At the age of 33, Ryan Brierley may have become an unusually young CEO when he was appointed to that role with the renascent Salford Red Devils club ahead of the 2026 Rugby League season - but he had been working towards his post-playing role for some time.
Brierley set up a player management company (The Players Player - https://www.theplayersplayer.com/) several years ago, in addition to working in the media - having earned a degree in Sports Business Management.
So, as he explained to John Davidson in an interview for Rugby League Long Reads, he felt qualified for a leading role in rescuing Salford, the club he had supported well before wearing their jersey, after their painful demise in 2025.
"I am trying to learn," Brierley explained. "Obviously, I’ve run my own sports business now for nearly five years.
“I’ve been a player and been affiliated with the club, I know the club inside out and its needs and what fans want.
“My willingness to engage and complete two degrees, one in sports management and one in sports directorship, I’m trying.
“I get the comments in regards to experience, but I’m really committed to educating myself further and hoping I’m successful.”
The full article is here - https://rugbyleaguelongreads.substack.com/p/ryan-brierley-responds-to-ceo-comments
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