What Gary Neville said when asked if he wished Salford City were more like Wrexham AFC | OneFootball

Gary Neville has responded to comparisons between Salford City and Wrexham

Gary Neville has claimed he doesn’t wish Salford City were more like Wrexham after their recent takeover.

It was confirmed in May of this year that an ownership group led by Neville and his former Man United and England teammate David Beckham have taken control of the League Two side.

A membership group including nine shareholders have invested in the side ahead of the new campaign, with their sights set on improving the team’s standing in English football.

The famous names of Neville and Beckham being involved has led to comparisons with Wrexham, who are co-owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Gary Neville makes Salford ownership claim

Neville has claimed that he doesn’t envy the rapid rise Wrexham have enjoyed in the last few years, going from the National League to the Championship.

He is hopeful that this new ownership structure will help the League Two side to improve both on and off the pitch, highlighting their investment in infrastructure like the stadium and training ground.

“No, I don’t wish I was any other football club, I don’t work or operate like that,” said Neville, via FourFourTwo.

“With new owners, we’ve got a plan whereby in four to five years, I’d like to think Salford would be more successful on the pitch.

“That’s the hope.

“We will also have invested in our training ground and stadium, and be in a position whereby we can achieve sustainability.

“That’s the real drive of this ownership, to grow revenues, be successful on the pitch, become sustainable and ensure we still meet those values of being affordable and accessible that we had from day one.

“There’s a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it in, but we’re committed and that’s the most important thing.”

Salford City will begin their League Two campaign this weekend against Crewe Alexandra.

Salford City’s new ownership structure could mean a brighter future

Salford City have been in the mix for promotion from League Two in recent years, even reaching the play-offs during the 2022/23 campaign.

However, they haven’t been able to make that next step to contend for automatic promotion under the previous ownership structure.

Bringing in this fresh investment could be what’s needed to take that next step, and the improvements in infrastructure will also help in that respect.

What Wrexham have been able to achieve isn’t easy, and has required a lot of investment, and it is not a path that will be easily replicated by anyone in the English pyramid.