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David Beckham and Gary Neville have completed a takeover of League Two side Salford City. The former Manchester United teammates are leading a new consortium committed to infusing significant funds into Salford. They were already co-owners of the club alongside ex-Man United teammates. Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have now relinquished their stakes but will continue to hold positions at Salford. Following the 2024 departure of majority shareholder Peter Lim, Beckham and Neville sought investment partners that would bring success to Moor Lane. Founder of advisory firm Consello, Declan Kelly, and chairman of the Lawn Tennis Association, Lord Mervyn Davies, have now teamed up with the ex-professionals. The Athletic reported that it is believed around $15-20 million has been raised to boost Salford’s ‘sporting and infrastructural ambitions’ over the next five years. In that timeframe, it is understood they are targeting two promotions to the Championship. Ex-Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan believes Beckham and Neville have probably been inspired by Wrexham. The Welsh club have risen from the National League to the Championship with three successive promotions under the ownership of Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mc Elhenney. Jordan said: "They've got a window of opportunity because they've seen what Wrexham have done. "They've seen the value of star power and that value of star power has given revenues to Wrexham via Ryan Reynolds and the other fella [Rob Mc Elhenney]. "That's given them the resources to be able to punch their way into the Championship. "So Salford must be scratching their head thinking, 'Hang on, we were supposed to be the big noise. We're the ones that are supposed to be paying ridiculous salaries when we're in non-league football to get players that were playing for Aberdeen, getting paid more money playing non-league football for Salford'. "Also, of course, you know Beckham's shown the value of star power with Inter Miami. "He's been able to get a franchise as a result of the back of his deal with the Galaxy. Get everyone else to fund it. Get [Lionel] Messi down there. "And so now they're replicating this - and why shouldn't they do that? They've got the club they've built. They've done the hard yards of building the infrastructure of a club and getting other people to fund it. "Now they've got another group of people to fund it for them I would suspect. " Jordan added: “They’ve seen Wrexham, they would’ve looked at their model and seen what they’ve done. “Beckham said when he went down to Birmingham, he’s never seen an atmosphere like it. “Salford should now be in a position where they say, ‘Why shouldn’t it be us? ’” This news came later on the day Neville revealed that he was hungover after attending Beckham’s 50th birthday party last week. Beckham hosted his party at a three Michelin star restaurant in London where a host of celebrities were invited. Stars such as Eva Longoria and Gordon Ramsey were in attendance. On The Overlap, the party was briefly discussed with fellow pundits Jill Scott, Roy Keane, Scholes and Ian Wright. “I’ve seen some pictures of you in the newspaper, ” said Scott. “You looked a little bit worse for wear. ” Neville replied: “It was before Sunday’s game, I wasn’t the best on Sunday. ” Keane interjected: “What were the pictures? You weren’t going to the toilet outside? ” “No no, I don’t do that, ” said Neville. Scott was also eager for Neville to confirm the attendance of actor Tom Cruise and how close the former footballer got to him. “Loosely, yeah he was there, ” said Neville. The former Manchester United defender said that he exited the celebrations at 3. 30am in order to work that day. Thirteen hours later Neville was commentating for the Chelsea versus Liverpool match at Stamford Bridge. Keane jokingly asked why he was not invited and Neville responded: “It is because you didn’t invite us to your 50th. ” The Irishman revealed he was ‘at the Pizza Express in Altrincham’ and did not want Neville there. Neville seemed to be the only senior Man United player at the celebrations. According to the Daily Mail, Beckham's 50th birthday celebrations included a black tie party in Miami and a family gathering at his £10million home in Cotswolds. They also reported that the Beckham family flew out to Bordeaux before a fancy dinner in Paris. Beckham’s children Romeo, Cruz, 20 and Harper were at his birthday celebrations alongside Victoria Beckham. Romeo's partner Kim Turnbull and Cruz's girlfriend Jackie were also in attendance. But David and Victoria’s eldest Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz were absent from all of the celebrations over the weekend despite being invited. © 2025 talk SPORT Limited

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