Ryan Brierley has returned to Salford as the new CEO of the Phoenix club.
Former club captain Brierley has been sold to Oldham as Salford Red Devils desperately try to raise funds throughout their ill-fated 2025 campaign.
The 33-year-old lifelong Salford supporter has ended his playing career at Oldham and has been tasked with leading the next phase of rebuilding professional rugby league in the city.
The news comes after consortium Phoenix Bid was successful in its bid for a Rugby Football League (RFL) license.
“Salford is close to my heart and I believe preserving its rugby league heritage is beyond competition,” Brierley said.
“I hope Oldham’s amazing supporters understand that this is about protecting something we all care deeply about and what a great club they are a part of.
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“I would like to say a sincere thank you to everyone at Oldham, the management, staff, players and especially the fans. I know this may come as a surprise and I am very sad to be leaving so soon, but I felt this was what I had to do.”
The Phoenix Bid consortium has confirmed plans for the 2026 season are now underway, with Brierley tasked with delivering a community-first future for Salford rugby league.
“Now the hard work begins,” Brierley said. “This is for the fans and we will not let them down. It is an honor to now lead this consortium and help usher Salford into a new era.
“We ask for everyone’s patience and support as we unite for the club and our city and rebuild together, one step at a time.
“I am looking forward to working closely with Mason Caton-Brown, who has led the bid over the past few weeks, supported by an outstanding team with an overwhelming passion for Salford Rugby.”
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Salford begin their 2026 Championship season against Brierley’s former club Oldham on January 16. Oldham thanked him for his efforts and wished him well.
“We can confirm that Ryan Brierley has left Oldham for another club,” the statement said.
“The player told us this week that he wanted to be released from his contract to pursue another opportunity, and we agreed to this.
“Everyone at Oldham wishes Ryan every success in his new venture and would like to thank him for his efforts in an Oldham shirt.”
