10 years ago this week Peter Lim bought a 50% stake in Salford City FC, and a decade later, Salford fans reflect on the lasting impact of the Singaporean businessman’s investment in the club.
After the Class of ’92 and Peter Lim’s takeover in 2014, Salford City enjoyed remarkable success, achieving four promotions in five years.
With the club rising from the Northern Premier League Division One North to League Two by 2019.
And the success didn’t stop there for Salford, as in 2021 the club also secured its first major silverware by winning the EFL Trophy, beating Portsmouth on penalties.
Since taking over 50% of the club, one of Lim’s key contributions was funding the redevelopment of Salford City’s home ground, Moor Lane, which was later renamed the Peninsula Stadium for sponsorship reasons.
The redevelopment included modernising the stadium’s facilities and seeing its capacity rise from 1600 to 5108, which allowed the club to meet Football League standards.
The transformation of Moor Lane to the Peninsula, also helped raise the club’s profile and improve the matchday experience for fans.
With Lim’s financial backing it further played a crucial role in professionalising the club, as his investment allowed the Ammies to go from a semi-professional setup to a fully professional organisation, attracting higher-quality players and staff.
This shift not only boosted the team’s competitiveness, but also laid the groundwork for sustained success, solidifying Salford as one of the rising forces in the English football pyramid.
Lim’s support allowed the club to focus on long-term growth and establish itself as a stable, ambitious contender in the Football League.
Danny Shepherd, creator and host of the One Up Front- Salford City FC podcast, commented about the fan consensus on Peter Lim.
He said: “Obviously the vast majority of the money being put in was from Peter Lim so he was not unpopular amongst the fans.
“I don’t think I ever heard anything specifically negative about him, he was never blamed when the results weren’t going our way.
“In a January transfer window, money would appear and we’d bring players in. So it always felt like he backed us as much as he could.”
Salford City announces that Gary Neville has acquired from Peter Lim his interest in the club.
It marks a successful conclusion to Peter’s 10-year tenure in the club.
“Peter has been integral in helping to create a legacy at Salford that we are now determined to build on.”
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) August 2, 2024
Last month, Peter Lim exited the club after being bought out by Gary Neville.
Reflecting on Lim’s departure, Gary Neville stated: “Peter has been integral in helping to create a legacy at Salford City that we are now determined to build on.”
With Peter Lim’s funds no longer available, Salford City FC and its Board of Directors have initiated a search for new strategic partners to support the club’s growth.
Danny Shepherd, however sees this as wishful thinking.
He said: “I have heard about different investors coming in, whether I believe it’ll happen, I’m not sure.
“As much as I love the club, Salford City could be seen as maybe not the greatest investment, because it’s flatlined in the same league for six years now.
“We’re known to lose substantial amounts of money each month, and that’s not something that an investor might be attracted to. I hope new investors come in, but if they want to make money on their investment at the moment, it doesn’t look too attractive.”
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