Salford City Release 17 Players Following Beckham and Neville Takeover

Salford City has announced the release of 17 players shortly after David Beckham and Gary Neville finalized their full takeover of the club.

The two former Manchester United stars completed the acquisition of the League Two side last week.

Neville initially acquired the club in 2014 alongside other former United players, including Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville, and Paul Scholes. However, these former teammates have now sold their shares, leaving Neville and Beckham as the primary owners.

With the change in ownership, the club is now making significant changes to the playing squad. Following an 8th-place finish in League Two this season, Salford City confirmed that 17 first-team players will be leaving as their contracts expire.

Among those departing is midfielder Matthew Lund, who made 120 league appearances for the Ammies after joining in 2021. The veteran had also served in a player-coach capacity since October.

Other prominent players leaving include Conor McAleny, Liam Shephard, and Ryan Watson, whose contracts will not be renewed.

However, Salford will retain Supporters` Player of the Year Ossama Ashley. The midfielder developed in the academies at Fulham and Wimbledon, later joining West Ham in 2020 before moving to Colchester United and then Salford in 2023. He did not make a first-team appearance for West Ham.

The club has also extended the contracts of former Portsmouth defender Haji Mnoga and ex-Everton prospect Luke Garbutt.