HornyHornyHorneeet

Dec O’Donnell becomes 10th new signing for 2025 Rochdale Hornets have announced the signing of hooker Dec O’Donnell on a one-year deal ahead of the 2025 season. The 26-year-old arrives following a brief hiatus from the professional game, having last played for Wigan St Patricks in 2024 and Ashton Bears in 2023. O’Donnell, a former Ireland international, enjoyed his best years at Workington Town, where he scored 12 tries in 35 games across two stints with the club. He has also previously represented Leigh and Oldham. “I’m really happy to have signed for Rochdale after a short break from the game,” O’Donnell said. “After speaking with Gary and hearing the vision he has for the club, it was really a no-brainer. “I’m looking forward to the 2025 season, when hopefully we can go one better than last year.” Rochdale Hornets head coach Gary Thornton said: “I’m delighted to have a player of Dec’s experience and quality on board. “He’s been out of the game for quite a while, but he’s come through some good systems and he’ll add good experience in a place we need it after losing Aiden Roden. “Having Oli Burton and Dec in the building now gives us great strength in depth, in a vital area of the team.” Gary Thornton’s side are back in action this Sunday, with a clash away at local rivals Oldham to come in the return of the Law Cup.

Law Cup match postponed This weekend's Law Cup clash between Oldham and Rochdale Hornets has been postponed due to a frozen pitch at Boundary Park. The two clubs are now working to find an alternative date to play the fixture, in preparation for the 2025 season. Tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled fixture, and details will be announced via the usual channels as soon as we have them.

The towns professional and amateur clubs working together can only be a good thing and its great to see. Well done to the respective management teams.

The way i read the clubs statement and also taking into consideration the football clubs last game and todays game have been postponed due to water-logging, is its an effort to ensure the pitch will be in the best possible shape for the up coming Widnes game and League 1 campaign. Extract from the statement you refer to below. "To ensure the pitch can remain in the best possible condition for both that fixture and the upcoming Betfred League 1 campaign, the tie has been switched to Rochdale Mayfield".

Really? Please point me to a statement that says this?

That will be about right then as i read the pages for about 12/18 months before signing up to contribute when the club made it clear in its communications it was important for IMG to share stuff I did say i was getting old

Well said.

Now I'm getting older so my memory isn't what it used to be Eric but I cant remember a great deal of success in 1997. Times have changed and i personally am grateful from what we have and this current board and management as I fear without them there would no longer be a Rochdale Hornets. I've been on this forum a few years now but am yet to read a positive post from you. I wont hold my breath.....

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 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 clubs 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 volunteer's. 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 1500 attendances in League 1 and own their own ground, gives them income streams from bars, secondary spend and facilities hire's 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 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 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. 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 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 Disabilities team back in action again in 2025. Another brilliant group who have brought us all immense pride this year. 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 match days, can and will help lead the club and team into an exciting 2025 season. 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

Hornets-Cornwall 1895 Cup tie moved to Rochdale Mayfield The club can confirm that the upcoming 1895 Cup first preliminary round tie between Rochdale Hornets and Cornwall will be played at Rochdale Mayfield. The fixture will take place on Saturday 1 February (3pm kick-off). This decision has been made after consultation with Rochdale AFC, who welcome National League rivals Oldham to the Crown Oil Arena on the following Tuesday night. To ensure the pitch can remain in the best possible condition for both that fixture and the upcoming Betfred League 1 campaign, the tie has been switched to Rochdale Mayfield. Club officials from Rochdale Hornets and Rochdale Mayfield recently held positive talks concerning the future development of rugby league in the borough. Discussions took place to help consolidate our improved relationship, and a commitment was made from both clubs to work collaboratively whenever possible - this venue change being a prime example of that. We thank both Cornwall and Rochdale Mayfield for their cooperation. The 1895 Cup fixture will form part of a wider day of events at Rochdale Mayfield, with further details to be announced in due course. The winners of the game will go on to face Swinton Lions in the next round. How to buy tickets Tickets, priced at £10 for adults and concessions, are on sale now. PLEASE NOTE: Admission will rise to £12 on the day of the game. As is the case for home fixtures at the Crown Oil Arena, Under 16s will be able to attend free of charge but must purchase a ticket in advance.

I went along to Fridays 2025 kit launch at Icon Sports and have to say it blew me away. The venue was first class, Andy Mazey and Gary Thornton gave club and team updates and Jim Stringer did a fantastic piece about the historic significance of the green and black kit. The kits are really embracing our heritage and everything seems to be about ROCHDALE. Key take outs for me. Many clubs in the sport right now have financial problems but Andy stated Hornets aren't one of them and we are largely debt free and in a steady, stable position thanks to prudent financial management, ongoing investments from shareholders, backing of sponsors and supporters. He did state in order to progress however we do need more so hopefully we will see a buy in from the town in 2025. Inclusivity is at the heart of the club and for the first time in 2025 the same kit with the same sponsors will be worn across men's, women's, wheelchair teams who are all competing competitively as well as the community teams under the Foundation. Still pushing on season tickets and encouraging fans to buy in and help break recent records and exceed targets. Still sponsorships available for players of men's, women's, wheelchair team so get in touch with Matt Rigby. Cant bloody wait for January now. Onward.

2025 Rochdale Hornets kits unveiled Rochdale Hornets’ 2025 home and away kits have been unveiled. The kits are the first to have been produced since the club re-joined forces with ICON Sports, who were announced as the Hornets’ new kit and teamwear provider last month. The new home kit continues to pay homage to the club’s traditional blue, red and white colour scheme. Blue is the primary colour of this year’s design, with a striking red bar and white trim adorning both the front and back. The away kit is dark green and includes a black bar and white trim - representing a return to a green-and-black Hornets kit for the first time in 15 years. A silhouette of Rochdale Town Hall also features on the front of the shirt. This is in recognition of the recent re-opening of one of the borough’s most historic buildings. The town hall opened in 1871 - the year the club was founded - but was closed for refurbishment in 2020, before opening its doors again earlier this year. The new kits were unveiled at a special launch event for sponsors and supporters on Friday night. Order now This season’s shirts will be priced at £44.95 for kids and £49.95 for adults. A size guide can be found here. To begin with, 2025 kits will be available to buy exclusively through the club. There will be a limited number of shirts in stock, ready for pre-Christmas delivery, so please order early to avoid disappointment. To order, please contact 01706 648004, or email: info@hornetsrugbyleague.com 2025 shirts will soon be available to purchase on the ICON Sports website. Supporters will be notified when this is possible. Our 2025 range of matchday, training, leisurewear and gifts are available to buy here.

Themed event days confirmed for 2025 We are delighted to confirm a number of themed event days, in partnership with Premier Kia, which will once again take place throughout the 2025 season. The events are part of a wider drive to enhance the matchday experience at the Crown Oil Arena, as the club looks to continue making strides forward, on and off the field. Last season, the club used themed event days to pay tribute to its history and heritage, as well as celebrating the armed forces, local emergency services and the work being done in the community. Themed rounds also enable the Hornets to provide an alternative narrative to the day, allowing the entire borough to come together and feel part of something much larger than just 80 minutes of rugby. Building on the success of last year’s themes, four fixtures during the 2025 season have been allocated special event status: Sunday 23 February vs Keighley Cougars: Season Opener Friday 18 April vs Swinton Lions: Family Day Sunday 3 August vs Whitehaven: Superhero Day Sunday 7 September vs Dewsbury Rams: Retro Day Further details relating to each of the fixtures outlined above will be confirmed in due course. On the return of themed event days, Rochdale Hornets general manager Matt Rigby said: "We are thrilled to announce an incredible lineup of matchday events for the 2025 season, kicking off with our season opener against another of the division’s top sides in Keighley Cougars! “As well as our Good Friday Family Day against Swinton, which sees us make a long-awaited return home for an Easter fixture, in a local derby rich in history, we're also delighted to confirm that Superhero Day will return! “This was a new initiative last year, and it was one of the highlights at the Crown Oil Arena, bringing together supporters of all ages in a vibrant celebration of community, engagement and appreciation for the game. “Seeing our fans transform into their favourite heroes created an unforgettable atmosphere, and we can’t wait to share the excitement with everyone once again. “We will conclude the season with a nostalgic trip down memory lane on Retro Day, when we face Dewsbury. “Each event is designed to bring our amazing community together and make every game a memorable experience. We can’t wait to see you there!" 2025 season tickets are available to buy here.

2025 kit launch event Rochdale Hornets’ new home and away kits for the 2025 season will be unveiled at a special event on Friday 13 December. The event will take place in the auditorium of ICON Sports, our new kit and teamwear provider. Their address can be found below: Unit 4, Harp Industrial Estate, Queensway, Rochdale OL11 2QQ Attendees are asked to arrive at 6:30pm for a 7pm start. The event will give sponsors and supporters a first opportunity to see the new 2025 kits, which will also be available to purchase on the night. Pre-orders can also be made across our new range of Hornets merchandise, which will go on general sale to supporters very soon. Platinum Club members who purchased their season ticket before December 1 will be able to collect their membership boxes on the night. There is no need to pre-confirm your attendance for this event.