Chairman Andy Mazey's end of season message

Following the conclusion of the 2024 campaign, Hornets chairman Andy Mazey sends a thank you to fans and partners, while reflecting on the season and looking ahead at what’s to come next year.

It has been a terrific season of growth, on and off the field, and despite not getting over the line in the play-off semi-final last weekend, I am immensely proud of what we’ve achieved this season.

Reflecting on the semi-final, it was a day where injuries and suspensions finally caught up with us, and we didn’t show the very best version of ourselves on the day. We were ultimately beaten by a Hunslet side who were worthy winners. 

Whilst disappointed, we will use it as fuel for next season and won’t let it dampen what has been a fantastic campaign for Gary and the team. 

On a personal note, as your chairman it is a huge honour for me to lead this historic club, and I’m immensely proud of everyone’s efforts - from supporters, commercial partners, sponsors, staff and volunteers, to players, both male and female, across all our growing number of teams, your efforts only serve to galvanise Carl, Jason, Paul and myself as custodians of your club.

Everyone, by now, understands the journey this club has been on since 2022. We always knew that with significant change would come some short-term pain, but we had a plan, we stuck together, and you backed us. 

For your loyalty I will always be grateful, and the progress this year has hopefully gone some way to rewarding you for your faith.

From inside the dressing room, to the boardroom and onto the stands together, home and away we have kicked every ball, celebrated every try. Our togetherness has been the special ingredient that sets us apart as a club, on and off the pitch, and I can only see this growing and getting stronger in 2025.

By way of an update on retention and recruitment for you, as most people know, Gary and I have worked closely on this all throughout the year, and we are very pleased with the outcome. You have seen already that the majority of the current team has been retained and announced already, which is a strong position to be in. 

There are still a few more key retentions from the existing squad yet to to be announced in the coming days and weeks, along with news of further new additions to add to the high-profile signing of former Super League forward Josh Johnson and the return of powerful centre Tommy Ashton.

We will soon be launching our 2025 season ticket offers. It is vital that in order to progress the club and improve further, season ticket sales and supporter numbers generally also improve. We have taken the decision to price freeze, and with clear progression on and off the pitch, and some quality retention and recruitment, more people will purchase and also be proactively convincing friends and family to do likewise. 

Even if you can’t make all the games, please view a season ticket as a vital revenue stream for YOUR club, and YOUR way to make a difference for Gary and the team.

General manager Matt Rigby, along with our fantastic media and communications team, will provide a flow of exciting news and quality content throughout the closed season. 

It’s not just the season ticket launch and retention and recruitment news you can look forward to. Keep an eye on the website and socials for the Betfred League 1 fixture reveal, with details of an improved and expanded League 1 competition, and revamped 1985 and Challenge Cup formats for 2025. 

Also, expect a big exclusive reveal of our 2025 home and away shirts from a new kit and merchandise partner. There will also be an in-depth update on grading and our IMG score reveal, season launch event news, and exciting development updates from down at our community hub, “The Hive”, at Balderstone Park.

Before I sign off, I’d like to thank everyone behind the scenes. Whether you’re a volunteer, player, commercial partner, sponsor, fan, steward, employee, backroom or staff, we are not Hornets without you all. 

You have all played your part in what has been a season to remember. TOGETHER we are able to continue to grow this club, and we can and will positively determine the future of Rochdale Hornets.

Have a wonderful off-season, and here's to an exciting 2025 of further growth and progression.

Onward Hornets!
Andy Mazey