Takeover of Hornets by the former Swinton boss now complete

THE consortium headed by former Swinton chairman Andy Mazey has officially completed its takeover of Rochdale Hornets.

The new chairman has been heavily involved with the club all year, following the passing of a special resolution just before Christmas on the subject of altering the club’s business model to facilitate the takeover.

Now the legal formalities have been processed and the new board - which includes club president Paul Ormerod - has been installed.

“We are absolutely delighted to finally announce that the company conversion and takeover of Rochdale Hornets has been completed,” said Mazey.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to place on record a huge thank you to the members who voted unanimously for this exciting new direction of travel for the club.

“Our thanks must also go to outgoing chairman, Alex Orange, and the former board, who have been extremely supportive and involved in the transitional period.

“There is much work ahead of us and of course with the current situation surrounding Covid-19 we have had to work around this. However we remain excited and incredibly focused on forward planning to ensure progression on and off the field.”

Mazey departed Swinton following resistance to plans to change the club’s playing name to Manchester Lions, a move the board at the time deemed essential to boost marketing and sponsorship opportunities to the required level to safeguard the future of the side.

However, he has previously stated that the situation at Hornets is very different and there is no desire to make any such changes.

A new supporters’ association is to be launched in order to give fans a voice and influence in the club’s future and will be headed by outgoing chairman Alex Orange.

“I’m delighted to be helping with the formation of a new supporters group,” he said.