Manchester United legend and former England captain David Beckham has purchased a 10% stake in Salford City. He joins his former United team-mates Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, brothers Gary and Phil Neville, and Nicky Butt as co-owners along with Peter Lim.
This investment by David Beckham in a 10% stake now makes the Class of 92, the majority shareholders, with a 60% stake between them. Each owns a 10% stake. Peter Lim however still remains the largest single shareholder with the remaining 40% stake. Beckham has expressed his excitement about joining his former team-mates as co-owners of the non-league club.
It’s a proud moment for me to join Peter Lim and the Class of ’92 lads as an owner of Salford City FC.
It’s a really special club and a special group of people. My early years in Manchester were all spent in Salford. I grew up there in many ways so to be able to finally join the lads and the club today is a great feeling.
The rest of the Class of 92 took over Salford City five years ago. Since then, the club has enjoyed 3 promotions in 4 seasons, in which they won the National League North last season, as well as a new and improved stadium at Moor Lane.
Salford currently sit third in the National League. With just one point between them and the top spot, all is to play for. Another back to back promotion this season would see them enter the fully professional football league playing in League Two, which would be a staggering achievement.
The Class of 92 made a joint statement, and had this to say on the news:
From the very beginning we wanted David to be involved and be with us on this incredible journey, however circumstances and commitments didn’t allow that.
Now the time is right and is another exciting time in Salford City’s history.
It is important to emphasise that nothing will change in the day-to-day operations of the club but to have us all together was always the vision.
We grew up in Salford, carved our careers here and that’s why we are doing what we are doing at Salford City.
We have grown to love this club and the fans and we would like to welcome David to the club and to becoming part of the Salford City family.
The whole deal for David Beckham joining Salford City as co-owner is still however subject to FA Approval, but we can’t see that being an issue.
Featured Image by James Boyes. Displayed under Creative Commons.
