Salford Red Devils’ Chief Operating Officer Claire Bradbury has announced her resignation, claiming delays to staff wages, inadequate resources, and a lack of agreed structure or investment at the struggling Super League club.
In a damning statement posted to LinkedIn, Bradbury — the club’s first female COO in Super League — said she was leaving “with huge sadness” and claimed she has “yet to be paid July wages”.
“When I joined, I saw huge potential,” she wrote. “I believed — and still believe — that Salford Red Devils is a sleeping giant… My ambition was to create a self-sustaining, top-performing organisation off the pitch, delivering long-term stability and growth. I gave everything to that vision.
“However, over recent months, the conditions under which I and my colleagues have been required to operate made it impossible for me to deliver my role to the standards I set for myself and for the Club. Repeated delays in salary payments, an absence of essential operational tools, and a lack of agreed structure, strategy, or investment have significantly impacted the ability of staff to perform their jobs effectively.”
Bradbury also said she was subjected to “misogynistic (and) inappropriate language”, adding that she had previously stayed quiet “because I wanted the Club to succeed” but was now speaking up “for the integrity and evolution of rugby league, and for all women who work in sport.”
Her resignation comes amid a turbulent season for Salford, plagued by financial issues despite a takeover by a consortium led by businessman Dario Berta earlier this year. The BBC has reported late wage payments, an upcoming winding-up petition over £500,000 owed to HMRC, and a mass player exodus, with the club winning just two of 21 league games.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has said he is “watching closely” and pledged, alongside Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, to “do every single thing we can to protect one of the most historic names, not just in rugby league but in sport as a whole.”
A spokesman for Salford Red Devils said: “It has been alleged by a former member of the Salford Red Devils staff, who departed the club on 12 August 2025, that she was subjected to inappropriate verbal conduct by the owners of the club.
“Salford Red Devils unequivocally condemns any and all forms of inappropriate language and behaviour. We treat such allegations with the utmost seriousness and are committed to ensuring that our club environment remains respectful, professional, and safe for all members of staff.
“In response to these allegations, we will be conducting a thorough internal investigation. We are determined to establish the facts and take any necessary action to address the situation. We will provide a detailed report of our findings as soon as the investigation is concluded.”
CLAIRE BRADBURY’S STATEMENT IN FULL
To the Salford Red Devils fans,
It is with a heavy heart that I confirm my resignation as Chief Operating Officer of Salford Red Devils, a role I was immensely proud to hold, not only as the Club’s first female COO in Super League, but as someone committed and excited to represent Salford with professionalism, integrity, and passion. At the time of writing, I am yet to be paid July wages.
When I joined, I saw huge potential. I believed — and still believe — that Salford Red Devils is a sleeping giant, a Club rich in heritage, with a loyal fanbase and a community that deserves better. My ambition was to create a self-sustaining, top-performing organisation off the pitch, delivering long-term stability and growth. I gave everything to that vision.
However, over recent months, the conditions under which I and my colleagues have been required to operate made it impossible for me to deliver my role to the standards I set for myself and for the Club. Repeated delays in salary payments, an absence of essential operational tools, and a lack of agreed structure, strategy, or investment have significantly impacted the ability of staff to perform their jobs effectively. Despite this, our team continued to show grace and professionalism, working tirelessly for the benefit of the Club and its supporters.
In my opinion strong leadership in sport requires transparency, respect, understanding of fandom and culture, and a willingness to listen to experienced staff. Unfortunately, I have not felt that over recent months. This environment — one of uncertainty, inadequate resources, and decisions taken without collaborative consultation — has made it increasingly difficult to protect staff wellbeing and maintain operational standards. Love for the Club, loyalty to fans and professional pride is why the Club continues to operate, despite this.
I am particularly sad that my time here ends without being able to implement the growth strategy and brand plans I designed — ones I know could have taken the Club forward. Whilst funding may yet arrive, my concern is what may have been lost over this time, a decimated squad and a historic Club with its soul being ripped out. The togetherness of our team, sponsors and supporters is what makes this Club special.
It’s important to share something more personal, as a senior woman in business. Misogynistic, inappropriate language from the ownership suggesting I sleep with an individual at the RFL to ‘smooth things over’ is not acceptable. At the time I stayed quiet because I wanted the Club to succeed. I’m disappointed in myself that I didn’t stand up to it then so I’m voicing it now as it should be heard for the integrity and evolution of rugby league, and for all women who work in sport.
My decision to resign was not taken lightly. I care deeply for Salford Red Devils, our supporters, and the people I have worked alongside. I married a passionate Salfordian, have in-laws who are lifelong fans, and younger family members who play rugby league. Its heartbreaking, but I cannot continue in a role where, in my view, the foundations needed for professional success are not in place, and where trust between leadership and staff has been eroded.
To our fans — you have been a constant source of motivation. You deserve a Club run with transparency, respect, and ambition. Salford Red Devils should be one of, if not the best Club in Super League. I remain grateful for the opportunity and am truly sorry we did not get to achieve the vision I know was possible. Under different circumstances, I have no doubt we would have built this Club.
Claire x
