Simon Jordan has questioned the motives behind the latest Class of ’92 move, accusing the pair of copying Wrexham’s Hollywood model.
Jordan Accuses Beckham and Neville of ‘Rinsing’ Salford Investor
Jordan has launched a scathing attack on David Beckham and Gary Neville following their full takeover of Salford City, accusing the pair of exploiting former backer Peter Lim and trying to replicate Wrexham’s celebrity-led success.
Beckham and Neville, both members of Manchester United’s famed Class of ’92, have assumed control of the League Two side alongside a new consortium, with ambitions of reaching the Championship within five years. The rest of the original Class of ’92 are no longer shareholders, though some may remain involved in non-ownership roles.
The move draws obvious comparisons to the rise of Wrexham, who have soared up the football pyramid under the ownership of Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Beckham himself has cited both Wrexham and Tom Brady-owned Birmingham City as influences on the project.
Jordan Highly Critical
But Jordan, the former Crystal Palace chairman and current broadcaster, was highly critical of the motives and financial backing behind the deal.
“You can be damn sure this ain’t their money. They’ve rinsed poor Peter Lim, he’s had enough of it, like a crisp packet in a microwave, he’s been crumpled up and thrown away,” Jordan told talkSPORT. “They’ve used his money. Minimum wage Neville has probably found somebody else to bear the cost.”
Lim, a Singaporean businessman who heavily bankrolled Salford’s rise from non-league obscurity, sold his remaining shares to Neville last August. Jordan believes the timing of the takeover is no coincidence, suggesting the pair are motivated by the commercial and media attention generated by Wrexham’s high-profile rise.
“They’ve got a window of opportunity because they’ve seen what Wrexham have done. That star power has brought revenue and resources, and it’s got them punching their way into the Championship,” Jordan added. “When Neville looks at Wrexham, he must be thinking, ‘that’s a bit of an embarrassment.’”
Salford finished eighth in League Two this season, narrowly missing out on a play-off place. Under the new ownership, the Ammies will target automatic promotion in 2025/26 as they seek to fulfil the new regime’s ambitious vision.
Writer’s View
Whether you agree with Simon Jordan or not, his comments hit a nerve in a debate that’s only growing louder in lower league football – where celebrity ownership increasingly overlaps with commercial ambition. Beckham and Neville’s move may be inspired by Wrexham, but the pressure is now on them to deliver similar results.
Unlike Reynolds and McElhenney, who brought global visibility and fan engagement to Wrexham, Salford still carry the weight of expectation without the novelty. Their next steps – on and off the pitch – will define whether this is genuine ambition or just another PR playbook.
