to New York.

That could have been the reason for all the one hour 'halves' we've endured this season due to 'injury' time-outs - it was to get us used to North American sporting norms. Like, the match not really being the main event, the actual big deal is the picnic and queuing up (sorry...standing in line) for ages to buy a burger.

An overpriced burger too

I think he will just leave RL all together.

I don't think he will have anything to do with Bulls

Wouldn't be surprised if Koukash re-appeared at Leigh but maybe taking more of a backseat. Suspected he's been involved there in background for a while TBH.

Another thing that springs to mind is whats situation with Salford CVA?. From memory when Koukash tooke over he didn't pay off the existing debyts , but avoided a points deduction by re-structuring them over a 5 year period with a CVA. Is he paying that off before he goes or are new board going to be lumbered with it.

Never thought I'd see the words Koukash and backseat used in the same sentence.

Never thought I'd see a Hudds fan laughing at Salford's crowd sizes but I just have...what a time to be alive......

Edited for accuracy

www.thestar.co.uk/sport/rugby-le ... -1-8778734 Nothing to do with Koukash but didn't want to start a new thread Have a see what Ben Blackmore has done. Stupidity or dedicated??? Should he of even had to make the decision?

www.thestar.co.uk/sport/rugby-le ... -1-8778734 Nothing to do with Koukash but didn't want to start a new thread Have a see what Ben Blackmore has done. Stupidity or dedicated??? Should he of even had to make the decision?

This is the problem when you mix F/T & P/T teams in a competition that also involves international teams. Interesting that on a previous trip they had to play and travel on the same day. They won't be able to do that when they play Toronto.