To understand why this matters, you must piece a few things together.<\/p>\n
The long-term aim from the moment in 2014 that Salford City were bought by the ‘Class of 92’ – Scholes, Neville and his brother Phil, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and, eventually, Beckham, with substantial financial backing from Singapore businessman Peter Lim – was the Championship.<\/p>\n
At the time, it seemed fanciful. Salford were in the second level of the Northern Premier League – the eighth tier of the English game – and sometimes playing to crowds of under 100.<\/p>\n
But perceptions changed with four promotions in five seasons and massive investment that helped transform Moor Lane – now known as the Peninsula Stadium – to the point barely a single element of the stadium site remains as it was.<\/p>\n
Neville subsequently admitted it was a mistake to sack Graham Alexander in October 2020, with the club fifth in the table after an unbeaten start. As with Robinson, style of play was a reason put forward.<\/p>\n
Richie Wellens and Gary Bowyer followed Alexander before – after an ill-fated half-season under Neil Wood – Robinson was appointed in January 2024.<\/p>\n
With the exception of the season Wood was in charge, Salford finished between seventh and 11th in their first six League Two campaigns.<\/p>\n
Steady, but not the progress anticipated.<\/p>\n