I think it is the council but whether they do indeed own the stadium or not, one of the key factors here is that it isn't owned by Salford. I can see the sense it would make, at least financially, to have sport being played there year round. However I can also see the danger and why some Salford fans are uneasy at the prospect of sharing with Sale Sharks. Like most things these days the stadium and complex will be looked at as a business. If Sale Sharks can bring more revenue in than Salford then I think they could supersede The Reds in the Barton pecking order.
Whether Brian Kennedy is partly to blame, totally to blame or innocent when it comes to events at Edgeley Park doesn't really matter. He and by association his rugby union club have gained a certain reputation which will live on for many many years.