David Beckham watches first Salford City match as co-owner along with Phil Neville and son Romeo

Beckham was the centre of attention during Salford's National League North match against Dover

It’s not often a former England captain, Real Madrid midfielder and global icon is found watching non-league football on a Saturday afternoon. However, David Beckham was at Salford City to watch their National League North match against Dover Athletic, the first time he has seen them since becoming co-owner in January.

Beckham bought a 10 per cent share in the National League side, taking the Class of 92’s ownership to 60 per cent. Gery Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt are the other former Manchester United stars with a place on the club’s board.

Beckham, who arrived with Phil Neville, his son Romeo and close friend Dave Gardner, was naturally the centre of attention on a chilly February afternoon in Greater Manchester.

The star stopped for pictures with fans and signed autographs before taking his seat at Salford’s Penisula Stadium.

Salford's Deenis Poltic scored a goal that Beckham may have been proud of in the early stages, but it was in vain as Dover battled back and won 3-1 to hand their survival chances a huge boost.

He was supposed to be presented to supporters earlier than this, but his planned appearance at the FA Trophy game against Maidstone United was cancelled due adverse weather forcing the match to be postponed.

Beckham’s appointment was approved by the Football Association on January 31 and he said it’s a project he was delighted to finally join.

"It's a really special club and a special group of people. My early years in Manchester were all spent in Salford. I grew up there in many ways so to be able to finally join the lads and the club today is a great feeling," said Beckham.

The Class of 92 had hoped to get Beckham involved when the idea was first proposed in 2014 and were happy to finally get him on board.

“From the very beginning we wanted David to be involved and be with us on this incredible journey, however circumstances and commitments didn’t allow that. Now the time is right and is another exciting time in Salford City’s history,” read a Class of 92 statement.

“It is important to emphasise that nothing will change in the day-to-day operations of the club but to have us all together was always the vision.

“We grew up in Salford, carved our careers here and that’s why we are doing what we are doing at Salford City.

“We have grown to love this club and the fans and we would like to welcome David to the club and to becoming part of the Salford City family.”