Rochdale Hornets news

Membership Renewals

From early next week members will be able to sign up online to renew their membership for 2015.

The membership renewals will be managed through the same system as the online ticketing/season ticket system so if you have already registered you won’t need to do so again- you can simply log in and renew.

For those members who don’t wish to renew online, membership forms will be available shortly or you can call the club between 10-4 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday or call into the club shop on match day.

The AGM is scheduled for 25 March and all 2014/15 members are able to attend. Renewals and new members will also be accepted on the evening.

Hornets install pioneering new technology

Rochdale Hornets took delivery of the revolutionary new Tap2 chip and barcode cards this week.

The cards, which will be sent out to all season tickets holders next week, will replace the current 'show and go' season cards, car park passes, hospitality passes and membership cards by providing an all in one solution which will make it easier for a supporter attending Spotland to get the very best customer service.

“At present we rely on hand written lists and numerous tickets, passes, card and wristbands to manage our match day and event entry,” commented Hornets CEO Ryan Bradley.

“Naturally, there is a lot of room for human error, which then ultimately frustrates the spectator.

“The new system will allow everything that the spectator wants to be booked online and automatically credited to their card, so they can just turn up on match day and tap their card on the electronic readers at the car park and turnstiles and get access, rather than having to call in, phone or email during office hours in the week and have to rely on being added to various lists across the stadium. It will improve the customer experience vastly going forward.”

Garry Hopper, from Tap2, added: “The possibilities of the solution are endless. We have installed a new EPOS system in the club shop as well and we plan on using the cards and readers across every aspect of the business going forward.

“The system is a purpose built one for Hornets that will give them exactly what it is they require. They are the first rugby league club to work with us on the development but we have already had interest from Hunslet and Batley.

“We are confident that many clubs will be taking on the system for next season and we look forward to working with Rochdale Hornets this season'.

“The clubs membership function will also be administered via the Tap2 system as well as the print at home ticket facility for casual/visiting supporters.”

Garry Hopper will be at the clubs AGM/members meeting on 25 March to talk through the system in more detail.

Hornets sign Mayfield legend

Rochdale Hornets have signed former Mayfield centre/back rower Ian Sampson for the 2015 season.

Sampson will, however, not be pulling on a shirt as such, as he has joined as the club doctor.

Dr Sampson, who has been involved at Mayfield for a number of years as a player and has also been influential in the re-formation Rochdale town team in the last few years, takes over the duties from agency Bucket & Sponge, who have been fantastic in providing match day doctors in the last three seasons.

Dr Sampson joins new physiotherapist Brian Carroll in the club's back room team, which also includes masseuse Caroline Hartley, trainer Dave Ramsbottom, assistant trainer Scott Ramsbottom, time keeper Trevor Haigh and match day assistant Graham Henthorne alongside coach Ian Talbot and assistants Chris Hough and Daryl Cardiss.

RBH OurPlace

The Rochdale Hornets foundation have bids in the RBH 'Our Place' funding scheme.

The vote takes place on Saturday (14 March) at Richmond Hall.

Any Hornets members who are members of RBH or RBH tenants are asked to attend and vote for the Hornets street rugby sessions to receive funding!

Derby Update

The Good Friday season opener against Oldham Roughyeds is set to be a busy one for the club as a bumper crowd is expected.

Hospitality sales for the fixture have already exceeded expectations and the club has taken the decision to close the main lounge to the public.

Following discussions with the Stadium Company, arrangements have been made for Studds Bar to be open to the public, accessed from the inside of the ground only.

Studds will be open from 1.30pm and will be open all through the game as well. There will be a post-match interview with the man-of-the-match and a member of the coaching team following the match as usual in Studds Bar.

The turnstiles in the corner of the ground between Pearl Street and Main Stand will be used and refreshments will be available from the Pearl Street kiosk.

There are still hospitality places available in the main lounge, which cost just £25 per person and include your match tickets and a two course lunch, all hosted by MC 'Braddy' Bradshaw.

Season ticket holders can upgrade for just £10 per person - this option will be added to the online site next week or you can contact the club to book.

Squad Announcement

Ian Talbot has named his 19 man squad to face North Wales Crusaders in the iPro Sport Cup Quarter final.

Ireland international Brad Hargreaves replaces Dale Bloomfield, who suffered a knock in the win at Kells last weekend.

Fellow international Matty Hadden, who has been impressive so far, misses out due to a sickness bug.

Rochdale lad Jack Ashworth, who has been training with the squad for a number of weeks, is included on dual registration from St Helens.

1. Wayne English
2. Gaz Langley
4. Lee Paterson
6. Paul Crook
7. Danny Yates
8. Warren Thompson
9. Alex McClurg
10. John Cookson
11. Jordan Case
13. Tony Suffolk
14. James Tilley
17. Sam Brooks
19. Danny Bridge
20. Brad Hargreaves
21. Ryan Smith
22. Mike Ratu
23. James Dandy
24. Dave Hull
26. Jack Ashworth

Rochdale Schools Cup Results

The Rochdale Hornets foundation has been busy this week as the Year 7 school's cup festival took place at Matthew Moss High School, with the hosts being joined by Wardle, St Anne’s and St Cuthbert’s.

It was Wardle who topped the group unbeaten and they will join St Cuthbert’s in the final to be played at Spotland Stadium as a curtain raiser to the Hornets versus Barrow Raiders fixture on Saturday 18 April.

Business Breakfast 7:30am Monday 30 March

A free event that brings together businesses from across Rochdale. Network over a hot breakfast sandwich, tea and coffee at Spotland Stadium as well as hearing from a top sporting personality and from event partner, Peninsula. Breakfast is at 7.30am with talks from 8am.