ROCHDALE HORNETS chairman Andy Mazey believes that the standard in League One will be higher than ever in 2025, but that head coach Gary Thornton has a squad that can compete.
The Hornets fell short in 2024, losing out to Keighley Cougars in the semi-finals of the play-offs, but have strengthened with the likes of Dec O’Donnell and Oli Burton.
For Mazey, the club will have it tough, but he has backed Thornton: “Gary is happy with the 2025 squad; we feel we have a good mix of experience, youth and continuity within the group,” Mazey told League Express.
“We promised improvement in 2024 and it’s fair to say we delivered that.
“The plan laid out in 2022, when Gary was appointed, is working for us and we were able to map out 2025 and go early on retention and recruitment and improve the staff and backroom team.
“The standard and level of League One in 2025 is going up significantly and there will be far more competition than ever for the crucial top four spots.”