Christmas message from chairman Andy Mazey

Rochdale Hornets chairman Andy Mazey has written a Christmas message to supporters.

Dear all,

On behalf of the board and management team, I would like to wish all our commercial partners, sponsors, volunteers, supporters, colleagues, friends, families and the wider communities of Rochdale a very Happy Christmas and prosperous new year. 

As we approach the festive period, we can now reflect back on a solid year with a growing feel-good factor that has been built on a respectable third-placed finish in the league, progression to the play-off preliminary final, and an exciting, powerful, strength-in-depth squad we've retained and recruited for 2025. 

Off the field, there have been several significant developments over the past 12 months or so. 

Only Paul Ormerod and I now remain from the original consortium that took the club over five years ago. We now have a committed four-man ownership group, and a leaner but much more effective board and management team.

Carl Halstead and I are currently the two active company directors, and we employ Matt Rigby full-time on a day to day basis to manage the business as our general manager. 

Jason Wilson of Britannia Metals has been a sponsor of the club for the past few years and joined us as a shareholder this year, with Britannia taking a stake in the club. Like Carl he has become a huge asset to this club, and is someone I have huge respect for, not only for his input at Hornets, but for his support for sport across the borough in general. 

The appointment of Matt as a Rochdale lad in 2023 was strategic, and I've gone on record lauding him as my greatest signing at the Hornets many times. 

His popularity has further risen in 2024, and his hard work and proactive approach to all things Rochdale is something we are all proud of and I thank him for.

It is important for supporters to understand that all funds generated form shareholding changes have gone directly into the club's coffers. These transactions have meant the club has been able to benefit from significant new investment in 2024 from myself, Jason, Carl and Paul.

Shareholding remains available, however, and we remain open to conversations with individuals or groups. 

We will look to expand the board in 2025, but only with the right people, with the right values, who can bring additional professional skill sets and qualities to help take the club forward.

As owners, it is clear through significant ongoing investment, we have ensured this club can continue to operate sustainably, but the progress we are making is testament to all of our collective efforts, from our highly appreciated fans, hardworking and dedicated staff and last, but certainly not least, the painstaking efforts of our loyal volunteers. 

However, if we wish to go any further than we currently are now, then we all have to bite down on the gum shield in 2025 and be prepared to do more and drive even harder.

We are competing with some big clubs in this division who hold significant advantages over us. 

As an example, the likes of Keighley who average 1.500 attendances in League 1 and own their own ground, gives them income streams from bars, secondary spend and facilities hires etc, which we simply just do not have. 

This highlights the ongoing challenges we face with our current crowds and revenue streams. In order to realise our ambitions while improving our IMG grading score, we need more people supporting us in the years ahead. 

It is a very simple equation - more bums on seats, equals more revenue, equals more investment in the team, equals greater on-field success.

I recently attended the All Hornets Supporters Association Annual General Meeting and thanked them for the unwavering efforts and fantastic support. We did, however, collectively highlight the need to grow, with membership numbers and squad builder contributions being the immediate focus areas heading into 2025. Please take note and help however you can.

Our Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation, under the stewardship of chairman Mark Wynn, has also gone through some significant changes in 2024, but is in a better place for it and well positioned for a big year ahead. 

The most notable development this year of course being the launch of our very own community hub.

                                               The vision becomes reality… but it's just the beginning!

In July, a vision became reality when ‘The Hive” at Million Pavilion was officially opened by Rochdale Mayor Shakil Ahmed, Consort Rachel Massey, Rochdale MBC leader Neil Emmott and MP for Rochdale, Paul Waugh. 

Marc Lovering, the RFL’s development director and RFL vice-president Trevor Hunt, also attended the grand opening of a facility that has been described as a “unique blueprint” in rugby league, along with other local councillors and guests.

The Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation, working in partnership with Rochdale MBC and Kirkholt Million, have created a community hub to serve the needs of Kirkholt, Balderstone and the surrounding areas. A clear vision has been realised, to transform the site into a vibrant community hub that will attract people, young and old, from all over the borough.

A platform now exists for us to engage more effectively with previously hard-to-reach groups, and the facility provides Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation the opportunity to upscale it's delivery to benefit a wider proportion of the community that currently do not have access to suitable sports provision or facilities.

We pride ourselves on our inclusive approach and working collaboratively with the council, Kirkholt Million and the local community, we will deliver programmes that are impactful and have clear positive outcomes for the area in 2025.

The Hive is also the home of our new club-led Rochdale Hornets women’s team. 

A commitment from the club board to take on the costs and oversee a meaningful women’s team with realistic ambition of Super League in years to come was made earlier this year. The appointment of Ben Bird and some positive early signs mean we have cause for optimism on this front.

Under coach Pete Hird, the wheelchair team continue to go from strength to strength, and they also have a new venue at Kingsway for 2025, and are building very nicely in pre-season. I can only foresee another big year of progress from Pete and his fantastic group.

I also look forward to seeing our magnificent learning disability team back in action again in 2025. Another brilliant group who have brought us all immense pride this year.

The Rochdale Hornets walking rugby league team continue to go from strength to strength, and I know they will be looking forward to another year of fun and friendship. 

                          

People often forget that Hopwood Hall College's academy team is an accredited RFL rugby league development academy partnership between the college and ourselves. The development academy offers students a ‘dual career’ pathway in Rugby League, and Matt Calland has produced some excellent players for the professional game over many years, most notably Matty Ashton and our very own flying Dan Nixon. 

I recently attended a positive meeting with Kris Robinson and Matt over at the college, and conversations are ongoing with a view to reinvigorating the existing partnership and determining how the college, club and other stakeholders in Rochdale can help to ensure a brighter future for rugby league, both boys and girls.

Another major positive this year also has been our relationship with Rochdale Mayfield, and the commitment from both clubs to work collaboratively whenever possible. 

We look forward to them hosting our 1895 Cup game against Cornwall, and as part of agreements already made, we will be issuing circa 400 bespoke season tickets, with each Mayfield junior member's name on them for 2025 season.

 I would like to go on record in thanking Neil Ramsden and his committee at Rochdale Mayfield for their support and willingness to put a line under the past and work together to ensure a brighter future for rugby league in the borough.

We are more committed than ever to play our part in making the sport as accessible and inclusive as it possibly can be, and I would urge more people to get involved and to keep an eye on the website and our socials for some of the exciting developments and opportunities to come in the new year.

Finally, your personal support in buying season tickets, shirts and merchandise, both online and in-person on matchdays, can and will help lead the club and team into an exciting 2025 season. 

To any lapsed fans who may be reading this, I ask you to take the leap of faith in buying a 2025 season ticket. It will be worth it. To those who have already purchased and committed to 2025, I politely ask that you spread the word and encourage others to do the same.

A huge thank you once again, stay safe and enjoy your Christmas and new year break.

Onward Hornets!

Andy