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Former Manchester United stars David Beckham and Gary Neville have completed a major takeover of Salford City, buying out the remaining shares held by fellow ‘Class of ’92’ team-mates as part of a new ownership consortium.
Currently playing in the fourth tier of English football, the club has seen Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville, and Paul Scholes relinquish their ownership stakes. They will continue to serve in various roles at the club’s Moor Lane base.
This reshuffle follows the 2024 exit of majority shareholder Peter Lim, prompting Beckham and Neville to spend months exploring viable investment options to take Salford to the next level. Rejecting multi-club and direct ownership models for lacking “authenticity,” they opted to form a new partnership aimed at delivering both sporting success and commercial growth.
New ownership consortium
Beckham and Neville have teamed up with prominent figures, including:
Declan Kelly – Founder, Consello (U.S.-based advisory firm)
Lord Mervyn Davies – Chair, Lawn Tennis Association
Frank Ryan – Co-chair & Co-CEO, DLA Piper
Shravin Mittal – Founder, Unbound
Nick Woodhouse – Vice Chairman, Authentic Brands Group
Colin Ryan – Founder, Clipper Street Capital
Dream Sports Group – Indian sports tech company
The group reportedly raised $20 million, targeting promotion to the Championship within five years. Each partner will hold either a 5% or 10% stake, totalling 80%, with 20% reserved for future investors.
A new chief executive will soon be appointed to oversee daily operations, while Beckham and Neville will continue shaping strategic direction.
“I will be over every big decision that’s made and every little decision that’s made,” Beckham told The Athletic. “That’s what my commitment is to Gary and the club.”
Eyes on the Championship
After their initial 2014 acquisition, Salford achieved four promotions in five years, but progress has since stalled, with the team finishing just outside the League Two play-offs this season.
Beckham stressed the ambition is real
“We’re not doing it for a laugh. We care about the club, but we’re doing it to win. I dream big, and I always want us to get to the Premier League.”
He added that the goal is to replicate the community-driven success of clubs like Wrexham and Birmingham City, backed by Hollywood and business figures.
“Ryan Reynolds has done something special at Wrexham… and Tom Wagner with Tom Brady at Birmingham. That’s what we want to create — a club with heart, success, and a thriving fan base.”
Salford City’s next chapter under Beckham and Neville promises renewed ambition, deeper investment, and a bold push for footballing relevance well beyond League Two.
