Rochdale regain full ownership of Spotland, with rugby league side Hornets part of deal
Wednesday 16 March 2016 22:27, UK
Rochdale have regained full ownership of their home at Spotland in a new deal that sees rugby league side the Hornets sign a long-term lease.
The League One football club now own 100 per cent of the company that owns and manages the ground, which was built in 1920, after buying shares from Rochdale Council and the Rugby League Facilities Trust.
A statement from both clubs said the shares will transfer to Rochdale AFC, with the council recovering the original outlay of £100,000, while loans between the holding company and the council of £529,000 will be consolidated and repaid over nine years at commercial rates.
Dale chairman Chris Dunphy said: "It has been our desire for the last 10 years to secure a deal to regain ownership of Spotland.
"The board has worked tirelessly during that time to bring our vision to fruition and today is a proud day in the club's history."
Mark Wynn, the rugby league club's chairman, said: "Rochdale Hornets RLFC are delighted with the news that Rochdale AFC has assumed control of Spotland Stadium.
"We pay tribute to the vision of the Dale board in securing the future of the town's two professional teams in the stadium."
Rochdale Hornets first began playing at Rochdale in 1988 when they sold their previous home at Athletics Grounds for £2.6m to Morrisons.
