Hornets ‘gutted’ to see Sunday's game called off

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Rochdale Hornets Chief Executive Ryan Bradley says the club is ‘gutted’ to see Sunday's game called off.

“Everyone at the club was looking forward to the game,” commented Bradley.

“We had a full suite of diners and sponsors and advanced ticket sales were very promising.

"Hunslet had a full coach of supporters attending and we were looking at a large crowd, which would have swelled the clubs coffers ahead of the season.

“This is always the hardest time of the year financially as we haven’t played for so long so to lose two big friendlies in two weeks, which won’t get replaced, will leave us behind financially.

“Playing wise, speaking to Ian Talbot he really wanted the game on, as did all of the lads, but ultimately we can re-adjust our schedule and look for a game on 20/21 February to fine tune the squad ahead of the League One Cup game with South Wales, so it’s not the end of the world.

“The early call off comes as a surprise to many, with the football club's game also postponed, it was always inevitable.

“I spoke to Colin Garlick and the stadium ground staff on Thursday and there were doubts about the game then. I asked Ian Smith to come over and have a look and it took him minutes to say that there was no way the game would be on.

“The pitch is frozen solid and its frozen deep. Ian has been a top level referee and administrator for years and I trust his judgement. The football referee then came out at 11am and agreed with Ian as well so you can’t really go against two independent, well respected officials opinions, especially when you look at the weather forecast.

“The ground staff had heaters on for the last 24 hours in a small area to see what effect it would have and it thawed probably the top centimetre, that was about it. The frost has been harsh and the covers wouldn’t have made any difference to the outcome.

“Player safety is paramount and asking them to play on that surface is not fair.

"The possibility of reversing the fixture to South Leeds was also explored, but the Hunslet pitch is also unplayable due to frost

“The forecast next week shows a vast improvement and once we have a few days of thawing the gound staff will get the covers on and we are confident we will get next week’s game on.”

Hornets attention now turns to the Thatto Heath friendly on Sunday 15 February, with a significantly improved forecast, and the club will also look to add a friendly on the weekend of 20 February.