Adam Bates ready for CEO role at Rochdale Hornets

New Hornets chief executive Adam Bates with club chairman Mark Wynn

Newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rochdale Hornets RFLC Adam Bates is eager to make a start as the 2017 season approaches.

Although not due officially to start until January, the local lad has already begun planning how best to capitalise upon the momentum gained from the club’s recent promotion.

Adam told Rochdale Online: "Championship Rugby is back in Rochdale. We’re about to see teams like Hull KR and Bradford Bulls visit Rochdale, bringing in away crowds the size of which haven’t been seen at Spotland in years.

"It’s also a faster, higher quality game, and this should be more interesting to more fans, so I’m certain that this will increase our home crowd numbers too.’’

Adam discovered rugby league relatively late on. The sport having passed him by throughout his high-school years at Balderstone Technology College, he was introduced to rugby league in his late teens by coach Matt Calland at Hopwood Hall college.

His late introduction ignited a passion for the sport which has since seen him play for both Rochdale Swarm and the Rochdale Cobras as well as establish his own team, the Mansfield based Sherwood Wolf Hunts, during a period spent working in Nottinghamshire.

As well as playing rugby league for fifteen years, Adam has also amassed a wealth of sales and marketing knowledge through numerous voluntary projects with rugby league clubs, which has given him valuable insight to the managerial aspects of the sport such as sponsorship, brand development and merchandising.

Adam was encouraged to apply for the CEO position by Rochdale Hornets’ chairman Mark Wynn, when former CEO Bradley Ryan left the club in October to work for Burnley Football Club.

Adam said: "I have worked with Mark frequently over the years so he was already aware of my experience and commitment to rugby league when the CEO position became available. I figure my experience coupled with the fact I was born and raised in the town made me a strong candidate, which is why he suggested I apply.’’

He added: "I’m very excited for the upcoming season, especially the new unexpected rivalry with fellow promoted club Toulouse Olympique after our surprise win against them at the end of last season.’’