A rugby league player was released by his club after refusing to shake the hand of the team bus driver, Salford chief executive Ryan Brierley has revealed.
The Championship side took a hard-line stance despite operating with one of the smallest budgets in the division, with Brierley insisting respect and character outweigh talent when it comes to building a successful squad.
The identity of the player has not been disclosed, but Brierley admitted the decision was made after the individual failed to acknowledge the coach driver following the team’s arrival for a league fixture.
Explaining the club’s approach to recruitment and standards, Brierley said there was no hesitation in letting the player leave.
“We released a player because he didn’t shake the bus driver’s hand. Simple as that,” he said.
“Looking back now, could we have done with him? Probably.”
The former Super League player, who stepped into the chief executive role following Salford’s dramatic collapse and rebirth, said creating the right environment inside the club was more important than signing the most talented players available.
A rugby league player was released by his club after refusing to shake the hand of the team bus driver, Salford chief executive Ryan Brierley has revealed
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He believes too many clubs abandon their principles in pursuit of success and insisted Salford will continue to prioritise attitude over ability.
“Every team’s recruitment culture will be, ‘get good people first.’ I’m not sure many people believe it,” he continued.
“I’m not sure there are many teams who won’t compromise on it either. We’ve turned down way better players than what we’ve got now in favour of good people – fact.
Salford’s remarkable rebuild has been one of rugby league’s most talked-about stories after the club was forced to start again following financial turmoil
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“It’s not something I’m willing to compromise on. Good players will win you a trophy, a good culture will win you ten.”
Salford’s remarkable rebuild has been one of rugby league’s most talked-about stories after the club was forced to start again following financial turmoil.
Brierley, alongside the club’s new ownership group that includes Australian businessman Malcolm Crompton and former player Mason Caton-Brown, had just three weeks to assemble a competitive squad ahead of the opening game of the Championship season.
Operating on a reported playing budget of just £150,000 this year, Salford are among the division’s lowest spenders. However, Brierley believes the club’s long-term ambitions remain firmly intact.
He revealed plans are already in place to significantly increase investment in the playing squad next season, with hopes of doubling the budget to around £300,000.
That financial boost, he believes, would allow Salford to challenge for major honours as the club continues its rebuilding project.
Speaking on the Bring On The Salford podcast, Brierley said: “I want to win the league and I believe it’s possible – but not on the playing budget we have now.
“I want to be part of this new Salford era and be the first chief executive to hold that trophy.
“I do believe with a £300,000 playing budget we can achieve something pretty special.”
