Gary Thornton's thoughts on pre-season and Widnes Vikings

Rochdale Hornets head coach Gary Thornton has praised the ‘hard work’ and ‘attitude’ of his players ahead of Sunday’s pre-season friendly at Widnes Vikings.

Hornets travel to the DCBL Stadium for the first of three warm-up matches, before their League 1 campaign gets underway at home against Doncaster in March.

Rochdale have signed a vast number of players during the off-season, and Thornton has spoken highly of the way the group have joined together and worked during the seven weeks back in training. 

He said: “No one likes pre-season but the boys have put in a lot of hard gruelling graft that’s necessary to get game ready for the season.

“They're bonding as a group through the hard work and physical challenges we’ve set, and everyone has bought into what we are trying to achieve as new players and coaching staff.

“The focus has mainly been on creating high standards and a hard-working culture, and as coaches we’re really impressed with the attitude and work ethic to get stuck in.”

With a large group of new players, Thornton and his coaching staff have been working hard in developing structures and learning how Hornets may set out.   

Whilst the head coach has expressed his excitement ahead of the return to action, he is aware the main purpose of warm-up matches is not always the full-time result.

“I expect us to be a little rusty in these friendlies as we have a lot of new players who are still getting to know each other, but that’s what these games are for,” Thornton said.

“We will progress as we go whilst building new relationships and combinations so we will be ready come the end of February for our first competitive game.

“What I do expect during these warm-up matches is a very enthusiastic group of players who will work hard for each other and leave nothing out on the pitch.”

Thornton and his players travel to Championship outfit Widnes on Sunday, to face a Vikings side who missed out on a play-off place by 12-points last season.

It is the first time Thornton will see his new-look Hornets squad in action, and against higher opposition, he says his side are relishing the opportunity.  

“Widnes are a solid Championship side with a huge history and heritage,” Thornton said.

“They will be well prepared and hard to breakdown under John Kear who has recruited well and I expect them to be challenging at the top end of the table come the end of the season.

“Vikings have a good mix of youth, experienced and international representation, and although they will be tough opponents, it's a challenge we are looking forward to.

“I’ve told my players they should aspire to be the best they can be, and we will grab this match with both hands and make sure we get the full benefit from the experience against a higher side.”

Sunday’s clash is the first meeting under the Dual Registration agreement, which sees all Widnes players registered with Hornets making them eligible to play and train for either side.

On the agreement, Thornton said: “This match gives us a chance to see players that could potentially be available to us during the season.”

Rochdale fans will be able to see their side in action for the first time since September, and Thornton is looking forward to hearing the support from the stands.

He said: “It will be great to see our loyal group of supporters again.  

"Hopefully we can give them something to cheer about as I’m sure as always they will be behind the boys who will be giving everything for the shirt this season.”

Tickets for Sunday's match can be bought here, or also on game-day at Widnes' match-day shop located at the stadium from 1pm.

Away fans have been advised to purchase tickets in the South Stand Block H. 

Rochdale Hornets season passes for 2023 are still available and on sale here!