Neville, left, at the official opening of Salford City’s new ground in 2017

Gary Neville has been accused by the Accrington Stanley owner Andy Holt of trying to steal a place in the EFL after the Vanarama National League newcomers Salford City signed Adam Rooney.

The Aberdeen striker joined Salford – which Neville co-owns with brother Phil, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs – on Thursday, leading to a tetchy exchange between Holt, whose side won Sky Bet League Two last term, and Neville on Twitter. It was claimed that Rooney will earn £4,000 a week.

Holt responded to a post that apparently made reference to the Rooney deal by posting a message including the line: “Who’s place in the football league is @GNev2 going to steal with this p**s take.”

Neville replied with a message that