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REPORT: Sale Sharks in bid to take over AJ Bell Stadium

AJ Bell Stadium /PA

Sale Sharks, having failed to build a new stadium of their own, have reportedly made an offer to buy the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford where they currently play.

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According to the Manchester Evening News the move has triggered interest from Salford Red Devils rugby league team who are also based at the stadium near the Trafford centre next to the M50. To further complicate the picture there is speculation that Salford City FC are interested in playing at the 12,000 capacity stadium.

A council source told the newspaper: “This time it is a serious bid by Sale Sharks. But at the moment it is a verbal offer and things are at a very early stage.”

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    Chris Robshaw talks to The Offload:

    The ground is currently jointly owned by Salford council and property and land giant Peel. Peter Openshaw, interim strategic director of the place directorate at Salford council said: “We are aware of rumours, but no decision has been taken over whether to sell the AJ Bell stadium or on any terms of sale.

    “We can confirm that the stadium company (CosCos) has been approached in respect of the potential sale of the stadium. In addition, there are ongoing proactive conversations between the council and the management of the Salford Red Devils on the stadium and safeguarding the future of the club.

    “The council has been integral in supporting Salford Red Devils and rugby league in the city for many years and we continue to do this in any way that we can. Previous actions – including payment holidays on rent and loan support – have stabilised the club and provided time for their board to make longer term plans for its future.

    “Recognising the approach that has been made to CosCos on the sale of the stadium, the Red Devils are also preparing a proposal for the purchase of the stadium for consideration. There are no timescales on any of these discussions and all offers will be discussed on their own merits – with no guarantee that the stadium company CosCos will agree a sale at the end of them.

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    “The stadium is owned via a 50-50 management partnership so the council is not the sole party in any decision. Should a future decision be taken on the sale of the stadium, the council will be seeking reassurance for commitments for Salford Red Devils.”

    Sale Sharks had planned to develop a ground near their previous home in Sale but this was torpedoed when Trafford Council withdrew support for a new £100m stadium as part of a sports village.

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    RedWarrior 6 minutes ago
    Many England fans echoing the same gripe following Six Nations loss

    The English defense was excellent in the first half. This is considering Ireland's attack has improved significantly since the Autumn with former Leinster attack coach Goodman. Ireland were beaten by NZ in the Autumn, are behind SA and arguably behind France so de facto 4th in order (rankings take time to catch up) As Eddie Jones said Ireland are still in that elite group so England's domination in the first half is noteworthy.

    I believe they have spent the time since the Autumn largely on defence. On broken play they were relying on Smiths instint along with some jiggery pokery. For Smiths early line break a Twindaloo blocked Baird which left the gap for smith. It looked like he did Aki, but Baird was a little late arriving and clever play by Tom Curry allowed the gap for Smith. Earls line break was Smith spotting Baird coming out and beating him with a beautiful pass to Earl.

    We saw the rehearsed plays for a couple of Ireland's tries. The Aki try was just identifying that England tended to hide Smith on the wing creating a vulnerability which Ireland exploited with one of Akis great finishes.

    Although Ireland were relaxing at the end the two English tries were good enough quality and we may see more of it next week (Scotland will also have taken note).

    Although on the easier side of the draw Borthwick almost took England to a RWC final.

    But in common with the top4 you need to have firepower to get those tries in big games. Can Borthwick manage that? I don't think so.

    Next week even if England have a great first half again, you would be looking at France converting 3 of those Irish chances and pushing on after the break.

    Can Borthwick develop a plan to beat France in the next few years. If the answer is no England need to find someone who can.

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