Salford City Rebrands to Boost Global Recognition Efforts
Salford City aims to transform its identity and enhance global recognition with a significant rebrand, inspired by notable figures like David Beckham. The club’s mission is to become “the best small club in the world by 2030.” The upcoming FA Cup match against Manchester City will spotlight Salford, despite a challenging history against the Premier League team.
Reviving Heritage: New Colors and Crest
Starting from the 2026-27 season, Salford will return to its traditional orange-and-black colors, honoring the club’s heritage. This decision comes after significant changes were made in 2014 under the ownership of the Class of ’92, including Gary Neville and Beckham. Initially, the club adopted red, white, and black to align with Manchester United, but that decision faced criticism from supporters.
Supporter-Driven Changes
To reassess its identity, Salford conducted a vote among its 1,100 season ticket holders. In October, 77.1% supported reverting to the original colors, while 72% favored a new badge design. Both changes will officially take effect at the start of the 2026-27 season, with plans to alter the stadium’s coloration from red to orange.
- New club colors: Orange-and-black
- Voting results: 77.1% for colors, 72% for badge change
- Effective Date: Start of 2026-27 season
Strategic Goals and Aspirations
Salford City, which secured EFL status in 2019, is determined to elevate its presence in professional football. The club’s CEO, Gavin Fleig, emphasizes the need for recognition beyond Manchester. “If you see orange, we want you to think Salford,” he stated. The rebrand aims to establish a clear identity and attract a wider fan base.
With Beckham’s guidance, the club has hired Milk Agency, the same consultancy behind Inter Miami’s branding, to create a distinct and recognizable logo. Fleig noted that a modern football club needs its name on the badge for international recognition.
Future Outlook
Despite recent setbacks in league matches, Salford remains in playoff contention and is focused on climbing higher in the English Football League. The club aspires to reach the Championship within five years and potentially the Premier League thereafter.
Community and Fan Engagement
The rebranding strategy also looks to engage the local community. Neville has adopted orange accessories to symbolize the shift, hinting that attracting support from Manchester City fans is a potential bonus.
As Salford City prepares for the future, the combination of historic branding, modern strategy, and fan involvement positions the club for exciting prospects ahead.
