Brian Noble seeks top-four finish from Salford’s relaunch

Brian Noble says each of his 14 new signings has a point to prove after joining Salford (Getty Images)

Former Great Britain coach Brian Noble can hardly contain his excitement as he prepares to usher in a new era for the Salford Red Devils.

The waiting is over for Noble and ambitious new owner Marwan Koukash, who aim to turn last year’s Super League wooden spoonists into potential champions, starting with the visit of Wakefield to the A J Bell Stadium tomorrow.

The pair have virtually re-built the side that finished bottom of the table, with Koukash spending well over £1million to assemble a team he insists is capable of finishing in the top four at the first attempt.

The majority of their 14 new signings are set to line up against the Wildcats, all with points to prove, according to Noble.

“Each one of these players have a reason to be here,” said the former Bradford, Wigan and Crusaders coach.

“Myself and Marwan travelled the length and breadth of the country and interviewed twice as many players as we signed.

“Some didn’t cut the mustard because cutting the mustard for us is nothing to do with the financial gains they might see. I wanted them to take part in a mission and to be involved in something that was unique and ground-breaking.”

Noble, Super League’s most successful coach who has been in the Salford hot seat for just under 12 months, took his new-look squad to South Africa for a fortnight’s training camp in which he spelt out the club’s mission statement.

“They have a motivation and a desire to do well,” he said. “We spoke about that in South Africa and we’ve given each other that commitment.

“We are clear on that, they are clear that they want to be a Devil and they are clear that we have a chance to make a little bit of history this year.”