Alan Kilshaw appointed Rochdale Hornets head coach

Alan Kilshaw with Hornets Chairman Mark Wynn

Alan Kilshaw has been appointed Rochdale Hornets head coach.

Kilshaw agreed terms on Saturday afternoon following a rigorous interview process on Friday which saw a panel consisting of chairman, elected directors, CEO and former player Chris Churm putting shortlisted candidates through their paces.

Kilshaw said: "First and foremost I am delighted to have been the opportunity to coach a side with such a rich history as Rochdale Hornets and I am honoured to add my name to such a prestigious list of previous coaches.

“I believe we have a very good playing roster and I will be working hard to retain the majority of last year’s squad and bringing in some players to enhance the quality we already have.

“Ian Talbot has left a great environment in place and will be a very tough act to follow but I know I can build on what has been done and take us to the next level.

“I can't wait to get started and with a new coach and back room staff we can look forward with a fresh outlook to a good preseason to get us ready for a huge 2016 campaign.”

Kilshaw comes with a strong development pedigree; after a brief professional playing career he took to the coaching ranks at Warrington Wizards before holding several posts at Warrington Wolves.

He progressed to the England coaching ranks and, with Tony Smith as his mentor, took an opportunity to coach in Australia with Sarina Crocodiles.

While at Sarina Kilshaw constantly drove a team forward on a limited budget, using a mix of local talent and carefully sourced wider talent.

Unfashionable Sarina were crowned minor league champions last year.

Kilshaw also coached with the Mackay Cutters and CQ Capras.

He turned down a host of opportunities in Australia to return to the UK with his young family and Hornets are delighted to secure his services.

Chairman Mark Wynn said: “Alan comes with some huge recommendations.

“During the entire process the clubs elected directors, aided by former Hornet and fan favourite Chris Churm, were hugely impressed with Alan's passion and level of preparation.

“We were in the fortunate position of having a host of excellent candidates to choose from, that in itself caused some major selection problems, but it was a great problem to have.

“As elected directors we are confident that we have made the right decision on behalf of fans, members and players and that Alan help us build not just a team but a club.

“I urge all supporters current or lapsed to get behind Alan and the team he builds around him.

“We are entering a new era as a club with a new coach. We as a club are looking to push on and make Rochdale Hornets and the game of rugby league the premier club and sport in the town.

“With the full rugby league community together we can achieve this."

Kilshaw has invited all fans, members and those with an interest in rugby league in Rochdale to attend an introduction session on Thursday evening, 6.00pm, at Spotland Stadium.