Rugby League: Rochdale Hornets look to the future

Rochdale Hornets

Rochdale Hornets have outlined their plans to make a rapid return to the Betfred Championship after their relegation to league one was confirmed.

Defeat to Batley Bulldogs on Sunday 4 August meant that the club will drop down a division for 2020, but Hornets are keen to rebuild quickly for next season.

A club statement released on Monday 5 August said: “Despite our relegation being confirmed, we would like to thank all supporters, members and sponsors for their backing this year.

“We will continue to need that support for the remainder of the current campaign, during which Matt Calland and his coaching team will approach every game aiming to win it.

“We have every confidence in the coaching staff, and plans are already well underway to assemble the most competitive squad possible for the 2020 season.

“The recently-appointed board of directors have committed to reviewing the progress of the club in September, and we are focused as a collective on building a strong Rochdale culture at Hornets.

“That will be based around hard work, high standards, local talent and establishing a proper pathway for young players from college to amateurs to the professional game.

“Off the field, we are actively working with current, old and new sponsors to get behind the club as it looks to the future.

“In the short-term, we still have some mouth-watering fixtures to look forward to in 2019, including our ‘Be Inspired’ event at the forthcoming home game with Leigh Centurions on Sunday 11 August.

“There are some challenges that lie ahead but plenty of optimism for Rochdale Hornets moving forward.”