Ryan Brierley has returned to Salford as the Phoenix club’s new chief executive.
Former club captain Brierley was sold to Oldham as Salford Red Devils desperately tried to raise money through an ill-fated 2025 season.
The 33-year-old, a lifelong Salford supporter, has ended his playing career at Oldham to step into the role of leading the next stage of the city’s professional rugby league rebuild.
The news comes after consortium Phoenix Bid successfully bid for the Rugby Football League (RFL) license.
“Salford is close to my heart and I believe preserving its rugby league tradition is about more than a rivalry,” Brierley said.
“I hope that Oldham’s wonderful supporters understand that this is something that we all hold dear to our hearts and is about protecting the great club that they belong to.
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Former player Mason Caton-Brown talks about the process of rebuilding Salford’s rugby league team and their to-do list as they prepare to compete in the Betfred Championship in 2026.
“I would like to sincerely thank everyone at Oldham, the management, staff, players and especially the fans. I know this may be sudden and I am very disappointed to be leaving so soon, but this is something I felt I had to do.”
The Phoenix Bid Consortium has confirmed that plans for the 2026 season are now underway, with Mr Brierley tasked with delivering a community-first future for Salford Rugby League.
“The hard work begins now,” Brierley said. “This is for the fans and we are not going to let them down. I am honored to lead this consortium and help lead Salford into a new era.”
“We ask for your patience and support as we stand together and rebuild for the club and our city, one step at a time.
“I look forward to working closely with Mason Caton-Brown, who has spearheaded the bid in recent weeks, supported by a fantastic team with an overwhelming passion for Salford Rugby.”
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Sky Sports’ Brian Carney reflects on the demise of Salford Red Devils, but says fans can hold out hope that a new club may rise from the ashes, like Bradford.
Salford begin the 2026 Championship season on January 16 against Brierley’s former club Oldham, who thanked him for his efforts and wished him well.
“We can confirm that Ryan Brierley has left Oldham to take up a position at another club,” it said in a statement.
“The player informed us this week of his wish to terminate his contract and pursue other opportunities, and we have agreed to that.
“All of us at Oldham wish Ryan every success in his new venture and thank him for all his hard work in an Oldham shirt.”
