Stankevitch pens two-year extension

John Stankevitch signs a new two-year contract with Hornets

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Rochdale Hornets boss John Stankevitch has signed a two-year extension to his contract after a superb start to his coaching career. Hornets are well placed in 4th position in Co-operative Championship 1 and are a solid bet for the end of season playoffs.

Stankevitch, still at just 30-years-old, revealed that he was delighted to sign the deal: “I’m really pleased. It’s something that I aimed for. I’m here for the long haul, not short term. I want to build on what we’ve already achieved.

“When I came there was no players, so I’ve been able to put my own mark on things and the things I’ve done have bore fruit.”

He also felt it was important for the squad, not just for the current playoff push, but for upcoming seasons as well.

“The squad are all young lads and I want to keep them together and keep the continuity.

“We’ve (Stankevitch and the board) discussed it for a while, and were just trying to finalise it. I want a strong end to the season and need to secure players for next season so I want to show my intentions first.”

The Hornets coach is certainly ambitious and hopes that both he and the club have a prosperous two years.

“It’s no secret that I want to coach at the very top and I feel I’ve done my apprenticeship as the assistant.

“I’m more than happy to be here and I hope the club will be in a stronger position and if all goes well I might the opportunity to coach in Super League.”

Hornets Chief Executive Mike Banks said: "I asked John to join the club in late October 2009, at which time we had no coaching staff and no contracted players. John agreed to a very strict playing budget and worked tirelessly to bring in players of the right calibre and more importantly the right attitude and commitment.

“He has built up a fantastic squad on the back of very a small budget and he has to be applauded for the way he has got the players playing for him and the club. The coaching staff and the players have a tremendous work ethic and a fantastic team spirit, and every one of them, whether a first team player or squad member gives Stanky 100%, and you cannot ask for more than that.

“The passion and optimism of John, the coaching staff and all the players is rubbing off on all involved at the club, including staff members and supporters, pardon the pun, but there really is a great buzz about the club and we are happy for John to lead us from the front."

Chairman Mark Wynn added: "We are all overjoyed to have secured John’s services for 2011 and 2012. It shows the faith we have in Stanky and the faith he has in the club. John has to be the best young coach currently in the British game. He can now continue to put in place the structures needed for Hornets to become a real force within the game.

"As well as being a great coach, Stanky is a really decent bloke, a dream to work with. He is a born winner and hopefully he can lead Hornets to future glories."

Hornets will hope that the players will celebrate the news in style, as they look for victory against Doncaster on Saturday evening at 7.30pm in South Yorkshire.