Salford City finished 8th in the EFL League Two last season, finishing just outside the playoffs. Now, with a new season inevitable, City will be looking to improve and push on up the table in the upcoming campaign.
Ahead of their opening fixture against Crewe on the 2nd of August, I sat down with One Up Front- Salford City FC podcast (@OneUpFrontSCFC on X) to talk all things City in a Salford City interview.
Before we start, I would like to thank Danny for taking part in this Salford City Interview. His responses were informative and aim to give you an insight into Salford City as a club currently.
The Salford City Interview
Q1. City narrowly missed out on the play-offs last season. How would you summarise the season?
“Very up and down overall. A bit of a slow start before an incredible streak of seven clean sheets in eight games during December. Fell away from the automatic promotion spots after a terrible January, before missing out on a playoff place on the final day of last season.”
Q2. What was your favourite moment of last season?
“I thought our overall performance in a 1-0 win against MK Dons was very memorable. As we’d switched to a back three for that game, I was expecting some issues as it was a system we hadn’t used at all in that campaign. With the effort and performance we put in on the night, I was immensely proud of every single one of our players.”
Q3. What would you rate Salford’s transfer window out of 10?
“Probably a 6.5. I’ve liked the emphasis on recruiting young, athletic players from the National League, but feel we have left our business a little late for my liking.”
Q4 Who has been City’s best signing of the summer so far?
“So far, it looks like central midfielder Jorge Grant. Looks very classy on the ball and brings some much-needed creativity into our side.”
Q5. What area of the squad needs improving the most and why?
“With strong rumours that our star defensive midfielder Ossama Ashley may be sold in this transfer window, a replacement of similar quality is essential if we want to continue with our attacking style of play.”
Q6. What do you think of the club currently?
“I’m really happy that the future of the club seems to be in safe hands due to the takeover by a consortium headed by Gary Neville and David Beckham. Prior to this, I was concerned that the club would not be financially viable due to the departure last year of wealthy investor Peter Lim.”
Q7. Can Karl Robinson deliver success to Salford next season?
“I think Karl is an excellent coach and motivator, but I’m not sure our squad looks deep enough to be able to sustain a push for promotion.”
Q8. Are Salford prepared for next season?
“One thing that Karl Robinson prides himself is on the fitness of his teams. Our stamina and energy levels were much improved after our first preseason under his leadership, and I expect this to continue in 2025/26.”
Q9. Who is the club’s best player currently?
“The most talented player who is likely to go on and have the best career is our goalkeeper, who is on loan from Sunderland, Matt Young. He showed last season that despite being only eighteen years old, he is already an incredible presence who is likely to be a candidate for full international honours within the next few years.”
Q10. Can you give me your prediction for how Salford City will get on next season?
“I’m not as confident as the bookies that Salford City will be able to finish in the top three this season, but I do think the squad is shaping up in a way that suggests a playoff berth could be a realistic target to aim for.”
Thank you for reading the Salford City interview if you have any feedback, please let us know in the comments below.
