It’s time to call it a day – Thunder chief

NEWCASTLE Thunder chairman Mick Hogan is stepping down after a seven-and-a half year spell at the club.

An experienced sports professional who has also been executive director at Newcastle Falcons, as well as CEO at Wigan Warriors and Sale Sharks, Hogan was part of the original Gateshead Thunder set-up back in 1999.

Returning in the winter of 2013 and taking up the mantle of chair ahead of the 2014 season, he has overseen a number of milestones in what has been an exciting chapter in the club’s history.

Part of the group that engineered the club’s move from Gateshead International Stadium to Kingston Park Stadium and the subsequent re-brand to Newcastle Thunder, Hogan (below) was also prominent in setting the club’s current mission to win Super League by 2030.

During his tenure there has been a significant rise in attendances and the formation of new commercial agreements, including the addition of Tyne Met College and Stelrad Radiator Group to Thunder’s portfolio of partners.

The club has also been front and centre at the general growth of rugby league in the North East, with a growing number of players in the community game and the expansion of the delivery by the award-winning Thunder Community Foundation.

With a role as revenue director for the coming Rugby League World Cup, and consultancy commitments requiring more of his time, Hogan feels now is the time to bring to a close his time at the head of the club.

Hogan said: “It has been an immense seven years being with Thunder after my first stint in 1999.

“The club has made great strides on and off the field thanks to the work of so many individuals – players, staff, coaches and volunteers.

“What has been particularly pleasing is the growth of rugby league in the region with the club playing a central role in developing the sport.

“I’d like to thank the continued support of owner Semore Kurdi, the directors of the club, our partners and of course the fans.”

Hogan will also be leaving Newcastle Falcons.