Salford Red Devils Suffer Major Blow as Director of Rugby Ian Blease Departs for Leeds Rhinos
Salford Red Devils have confirmed the departure of their long-serving Director of Rugby & Operations Ian Blease, who is leaving the club after a remarkable seven-year tenure. Blease’s association with the Red Devils spans over two decades, having initially joined the club as a player in the 1990s before returning as a key member of the club’s leadership team in 2016.
Blease’s Significant Contributions
During his time as Director of Rugby, Blease played a pivotal role in the club’s success, overseeing the sales of high-profile players like Jackson Hastings, Tyler Dupree, Brodie Croft, and Andy Ackers, which generated significant revenue for the Red Devils. Despite working with a limited budget, Blease’s astute management ensured the club remained competitive, guiding them to the Betfred Super League Grand Final in 2019 and the Challenge Cup Final in 2020.
“Ian’s association with the club spans over two decades, and he has played a pivotal role in the club’s success during his time as Director of Rugby.”
Salford’s Reaction and Future Plans
In a heartfelt club statement, Salford’s managing director, Paul King, expressed his sadness at Blease’s departure, acknowledging his long-standing commitment to the Red Devils. King praised Blease’s invaluable contributions, highlighting the “unforgettable memories” created during his tenure, including the club’s historic appearances at Old Trafford and Wembley.
While understanding Blease’s decision to join the Leeds Rhinos, a club that has not won a trophy since 2020, King emphasized that the Salford faithful will always welcome Blease and his family back to the AJ Bell Stadium, with a promise of a warm reception when the Rhinos visit in August.
Moving forward, the Salford Red Devils will now focus on securing a stadium deal, the commencement of their Elite Academy, the 2025 squad build, and the club’s push for a playoff spot, currently sitting sixth in the Betfred Super League standings, two points ahead of their former Director of Rugby’s new team, the Leeds Rhinos.
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