Hornets hit with nine point deduction

Hornets will start the new Championship One season with a nine point deduction after the former club, Rochdale Hornets, went into administration.

The club entered administration in January to avoid a winding up order before forming a new club run by supporters with the financial backing of author, economist and lifelong fan Paul Ormerod.

The new club is being officially launched on Wednesday 25 March in the main stand bar at Spotland Stadium at 7.30pm.

Club memberships, season tickets and the first items of a new range of merchandise will be available on the night and the club hopes to have an exclusive preview of Hornets’ brand new kit.

A spokesman for the club said: "Whilst the club has been forced by short deadlines to make do and mend through the last few weeks, the launch event officially heralds a new era and is a great opportunity to come along and get involved in the all new Hornets adventure."

Those members who have paid their annual subscription already can pick up their share certificates on the night.

Hornets get their league campaign under way on Sunday 22 March with an away game at Workington, kick off 3pm. Meanwhile their fourth round Carnegie Challenge Cup fixture against Swinton will take place on Friday 3 April, kick off 7.30pm. Hornets season ticket holders can attend the game at reduced rates.