https://www.manchestereveningnews.c...ter-news/how-red-devils-went-fromthe-19065999
When
Salford Red Devils take to the field at Wembley next weekend, they will do so knowing they must defy the odds once more.
For it's been a fairytale rise from the brink of oblivion to the biggest stage in Rugby League - and it has all been achieved by staying true to their Salford roots.
The club head into the Challenge Cup final against Leeds Rhinos as underdogs, but that won't bother their supporters.
Three years ago, they faced a fight to retain their identity when the club's then owner began moves to rename the club as 'Manchester Red Devils'.
Millionaire entrepreneur Marwan Koukash explored the option as part of plans to expand the club's fan base, grow the 'brand' and move some games to Old Trafford or the Etihad complex.
But supporters were furious at the idea of abandoning 140 years of history, forming an action group and unfurling a banner on the terraces reading: "Salford RLFC since 1879. Manchester Never. Salford Forever".
Backed by local MPs and the city mayor, the 'Salford Forever' fan group won their battle to keep the name, but it was to come at a price.
After taking over the club in 2013, when it was on the brink of collapse, the charismatic Koukash had invested millions in players and coaching staff.
Just a week after he announced that the name would stay as Salford Red Devils in September 2017, Koukash announced that he was walking away and would be handing over the club to a community trust made of club supporters.
His departure left the club facing financial oblivion. Without Koukash's backing, Salford were forced to operate with one of the smallest budgets in Super League.
Some feared they may have burned their bridges, but those involved with the club dug in and made the most of what was at their disposal.
Ex-Salford players Ian Watson and Ian Blease, who had been brought in by Koukash as the club's head coach and director of rugby respectively, were left to steer the ship.
Born and raised in the city, the former teammates know better than anyone what the club means to its supporters.
As a Red Devils player, Blease came within touching distance of getting to Wembley himself, scoring a try in the Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Wigan Warriors in 1988.
Since taking up the reins, Watson and Blease have worked wonders in ensuring the club continually punches above its weight.
Despite boasting the second-lowest salary spend in the competition, the two Ians managed to guide the team to last year's Super League Grand Final.
Salford's big day out at Old Trafford was ultimately spoiled by St Helens, but it showed that the club was flourishing despite its financial limitations.
Twelve months on, with typical
Salford grit and determination, the Red Devils came from behind twice against Warrington Wolves in the Challenge Cup semi-final to secure their spot in rugby league's greatest showpiece.
A first visit to Wembley in more than half a century now beckons, and it is all the more special for the fact it has been achieved while staying true to the club's Salford roots.
Much of the success is down to the hard work and dogged determination instilled by Watson and Blease.
It's not money that makes you win," Watson declared this week upon reaching Wembley. "It's the character of the players and the belief in each other that makes you win."
Watson and Blease, who live just a stone's throw away from one another in Salford, embody all that the club stands for.
"We live four doors down from each other, so there's plenty of conversations," explained Blease, a former club captain.
"I've even had him shouting over the garden fence a couple of times.
"We played for the club for several years, myself and Watto, we like being underdogs. This is what Salford's about - hardworking, loyal guys and we look after our own."
In the wake of Koukash's departure, the club struggled to hold on to many of its star players.
Yet the forced rebuilds have seen Salford improve - on and off the field.
The financial boost from reaching last year's Grand Final allowed Salford to clear some historic debts and put them in a much sounder financial position.
The AJ Bell Stadium, where Salford play their home matches (Image: Getty Images)
Speaking after the defeat, Watson praised his side's efforts and said they had managed to get the people of Salford to 'fall in love with their rugby team again'.
Budgets remain tight, but the two Ians, along with director Paul King - another lifelong fan and died-in-the-wool Salfordian - have demonstrated that they are among the shrewdest operators in Super League.
Watson has demonstrated his eye for talent, combining pick-ups from the lower leagues with gambles on unfancied, unfulfilled potential.
The fact next Saturday's game will go ahead behind closed doors may take some of the shine off the historic occasion, but it will take more than that to dampen supporters' spirits after a 51-year wait.
Some will cheer the team on from the Dog & Partridge pub in Eccles, which bills itself as 'Salford's number one supporters pub'.
The pub is one of the many small local Salford businesses which sponsors one of the team squad - Niall Evalds in their case - and it is this web of connections with the local community which has been a key to the club's survival without a millionaire owner.
After last Saturday's triumph over Warrington, Blease turned up at the pub to celebrate with supporters.
Salford take to the field against St Helens in last year's Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford (Image: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)
"They came in and sprayed us with champagne," said landlord Dennis Riley.
"Everyone appreciated it because they can't get to games with everything going on."
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Due to the current restrictions, fans will need a ticket to watch Saturday's game at the pub but it is expected to be a sellout as Salford bid for their first Challenge Cup win since 1938.
"The whole city will be behind the boys," said Mr Riley. "It has given everyone a lift.
"Everyone has always doubted Salford, so it is a massive achievement with the budget and the limited resources we have.
"It is a shame we can't go but I hope they will bring the trophy home."
The Red Devils may be heading to Wembley as underdogs, but given their journey so far it is unlikely that they would have it any other way.
Win or lose, fans will know they did it the Salford way.
