Record year for Hornets

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Photo: Journeaux

Hornets lift the cup at the Championship Grand Final

The Rochdale Hornets AGM took place at Spotland Stadium last night and it was good news all round, as the club announced a record profit of £25,157 for the year end November 2013.

Chairman Mark Wynn hailed the year as "the best yet" for the fan-owned Hornets, as the hosting of a sell-out Rugby League World Cup fixture, on field success and the largest community programme ever all contributed towards financial success and the Hornets being given Honorary Freeman of the Borough by Rochdale Council.

Ryan Bradley, Chief Executive, commented: “In 2012 the club recorded a record loss of £38,845. Expenditure was tightly controlled but the income just never came in.

“We put a lot of effort into raising income in 2013. We nearly trebled our sponsor portfolio by improving our corporate match day experience and the income into the community programme via grants improved six fold, meaning we could meet more people and promote the club on a wider level.

“As a result, gate receipts doubled from the previous year and this offset the reduction in funding received centrally from the RFL.

“The donations received from the club's lottery was slightly down, but in line with national trend, while the donations received from our memberships remained stable.

“It was a fantastic year for the club and proves that our supporter owned co-operative model is sustainable and can give us success.”

Following the AGM, a member's meeting was held at which updates were presented on plans in place for 2015 and beyond, including updates on the clubs playing, commercial, community, marketing and operational arms. Presentations from Executive Community Director Neil Wood alongside updates from Julie Bowmer, Richard Lamb and Martin Ballard outlined the strategy of the executive board.

Member’s queries regarding Hornets tenancy agreement at Spotland and dual registration were also answered and the new league structure for 2015 was discussed.