David Beckham and Gary Neville Lead New Ownership Group at Salford City FC.

Roger Hampel

Photo Credit: Salford City

Salford City Football Club (SCFC) has entered a new era following its acquisition by a diversified global ownership group, led by David Beckham and Gary Neville, alongside US businessman Declan Kelly and former UK government minister Lord Mervyn Davies, who will both serve as Co-Chairs of the club’s board.

The transition marks a significant strategic shift and aims to scale the club’s ambitions across sporting, commercial, and infrastructural dimensions, while emphasizing long-term sustainability.

Strategic Ownership Model Blends Football Legacy with Global Commercial Expertise

The ownership structure is unique in English football — formed as a members’ club comprised of nine high-profile individuals and entities from sectors including finance, law, technology, and entertainment. Investors include:

• Dream Sports Group (India’s leading sports tech firm)

• Frank Ryan (Global Co-Chair & Americas CEO, DLA Piper)

• Colin Ryan (Founder, Clipper Street Capital)

• Nick Woodhouse (Executive Vice Chairman, Authentic Brands Group)

• Shravin Mittal (Founder, Unbound)

  
  

The model mirrors investment syndicates more commonly seen in U.S. sports and entertainment than in traditional English football, signaling a more structured, commercially driven ownership approach focused on multi-market expansion.

Building on the Class of ’92 Legacy

The acquisition builds on groundwork laid by the Class of ‘92 — notably Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and Phil Neville — who, alongside Peter Lim, elevated Salford City from non-league football to League Two status. While Lim has exited as a shareholder, the Class of '92 will remain involved in operational roles, spanning technical, football development, commercial strategy, and academy foundations.

“Football will come first, but it’s critical we drive the club toward sustainability in the next 4–5 years,” said Gary Neville.

Consello to Lead New Commercial Strategy

The club’s new commercial strategy will be developed in partnership with Consello, the global advisory and investing firm founded by Declan Kelly. Former Walmart CCO Janey Whiteside will lead growth efforts as Chief Growth Officer at Consello, focusing on partner acquisition across the UK, U.S., Europe, and Asia.

The goal: transform Salford City from a local football project into a sustainable global brand with community roots, elite talent development, and diversified commercial revenue streams.

Beckham’s Role and Community Connection Salford City FC David Beckham Gary Neville

David Beckham, who has deep personal ties to Salford, expressed his emotional connection to the project:

“Salford City is at the heart of its community... I’m proud to be part of its next chapter.”

Beckham's involvement brings both cultural capital and brand visibility to the club, particularly in North America and Asia, where he retains strong commercial influence.

Strategic Implications and Football Business Trends

This acquisition reflects several macro-level trends in the modern football business landscape:

• Diversified ownership models bringing cross-sector capital and expertise into smaller clubs

• A move toward sustainability and structured growth over pure on-field success

• Global brand building even at lower league levels

• Growing appetite for football investment among institutional players outside traditional sport ownership

  
  

If successful, Salford City could become a case study in building a commercially viable football brand from League Two upward, while remaining embedded in its local community.