Rugby League: Hornets announce a new board of directors

Hornets

A new board of directors has been elected for Rochdale Hornets following the club’s AGM.

The new board members are:

• Mrs Denise Dawson
• Mr Ray Dutton
• Mr Martin Hall
• Mr Mark Harris
• Mr Gavin Reynolds
• Mr Peter Rush

A statement from the directors reads: “We are delighted to be confirmed as the club’s new board and will start working immediately to ensure the long-term future of Rochdale Hornets.

“It has been a difficult season for the club both on and off the field, but we are confident that with the board now in place we can start working towards better times.

“There is much for the club to be positive about - the extensive work of the Hornets Foundation in the local community, the fact that there are now more Rochdale-born players playing professional rugby league than in recent memory, and the club membership being at its highest for several years.

“We also have in Matt Calland and Dave Larder a coaching staff with vast experience of being successful in the Championship, and who we will support fully moving forward. Working alongside our director of rugby Martin Hall, we are confident that they can build a strong playing squad on the field.

“As a board we want to bring together all of the people that are passionate about Rochdale Hornets, whether they be current supporters and members, or lapsed ones who have been involved at the club before.

“Rugby league as a whole faces a pivotal couple of years ahead of the expiration of the current TV deal at the end of 2021, and as such this is a vital time for the club as well.

“By bringing together everybody that has a passion for Hornets we believe in the future of this club.

“Planning for the 2020 season starts now, and even though we may have to take a step back initially on the field, we are confident that Rochdale Hornets can again be a fully competitive Championship club in the future.

“We also aim to improve communication between the club and its supporters, and would urge as many people as possible to become members and have their full say in Rochdale Hornets moving forwards.”