Gary Neville: “I Don’t Work Like That” – Why the Salford City Project Stands Apart from Wrexham Hollywood Rise

Gary Neville insists there’s no envy over Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham journey

In the world of football, where off-field drama often rivals on-field action, comparisons are inevitable. From ownership models to documentary spin-offs, it’s easy to see why Salford City and Wrexham AFC are often spoken about in the same breath. But for Gary Neville, one of the figureheads behind Salford City’s rise, there’s no room for jealousy or envy—especially not of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s now-famous Wrexham adventure.

Speaking to FourFourTwo, Neville was clear in distancing himself from any suggestion of wanting to emulate Wrexham’s meteoric rise. “No, I don’t wish I was any other football club,” he said. “I don’t work or operate like that.” And you believe him. Neville has always been one to chart his own path, on the pitch as a no-nonsense right-back for Manchester United, and now off it as a determined co-owner of a club that refuses to let romanticism get in the way of realism.

Salford City: The Original Celebrity Ownership Project

David Beckham Gary Neville

Before Wrexham’s story was brought to life by Emmy-winning actors and Disney+ documentaries, Salford City had already broken ground on the concept of celebrity football ownership. Spearheaded by Neville and fellow Manchester United icons—his brother Phil, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, and Ryan Giggs—the so-called Class of ’92 took on an ambitious long-term project when they invested in the non-league side back in 2014.

David Beckham, initially more of a silent partner, joined the group officially in 2019, giving the Ammies even more star power. Their mission was simple but bold: to take a small community club and elevate it, both competitively and commercially, while keeping its soul intact.

And for a while, it worked like a dream. Salford surged up the English football pyramid, winning four promotions in just five years and securing their place in the Football League. A remarkable achievement, no question—but one that’s since met its share of challenges.

Stalling in League Two but Thinking Bigger

Ryan Reynolds Rob McElhenney Wrexham

Since landing in League Two in 2019, momentum at Salford has slowed. While the ambition hasn’t gone away, results on the pitch haven’t quite matched the rapid progress made in the earlier years of their project. Last season, they narrowly missed out on a play-off spot, a frustratingly familiar outcome for a club that expects more.

But Neville is adamant that a new phase is underway. With a fresh ownership structure—one that now includes Beckham in a more active role—the plan is to rekindle that early momentum and set the club on a path to long-term success.

“With new owners, we’ve got a plan whereby in four to five years, I’d like to think Salford would be more successful on the pitch,” Neville explained. “That’s the hope. We will also have invested in our training ground and stadium, and be in a position whereby we can achieve sustainability.”

That last word—sustainability—is one you’ll hear a lot around Salford these days. Neville and his partners are keen to grow revenue and success in a way that doesn’t compromise the club’s identity or financial stability. The mission isn’t just promotion; it’s about building something that lasts.

Why Neville Isn’t Looking Over His Shoulder at Wrexham

It would be easy to assume that Neville, watching Wrexham ride the wave of global attention under Reynolds and McElhenney, might feel a twinge of jealousy. After all, Wrexham’s rise from the National League to the Championship in just three seasons—fueled by big-name owners, huge merchandise sales, and a widely praised documentary—has captivated football fans around the world.

But Neville sees things differently.

“There’s a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it in, but we’re committed and that’s the most important thing,” he said. The implication is clear: Salford’s story doesn’t need a Hollywood script or a global media campaign. It just needs time, investment, and commitment to values they’ve stuck to since day one—affordability, accessibility, and a deep connection to the local community.

The Karl Robinson Era Begins

A key piece in this next chapter is Karl Robinson, a manager with deep roots in the English Football League. Having previously taken charge at MK Dons, Charlton, and Oxford United, Robinson arrives at Salford with both experience and a reputation for getting teams playing attractive, attacking football.

His job? To push Salford out of the rut of mid-table League Two finishes and into the promotion conversation for 2025-26. It won’t be easy—especially in a league packed with clubs boasting bigger stadiums, larger budgets, and established fanbases—but Neville believes that with the right squad and support, Salford can punch above their weight once again.

The summer transfer window has already seen some movement, and there’s an expectation that more new faces will arrive before the new season kicks off. The goal is clear: strengthen the squad, increase depth, and give Robinson the tools to succeed.

Still Believing in the Salford Way

While Wrexham’s documentary brought a wave of new fans, international headlines, and even a U.S. tour, Salford’s rise has been quieter, more measured. There have been documentaries—most notably Class of ’92: Out of Their League—but nothing on the scale of Welcome to Wrexham. And maybe that’s the point.

Gary Neville doesn’t crave the limelight. He doesn’t want to be someone else’s club. “I don’t wish I was any other football club,” he said. “I don’t work or operate like that.”

It’s a refreshingly honest take in a football world increasingly driven by optics and social media engagement. Salford City’s journey might not be as cinematic, but it’s no less ambitious. And if Neville’s vision plays out as he hopes, they might yet write a story that’s just as compelling—even without the Hollywood treatment.