Surplus for Hornets

Photo: Chris Whitehead Photography

The executive board at Rochdale Hornets: Chairman Mark Wynn, Development Director Niel Wood, Finance Director Julie Bowmer, Club President Paul Ormerod, Marketing, PR & Matchday Experience Director Martin Ballard and Chief Executive Ryan Bradley

Rochdale Hornets Rugby Football League Club Society Limited announced a surplus of £863 for the financial year ending November 2014 at their Annual General Meeting held at Spotland Stadium last night (Wednesday 25 March).

It is the second time in two years that the entirely supporter owned club has announced a surplus.

In 2013, Hornets won silverware for only the second time  in 91 years and posted a record £25,000 surplus after prize money was paid out.

2014 saw Rochdale competing in the second tier of rugby league, being relegated by a restructure of the leagues despite finishing outside the traditional drop zone.

The announcement of a second consecutive surplus was touch and go, according to Chief Executive Ryan Bradley.

“Since being appointed as CEO two years ago the message from the board has been clear, and that is we must live within our means,” commented Mr Bradley.

“In both years we have worked to a strict zero budget. We set realistic income targets and are stringent with our outgoings and that dictates our player budget.

“The board, although elected fans, are realistic and although success drives us, they always ensure we live within our means.

“Things are tight at times and we have to have a strong, honest relationship with our suppliers, but we would rather have a club tomorrow than success today, although our promotion and subsequent finish outside of the bottom two show the two aren't mutually exclusive.”

The 2015 accounts showed a rise in sponsorship by £20k from 2014 and the club bucked the declining attendance trend to record a 50% rise in gate receipts.

It was reported that the club delivered against its forecast playing wage and, despite a drop in incomes from the club's lottery and an above budget spend on some essential items, managed to record the second successive surplus.