Former Newcastle United midfielder lands ‘special’ CEO role

The 47-year-old – who is a co-owner of the Ammies alongside several of his former Manchester United ‘class of 92’ team-mates – was appointed as the club’s CEO on Monday after Gary Neville stepped down from the position.

Butt officially started his new role on Tuesday, November 1 and will be responsible for the day to day running of the fourth tier side.

After achieving four promotions in five seasons to reach the Football League, Salford are currently into their fourth season in League Two. While the club have achieved a top-half finish every season since being promoted in 2019, they have yet to break into the play-off places and seriously challenge for another promotion.

However, they do have a 2019-20 EFL Trophy win to their name, the club’s first and so-far only cup honour at a national level.

Butt made 173 appearances for Newcastle and captained the club during the 2009-10 Championship title win. He will be looking to help achieve another promotion with his new role at Salford this season.

“I am delighted and welcome this opportunity, this pressure, this responsibility,” Butt said.

“The Club, staff, team and fans are everything and what makes this club special, and why we fell in love with the club all those years ago.

“I accept the responsibility that brings, the responsibility of the long term vision whilst concentrating on the short term goals and what is needed now and will work hard to take the club to where we believe it can be.”