David Beckham and Gary Neville have joined a new ownership consortium at Salford City FC, the League Two football club announced on Thursday. The former Manchester United teammates are part of a group that includes American businessman Declan Kelly and Mervyn Davies, a former banker who served as a minister in the UK Labour government from 2009 to 2010.
Beckham, 50, expressed his emotional ties to the Greater Manchester area in a post on Instagram, highlighting Salfords significance in his early life. "It's where I bought my first house and where Victoria and I lived," he wrote, referring to his wife, pop star Victoria Beckham. "I'm proud to be part of a new ownership group- Football is at the heart of this community and I can't wait to see what the future holds for the Ammies."
Neville, now a prominent football pundit, echoed that enthusiasm, stating: "I am passionate about Salford City. This is a unique partnership- held together by a love of football. Football will come first, but sustainability is key over the next four to five years."
Salford City had previously been backed by the celebrated Manchester United Class of 92, including Beckham, the Neville brothers, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, and Nicky Butt. Since their involvement began in 2014, the club has risen from non-league obscurity to League Two, the fourth tier of English professional football.
However, the shift in ownership suggests a need for renewed financial backing. Salford narrowly missed a chance at promotion last season, finishing just outside the League Two play-off spots.