Karl Robinson's tenure at Salford City has transformed his former disdain for the Class of 92 into deep admiration, and he is determined to repay them. The manager will lead the club into Monday's League Two play-off final against Notts County at Wembley Stadium, where owners Gary Neville, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Nicky Butt will be watching closely.
An Unlikely Alliance
Promotion to League One would be the result of an unlikely partnership between some of Manchester United's greatest players and a lifelong Liverpool supporter. Robinson, speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, expressed his appreciation for the owners' dedication. 'The uniqueness of this is when I sat down in front of the greatest players of all time, I've seen how much they want to get the football club to League One,' he said.
Despite his Liverpool roots, Robinson has relished the association. 'Everyone knows I'm very proud to be from Liverpool, and for me to be associated with some of the people that made my childhood and teenage years very disappointing, I've loved every second of it,' he added.
Class of 92's Influence
The Class of 92 have overseen Salford's rise through the leagues since 2014. Robinson believes the atmosphere they cultivated at Old Trafford has been replicated at the Peninsula Stadium. 'Our owners have had so much criticism for their involvement. They're brilliant. They're football people. They know what you need to hear and what you don't,' he stated.
Robinson praised the owners' grounded nature: 'Paul calls me a Chirpy Scouser, but that's just part of football! When United play Liverpool, there are a few eye emojis sent round. The way they've taken to me, I'm forever indebted to them.'
Rediscovering Love for Football
The 45-year-old manager revealed that his time at Salford has helped him rediscover his passion for the game after a difficult personal period, including a divorce. 'This club has given me the opportunity to step away from things and step away from football. That's something that I needed,' he said.
'I owe this club so much for allowing me to fall back in love with football. I'll forever be indebted for that. It's given me a real zest for the game and a real buzz,' Robinson added.
Fabio Borini's Impact
Former Liverpool, AC Milan, and Roma forward Fabio Borini joined Salford on a free transfer this season, scoring five goals. Robinson has been impressed by the Italian's commitment. 'His discipline, his attention to detail is incredible. He celebrated a goal here like he scored in the San Siro. He embodies everything we're trying to do,' Robinson noted.
Promotion Dream
With Borini's experience, Robinson's managerial acumen, and the Class of 92's ambition, Salford have all the ingredients for promotion. 'It all starts with a small dream of some of the greatest footballers of all time, leaning on an iron post when they first walked in here. They think they can affect people's lives in Salford with a new generation of supporters. They should be immensely proud of it,' Robinson concluded.
Every Minute Matters Campaign
As part of the Sky Bet and British Heart Foundation's Every Minute Matters campaign, Wembley Stadium's stands will be temporarily renamed during the 2026 Sky Bet EFL Play-Off Finals to honour four football fans connected to extraordinary cardiac arrest and CPR stories. The campaign aims to encourage more people to learn lifesaving CPR skills, having already inspired over 520,000 people to start learning through the BHF's free RevivR training tool since 2024.
