New CEO Announced – Gary Neville quits Salford City role as ex-Man Utd teammate named new CEO

Gary Neville says Salford City is in “excellent hands” now that he is no longer the club’s part-time CEO.

Former Manchester United and England star Neville have been in charge for eight years, dating back to the year he and other members of the ‘Class of 92’ took over the club. Nicky Butt, another of his co-owners, will take over as CEO on November 1.

Neville, 47, has been juggling his Salford duty with other commitments in the game. He is a fixture on Sky Sports broadcasts as both a co-commentator and a pundit, and he has his fingers in a variety of pies both inside and outside of football.

“Because the club has grown at such a rapid pace, it requires someone who can focus on the club and be present every day, and Nicky is the best choice for this,” Neville said in a statement. “I have enjoyed my eight years and can’t believe how much we have accomplished in that time, as well as how proud I am of the hard work everyone at the club has put in to make a dream we had on a train become a reality.”

“I’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the game on match days now that I know it’s in good hands.” I’d want to thank Peter Lim and the other boys for everything they’ve done, all the personnel I’ve worked with on and off the field for your passion and effort, and the fans who have supported us since the beginning.”

Butt, Neville’s replacement, is another member of the owning group who has represented both United and England. The Champions League-winning midfielder has previously served on Manchester United’s coaching staff, including a stint as acting manager of the club’s under-23 team.

When the takeover occurred in 2014, Salford was playing non-league football. They have since climbed the football league structure and are currently just outside the play-off places in League Two, with former Manchester United academy player Neil Wood taking over as manager in the summer after previously managing the club’s under-23s.

“I am thrilled and grateful for this chance, pressure, and responsibility,” Butt added. “The club, staff, team, and fans are everything, and they are what makes this club special, and why we fell in love with it all those years ago.”

“I accept the responsibility that comes with it, the obligation of long-term vision while focusing on short-term goals and what is needed today, and I will work hard to get the club to where we believe it can be.”