Why Salford co-owner and Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs is in the dugout for the match against Man City
Karl Robinson will be helped by Ryan Giggs as he attempts to lead Salford to a historic victory over Premier League powerhouse Manchester City in Saturday night’s FA Cup third round.
When Salford City plays Manchester City in the FA Cup third round on Saturday night, Ryan Giggs will be seen sitting next to manager Karl Robinson in the team’s dugout.
Along with fellow Class of 92 members Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Nicky Butt, and Phil Neville, Giggs has assumed the position of Director of Football at the League Two team and is also one of its co-owners.
Butt, Giggs, and Scholes were more involved at the club after a management change. In addition to his role as football director, Giggs has been helping Robinson on game days.
The arrangement began in October when Simon Wiles, one of Robinson’s assistants, departed Salford to become the manager of Manchester United’s under-15 team. Then, Robinson’s other deputy, Alex Bruce, experienced the heartbreaking loss of his nephew, who was four months old.
“Karl was literally going to be left on his own. So I said, ‘Right, I’ll come on the bench with you.'” It was just me and Karl, the physio, goalkeeping coach, and sport scientist. I enjoyed it. Karl enjoyed it,” he told The Athletic. Bruce was given a leave of absence prior to the trip to Crewe Alexandra, and Giggs chose to assist the manager. Despite Bruce’s return, Giggs has continued his matchday role ever since, helping the Ammies go on a run of just two defeats in 17 games, which has sent them soaring into the promotion spots.
Additionally, we were saving money by not hiring another coach. At this precise moment, I am focusing solely on my current task. You can never predict what the future holds. Only what I can manage is within my power.
“It happened by accident, coming in the dugout (with Salford)… In a League Two team, saving every little bit of salary helps: we might get a better gym kit, maybe we get a player on loan. Whether I’m going to stay in the dugout, that’s up to Karl, but at the moment I’m enjoying it.” Prior to the trip to the Etihad, boss Robinson stated: “When you’re seeing some of the greatest players ever seen, just sort of there on hand to help out – I think you’d be naive and stupid if you weren’t to pick their brains.”
