New 'Hornets' to continue using Spotland

Rochdale Football Club and Rochdale Council have held discussions with the new 'Rochdale Hornets Rugby Football League Club Society Limited' and all three parties are optimistic of finding a solution which will see the new Hornets continue to use Spotland Stadium as their home ground.

The new Rochdale rugby league company was formed last month and will see a supporters trust setup run the club with the backing of London-based author, economist and lifelong Hornets fan Paul Ormerod.

The Council and the Football Club, as partners in the Spotland stadium company, have talked with Mr Ormerod, the Rugby Football League and the previous club's administrators and have reached an agreement 'in principle' for the new Hornets to continue playing at the stadium.

A statement from Rochdale Football Club on the current sitation states: "From the Council's point of view they were keen to maintain the original aims of the Stadium Company and that was to see the town's two main sports clubs share the facilities at Spotland Stadium.

"Whilst recognising that relations between the three parties in the Stadium Company have been 'strained' in the past, the Council representatives were keen to maintain the original aim of the Stadium Company and at the same time ensure that all parties have a positive contribution going forward.

"Rochdale Football Club would like to reiterate to all its supporters and shareholders that the directors have, and always will, look to act in the best interests of Rochdale Association Football Club. The directors have also been mindful of their responsibilities towards Denehurst Park (Rochdale) Limited, the Stadium Company in which we have a 45.5 percent shareholding.

"The relationships between the three parties involved in the Stadium Company in the past are well documented and have been the subject of much debate. Largely the debate has been around financial issues although operational issues have also been the subject of much discussion.

"Rochdale Football Club along with Rochdale Council has a desire to look forward and work with a new third partner who it hopes will be a responsible tenant to the Stadium Company and have a constructive input to its future. In agreeing to progress matters to a formal arrangement with the new "supporters cooperative" both RMBC and RAFC believes that the new Rochdale Hornets Club Society lead by Mr Ormerod can work together for the benefit of all parties."

Solicitors of all three parties are now working against the clock, with the new rugby league season kicking off this Sunday (8 February).