Salford City - the non-league club famed for their owners: Manchester United's Class of '92. Today, with the announcement of David Beckham acquiring a 10% stake in the club, Salford's "fairytale" is stepping up the pace.
Salford have been completely transformed since the Class of '92 bought the club. Languishing in the 8th tier of English football, Salford have achieved 3 promotions in 4 years and now sit 3rd in the National League.
A big part of Salford's success has been down to Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim, who owns 40% of the club. Lim's net worth is US$2.4 billion. At a non-league club with owners as rich as Salford's, success was inevitable.
Due to the high profile of the Class of '92, there have been 3 TV series commissioned called "Class of 92: Out of Their League". It follows the journey of Salford through their season and depicts the club as if the Class of 92 had no hope of succeeding.
The documentary has, unfortunately, blinded fans from reality. The financial status has enabled the club to pay Adam Rooney £4k a week in the 5th tier. Let's not forget that the Class of '92 have changed Salford's kit colours, disrespecting the history of the club. But it's okay because it's Gary Neville.
This is no fairytale.
Salford's ability to spend without care goes against grassroots football. It is meant to be a level playing field but Salford can pay practically 3x the amount of wages the majority of Vanarama National League clubs can. It's quite embarrassing that Salford are only 3rd.
There is ultimately nothing that can be done to stop Salford. There is no FFP in the National League that could have prevented Salford from doing what they have done. Adam Rooney rejected staying in the Scottish top flight for the English 5th tier. Money talks.
David Beckham's investment is even more damming. He himself has a net worth of £339 million. To put the financial power of Salford into perspective, Liverpool owner John W. Henry has a net worth of US$2.5 billion. Salford's owners are richer than Liverpool's.
Ryan Giggs upon becoming a part-owner declared an aim of reaching the Championship in 15 years. On current form, it could be done in 8 years.
Clubs like Salford are ruining English football.
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