First Salford player speaks out on brutal 17-player exodus as David Beckham and Gary Neville swing the axe

A Salford City player has become the first to react after he was among 17 players to be released by the club owned by David Beckham and Gary Neville.

The Ammies finished eighth in League Two under Karl Robinson, agonisingly missing out on a play-off spot by a single point after drawing 2-2 with already relegated Carlisle United on the final day of the season.

A day on from the last game and the club announced a mass exodus of players while confirming their retained and released list. In an official statement on the club's website, Salford revealed that they triggered options to extend the contracts of Ossama Ashley, Haji Mnoga and and Luke Garbutt and also offered fresh terms to Jamie Jones, Curtis Tilt, Tosin Olopade, Hakeeb Adelakun, Alfie Henderson, Jai Curran-Nicholls and Jacob Lara.

However, the club have moved a number of players on - including Matthew Lund, Conor McAleny and Liam Shephard will be departing the Peninsula Stadium, along with Ryan Watson.

The club said: "All four have made crucial contributions and been involved in some key moments during their time in M7, including reaching the play-offs in 2022-23, and move onto the next stage of their careers with our very best wishes and gratitude for their efforts and professionalism throughout their respective stays."

Lund joined Salford from nearby Rochdale in 2021 and amassed 143 appearances, scoring 24 goals.

The Northern Ireland international moved into a player-coach role in October 2024 but is now searching for a new club.

Taking to X to comment on his exit, Lund wrote: "@SalfordCityFC it’s been a pleasure! Loved my 4 years at the club. Thanks to all the players, staff and fans."

Salford also parted company with a raft of academy players, with Liam Humbles, Ben Collins, Aiden Lancaster, Eze Bowen, Matty Cucos, Jacob Hamman, Kamoy McNair, Jon Taylor, James Carr, Callum Morton, Jez Davies, Marcus Dackers and Sandro Da Costa all moving on.

Gary Neville and David Beckham parted company with 17 players. Image: Getty

"Thank you to all of those leaving the Club for your efforts, and good luck in your future careers," the club stated.

Last week, it was confirmed that Neville and Beckham had bought out the rest of the Class of 92 as part of a new consortium containing nine shareholders totalling an 80% stake.

Having been heavily involved in the club, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Phil Neville are no longer shareholders but will remain involved in other areas.

The move came after Neville bought the 50% stake co-owner Peter Lim had in Salford last summer.