Salford City Reds players observed the new ‘City of Salford’ stadium plans earlier this week, when Project Managers, Drivers Jonas and stadium architects AFL, revealed detailed plans for player facilities during a presentation at The Willows. Keen to see how their new home for the 2010 season is taking shape, players took a keen interest in all aspects of the stadium design but more so the player facilities, including changing rooms, gym facilities, a 25 metre pool and pitch area, concluding the presentation with plenty of questions for the presenting architect. With interior areas of the stadium designed according to requirements of players and staff alike, the team and Salford City Reds employees were invited to observe the final draft before building begins later this year, a concept that is not lost on Reds Captain, Malcolm Alker:  “Having been used to the aging facilities of the willows, the new stadium facilities look amazing.  I think the future of Salford City Reds is looking very bright and with an International standard of stadium, I don’t thing the Reds will have many problems attracting the high profile rugby league players from around the world.” 

Salford City Reds media partner and shirt sponsor, Channel M will be following the fortunes of sides competing in the Fraser Eagle National Conference League plays offs tonight (Wednesday 23^rd April) at 7pm as part of the code XIII programme. The programme will then be repeated on Wednesdays (11pm), Thursdays (11am), Fridays (11am), Saturdays (11.30am) and Sundays (1.00pm). National Conference League Chairman Trevor Hunt said, “It is great to have Channel M on board like this, and of course they can be watched on digital TV or the worldwide Web. Hopefully sports fans will like what they see and come and try a live game or two. “As far as the matches go, Rochdale Mayfield’s extra time win at Leigh East was a terrifically gripping clash last week, and this Saturday’s games that have Minor Premiers, Leigh Miners Rangers at home to second placed East Hull, and Skirlaugh’s home visit from Mayfield, promises to be just as gripping.” Channel M are also looking forward to covering the amateur games flagship League. “We’re delighted to be working with the RFL and National Conference League in giving these fixtures an outlet for Grassroots Rugby League on television. We have no doubt over the quality on offer during the play-offs and feel they will be a worthy addition to what is an already successful programme format,” said James Lynch, Code XIII Producer. Channel M is the only local TV station for Manchester and is available on Terrestrial channel 39, Virgin Media channel 878 in the Greater Manchester region, and nationally on Sky channel 203. The Final will take place at Featherstone Rovers Chris Moyle’s Stadium on Saturday May 10th. The Fraser Eagle National Conference League Grand Final Play OffsSaturday 29th April 2008 Qualifying FinalLeigh Miners Rangers v East Hull Elimination semi finalSkirlaugh v Rochdale Mayfield Both kick off at 2.30pm.