Sharks in advanced talks over Barton move
PREMIERSHIP rugby club Sale Sharks yesterday appointed Steve Diamond as its new chief executive and said it is in “advanced negotiations” over a potential move to the new Salford Stadium at Barton.
The club held a press conference yesterday at which co-owner Ian Blackhurst said that negotiations about a move were ongoing, adding that an announcement could be made “within four to six weeks”.
“There’s been a lot of speculation and coverage about the stadium near Barton Bridge – a fabulous facility – and we are in negotiations, but it has to be commercially right,” said Blackhurst.
He added that regardless of whether a deal were done or not, the club would move its administrative functions from Edgeley Park to its training facility at Carrington.
“The investment at Carrington in medical & training facilities for the players has proved worthwhile, and we propose to double the size of the building so that all the administration can be based here. Hopefully, this can be in place when the players return after the close season,” he added.
Mr Blackhurst said that Mr Diamond would continue to oversee rugby-related matters as part of his new role, which officially begins next month.
Sale Sharks have been based at Edgeley Park since co-owner Brian Kennedy bought Stockport County Football Club in 2003. He later handed ownership of the football club on to a suppporters’ trust, but kept the ground.
