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Salford City are currently leading League Two by five points after securing their eighth consecutive win against Exeter, suggesting the club’s high-profile owners may finally achieve their ambition of reaching the Championship. Following seven seasons in the fourth tier, the club entered a transformational phase after a new group took over in May 2025, retaining Gary Neville and David Beckham while increasing the team budget.
Squad Strengthening and Managerial Change
The financial backing allowed Salford to recruit players operating above League Two standards, including striker Macaulay Langstaff, who previously scored 28 goals in a season for Notts County, and matchwinner Will Aimson from Wigan. In the dugout, 48-year-old Peter Cklamovski replaced Karl Robinson following a playoff final loss last season. Cklamovski’s previous experience included working under Ange Postecoglou and managing the Malaysia national team, to the extent that Salford’s chief football adviser, Paul Scholes, initially had to Google the Australian coach.
Branding and Fan Engagement
Off the pitch, the club returned to its traditional orange color following a fan vote, moving away from the Manchester United-inspired shades introduced by the Class of ’92. David Beckham personally selected the specific shade of orange and helped redesign the badge. Danny Shepherd of The Future Is Orange podcast noted that the distinct color ensures the kit stands out in Manchester away from United and City.
Despite attractive football introduced by Cklamovski and subsidised away travel, Salford still records the fourth-worst average attendance in League Two, competing against the larger local fanbases of City and United. Cklamovski initially suffered three defeats before blending his preferred style of playing out from the back with a more direct approach.
On-Field Character and Momentum
In the match against Exeter, Salford fell behind after Sonny Cox opened the scoring following a booking for goalkeeper Will Norris. The hosts improved after Luke Molyneux was substituted due to an injury in the 55th minute and replaced by Daniel Udoh. Luke Garbutt equalized at the back post following build-up play from Langstaff, before Aimson scored the winner with a 25-yard strike into the top corner.
“I’d be disappointed if we didn’t go up because of the strength in depth,” said Shepherd, expressing confidence in the squad’s promotion prospects. Cklamovski urged caution regarding the team’s ongoing momentum. “We’ve got to stay really focused and diligent,” Cklamovski stated. “We’ve got a nice bit of momentum, but don’t look too far forward. Eight wins in a row or 11 unbeaten however you want to look at it, just don’t look back.”
