Former Salford Red Devils chief operating officer Claire Bradbury has returned to sport after taking up a role with Manchester Basketball.
Bradbury spent just over a year in the role at Salford, having previously worked with Sale Sharks, Asics and Reebok, but she departed in August with a statement which made some serious accusations against the current owners of the club.
It’s her first role since leaving the Red Devils and it’s one that sees her take charge of an organisation on the rise, with the Manchester Basketball men’s team competing on the European stage for the first time, while both the men and the women have spots in Super League Basketball.
Bradbury will be hoping her new job goes a lot smoother than her previous one amid Salford’s unpaid wages, financial uncertainty and on field struggles.
However, when announcing her departure from the club, she wrote on her LinkedIn to claim the owners had used misogynistic and inappropriate language towards her. She went on to add that those in charge of the club had suggested she sleep with someone from the governing body to ‘smooth things over’.
A snippet of her departing message read: “It’s important to share something more personal, as a senior woman in business.
“Misogynistic, inappropriate language from the ownership suggesting I sleep with an individual at the RFL to ‘smooth things over’ is not acceptable. At the time I stayed quiet because I wanted the Club to succeed.
“I’m disappointed in myself that I didn’t stand up to it then so I’m voicing it now as it should be heard for the integrity and evolution of rugby league, and for all women who work in sport.”
In response to the accusations, Salford released the following statement: “It has been alleged by a former member of the Salford Red Devils staff, who departed the club on 12 August 2025, that she was subjected to inappropriate verbal conduct by the owners of the club.
“Salford Red Devils unequivocally condemns any and all forms of inappropriate language and behaviour. We treat such allegations with the utmost seriousness and are committed to ensuring that our club environment remains respectful, professional, and safe for all members of staff.
“In response to these allegations, we will be conducting a thorough internal investigation. We are determined to establish the facts and take any necessary action to address the situation.
“We will provide a detailed report of our findings as soon as the investigation is concluded.”
