ROCHDALE HORNETS Chairman Andy Mazey says attracting more people through the Crown Oil Arena turnstiles is crucial to the future wellbeing of the club.
The businessman, who led a takeover in 2019 after previous involvement at Swinton, says his club’s recent 1895 Cup semi-final at Widnes – watched by 2,190, more than four times Rochdale’s average home league attendance this year – highlighted the step up needed to become contenders in the merged Championship, and not just in terms of playing strength (the hosts won 52-0).
Hornets had spent the previous seven seasons in League One, and Mazey said in an update to supporters: “It’s important to remember this season’s merged Championship competition is effectively two divisions within a division.
“There is a vast difference in the size and scale of turnover and revenue of most of the established Championship clubs to those elevated from League One.
“Reaching the semi-finals of the 1895 Cup and despatching one of those afore mentioned established Championship clubs, Sheffield Eagles, along the way was an achievement the players and staff can be very proud of.
“However we got a bit of a reality check and a look at a genuine Championship club in Widnes during the semi-final.
“The difference in supporter levels directly correlates to the difference in player spend, and ultimately to the difference on the scoreboard.
“The message is therefore clear. Rochdale people can’t sit back and expect myself and the other shareholders to prop up stagnant attendances and cover shortfalls forever.
“It’s sustainable while we are willing to do it. However, to be self-sustainable it must be a collective effort.
“If we want to see the team progress again next year, we need more fans and more people backing the club.”
Forward Lewis Hatton has signed a contract extension for 2027.