Chairman Andy Mazey's mid-season update

Chairman Andy Mazey has provided a mid-season update for Rochdale Hornets supporters:

With no game this weekend and having now played half of our 2025 Betfred League 1 fixtures, it felt an opportune time to provide you all with a mid-season update.

On the field, our men’s team sit fifth in the table at the halfway point. While we have had some notable victories against Keighley, Swinton (league & cup) and Dewsbury away, and we are still in striking distance of the top four places, it's fair to say that overall we are disappointed with results and performances so far in the games against the top sides, of which we believe we are one of. 

Whilst we appreciate the likes of Midlands, North Wales and Workington have spent big this year, and have significantly higher playing budgets than ourselves, we are still disappointed not to have knocked off a top side yet, either home or away. 

Last Sunday’s performance in North Wales, particularly in the first half, was not of the standard we have set or expect, so there is work to do going into the second half of the season. 

The early loss of Martyn Ridyard to a bicep injury against Widnes Vikings in the Betfred Challenge Cup has undoubtedly had an impact on the cohesion and overall performance of the team. 

We have coped without him to a degree, with players playing out of position to cover, but with Martyn not due back until July/August, I was therefore delighted to conclude deal for the transfer of another experienced half back, Jack Miller, from Keighley Cougars. 

There are very few top-class half-backs around at this level, but Jack Miller is absolutely one of them, so it's a real coup for this club and a timely boost going into the second half of the campaign. 

The transfer will hopefully also demonstrate our ambition as a club to push for a top-four finish, and earn a crack at promotion via the Middle 8s.

Dual-registration, I’m aware, is a topic that can divide opinion at times. 

At the pre-season get-together of staff and players, Gary Thornton made it perfectly clear that we would be running with a dual-registration partner. He did, however, caveat that with his priority always being with our own contracted players, and everyone has had their chance, and an opportunity to keep a shirt. 

There are always reasons for bringing in players and the need to supplement our own playing squad at times, but I do appreciate supporters won’t always be aware of them. 

Injuries, illness, suspensions, player unavailability for personal reasons, or simply a loss of form all affect decision-making during a season. 

When we fall short in the big games and performances and standards aren’t meeting expectations, Gary is fully supported by myself and the board to do what we need to do to remain competitive and to achieve this season's on-field goals. 

While we always want to provide people with opportunities and develop our own players, it's professional sport and a result-driven industry at the end of the day. 

I have never subscribed to the theory that you don’t change a winning team either - that’s simply nonsense in professional sport. 

With the greatest of respect, there is clearly a vast difference in standard between playing the likes of Newcastle and Cornwall or trying to match the size and quality of North Wales and Midlands, who are both loaded with proven Betfred Championship quality players. 

Our expectation, however, and my own personal mantra is always to punch above your weight and be that person, team or business that overachieves. This will only come from exemplary attitudes, togetherness, team spirt and ultimately giving everything you have got. 

As we all now know, our women’s team was relaunched for 2025 and we are making outstanding progress with some very pleasing early season results. 

Credit must go to Matt, Ben, Rob and the rest of the group for their hard work and the creation of a very special environment down at 'The Hive'. Keep up the good work, girls!

Under the stewardship of head coach Pete Hird, our wheelchair team continues to go from strength to strength and is now the flagship team of the Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation. 

Pete and his group are a fantastic bunch, and I look forward to watching them progress even further this year as they wear our shirt and fly the flag with pride.

Off the field, our general manager Matt Rigby remains a popular figure in and around the club, stadium and town. He works his socks off for this club and goes above and beyond. 

The board and I really do appreciate his ongoing efforts, as well as those of our team of loyal volunteers who support Matt day-to-day. A special mention for Sarah Vining, who is a great support to Matt and the board and continues to go above and beyond. 

The support of our fantastic sponsors and partners headlined, of course, by Premier Kia remains invaluable and, as always, is very much appreciated. On behalf of myself and the board, a huge thank you to all our partners and sponsors.

The Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation, chaired by former Hornets chairman Mark Wynn, has been through a period of change, but as a result is now in a far better place with some exciting developments and announcements to come soon. 

The delivery, engagement and activity down at 'The Hive' is growing month on month, and some special times are ahead. 

I have to say I have really enjoyed working more closely with Mark during these past 12 months. He’s a supporter at the end of the day, and is passionate about making a difference and having an impact on the community. 

Having been in my position in the past, he gets it. I’m grateful for his support and extremely excited by the vision and the direction of travel of the Hornets Sporting Foundation.

Regarding finances, as an ownership group we remain committed to taking the club forward and are currently investing significantly to the tune of six figures per year. 

However, the reality is that if we wish to progress any further and push this club on to greater heights, we are going to need more support and more people contributing moving forward. 

We will be holding an in-person fan forum in the coming weeks. I urge all supporters and interested parties to keep an eye out for this, and let’s get as many people that care about this club in a room and openly discuss ideas and ways that we can increase income to ultimately enable us to retain our best talent for 2026, and also back Gary with the tools we will need to become a Championship club, which remains our medium to long-term aspiration and goal.

Commercially, we are already reviewing our 2026 commercial properties and packages, and we will be on the front foot for next year rest assured. 

The commercial performance has been excellent this past couple of years, but again we must strive to achieve more. As I've said many times, all who care about the club can be salespeople for it. Carl, Matt, Jason and I are always grateful to speak to businesses or individuals at any time, who may be interested in getting involved with the club to help us take it forward.

Our All Hornets Supporters Association, led by Ged Heatherington, continue to support the club not only in raising vital funds via membership fees and squad builder contributions, but also providing coach travel to away games and voluntary resource on matchdays. 

Contributions to the lottery and merchandise purchases are other vital revenue streams. 

If every supporter, stakeholder, staff member or player from all our teams can do that little bit more, it all really counts and is needed and appreciated. 

In addition to looking at reinvigorating existing revenue streams at the upcoming forum, we will look to table some new ideas for discussion to generate income, so once again I'd urge everyone with an interest in Rochdale Hornets to keep an eye out for the details of the forum. Please do make the effort to come along, contribute and have YOUR say on YOUR club.

We need to continue doing the good things we do, on and off the field - as mentioned above - and need more people to support us and get on board. 

If anybody wants to speak to myself, Matt or indeed any of the board, please don’t hesitate to contact us or speak to us on a matchday. As always, we are all happy to answer any questions and we all share your passion for this great club.

As I move to wrap up this update, I cannot do without acknowledging the commitment of you – our fans. This club, while not the biggest presently, genuinely has one of the most loyal fanbases and the potential to be so much more. 

While we have significantly improved the matchday experience over the past two seasons and Project 1500 is bearing some fruit, the best is yet to come with our 2025 Superhero Day and some big home games ahead. 

We need an even better atmosphere. We want away fans to feel outnumbered. We want opposition players to feel anxious when playing us. Most of all, we want you to feel proud of our efforts on both sides of the touchline. 

We can only achieve success with you all on board – this is unity and collaboration. Keep coming to the games, bring friends, bring family.

Onward, Hornets!
Andy Mazey