‘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’ Gary Neville on seeing Wrexham leapfrog Salford City

The shifting sands of English football’s lower leagues provide a constant narrative of ambition, struggle, and occasional triumph. Few stories encapsulate this dynamic quite like the recent trajectories of Salford City and Wrexham AFC. For Gary Neville, a co-owner of Salford City alongside his fellow Class of ‘92 Manchester United legends, witnessing Wrexham’s ascent past his own club in the football pyramid must be a moment of introspection, tempered by an unwavering commitment to his long-term project. Wrexham’s recent back-to-back promotions, fueled by Hollywood stardust and significant investment, have propelled them into League One, leaving Salford, for now, in their wake.

Salford City’s journey from non-league obscurity to the professional ranks was, for a time, equally meteoric. Backed by the iconic Class of ‘92 – Neville, his brother Phil, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and Ryan Giggs – the club embarked on an audacious plan to climb the football ladder. Their initial success was staggering, achieving four promotions in just five years, a remarkable feat that saw them rise from the Northern Premier League Division One North to League Two by 2019. This rapid ascent was lauded as a blueprint for sustainable growth and community engagement, proving that high-profile ownership, when coupled with genuine passion and strategic planning, could yield extraordinary results.

However, the unforgiving landscape of League Two has proven to be a persistent hurdle. For six seasons now, Salford City has found itself anchored in the fourth tier, unable to replicate the momentum that defined their earlier years. The division is notoriously competitive, with fine margins separating promotion hopefuls from relegation candidates. While the commitment from the Class of ‘92 remains steadfast, as Neville’s recent comments attest, the reality is that sustained success at this level demands constant evolution, shrewd recruitment, and often, a touch of fortune. Wrexham’s recent surge serves as a stark reminder that ambition alone, even when backed by legendary figures, must be matched by execution and adaptation to a rapidly changing football economy. The challenge for Salford City now is to rediscover that promotional spark and translate their enduring commitment into tangible progress up the Football League.