Ahead of Saturday's opening day fixture at Salford City, we take a closer look at the League Two new boys...
- What we know about Saturday’s opponents…
After promotion from the National League via the play-offs with a 3-0 win against A.F.C Fylde in April, Salford are going to be full of optimism in their first season in the EFL.
The Ammies have seen a huge turn in fortune ever since the Class of ‘92 became majority shareholders of the Club. After completing their takeover in 2014, the likes of Phil and Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and recently David Beckham, have witnessed four promotions in five years.
- Pre-Season Form...
Salford have had an unusually quiet Pre-Season schedule, with just three games played throughout the Summer. The Ammies suffered two 3-1 defeats to Woking and Middlesbrough; alongside a 1-0 win against Atherton Collieries.
- Summer Moves...
Salford has seen key-departures in the centre of midfield as Gus Mafuta went to Hartlepool and Devonte Redmond to Wrexham, both players started the Play-Off final. In return, they have brought in eight players since May 31st as the ambitious Club attempts to continue its rise up the divisions.
The eight players include Richie Towell (Brighton), Luke Armstrong (Middlesbrough), Martin Smith (Swindon Town), Cameron Burgess (Scunthorpe), Kyle Letheren (Plymouth), Joey Jones (Eastleigh), Dan Jones (Barrow) and Oscar Threlkeld from Belgium first division side, Waasland-Beveren.
- The Gaffer...
Ex-Premier League midfielder Graham Alexander is the man in charge and has been in the hot seat since the start of last season.
After defeat to Middlesbrough in their most recent home game, the manager commented, “We can’t go soft on ourselves and just accept certain things that happen in the game because we are playing a team from two leagues above.
“It is important we set our own standards, I think some people are hitting those standards, and other boys that need to up their performance levels to make sure they are in contention for next week.
He added, “We are all excited about the start of the season. It’s a brand-new era for the club going into the Football League and the challenge for us is to win games.
“We have 10 days to fine-tune the players, the team and what we are going to do.”
- Top Player...
Adam Rooney, who plays as a striker, signed from Aberdeen last season to much fanfare and finished as Salford’s top goalscorer; fourth overall in the National League.
Rooney (31) has over 150 career goals to his name and has played in the Championship, League 1 & 2, Scottish Premiership and Europa League. His pedigree speaks volumes and will be key if Salford are to take to the EFL at first time of asking.
- The Venue...
Moor Lane, or currently known as Peninsula Stadium for sponsorship purposes, is Saturday's place of work, located in Greater Manchester. The Stadium has been redeveloped in recent years and as such, the capacity has risen from 1,600 to over 5,000.
Ticket and Travel info for Saturday's big opening day fixture can be found here.
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