Koukash to hand the Red Devils over to a trust

Koukash rescued the club from financial ruin in 2013 but has now decided to hand it over to a community trust.

Koukash says his decision is not connected to the running battle he has fought with the game’s governing body the Rugby Football League during his four-year tenure. Instead, he says it is in his own interests and insists it will not impact on the future of the Red Devils.

The one-time Palestinian refugee and self-made millionaire was thought to be close to quitting the club at the end of last season, only to be re-invigorated by their miraculous escape from relegation in the Million-Pound Game.

But he has become increasingly frustrated by dwindling crowds at the AJ Bell Stadium this year, despite a marked improvement in results, and the last straw came when just 1,405 watched the Red Devils’ home game against Huddersfield earlier this month.

In a statement, Koukash said: “I have now instructed my legal team, subject to RFL approval, to establish a trust to take ownership of the club for the benefit of the fans and the local community of Salford.

“I will appoint a board of trustees to include local Salford businessmen and a representative of the fans to be elected by the season ticket holders which will ensure the fans have a prominent voice in the running of the club.

“I am confident that the new structure at the club under the guidance of the trustees will see the club continue to make progress on and off the pitch.

“During my time running the club I have faced many challenges which I have met head on and I, along with my family, have had many great times, creating very fond memories and friendships that will stay with us.

“I have genuinely grown to absolutely love the game of rugby league and the Red Devils and still care deeply about it.

Salford have announced the departure of long-serving brothers Adam and Jordan Walne from the club.

The club had earlier confirmed that Michael Dobson, Todd Carney and Olsi Krasniqi had made their final appearances and on Tuesday confirmed the release of youngsters Liam Bent and Connor Williams.