Rochdale clubs hold merger talks

Officials from football side Rochdale AFC and rugby league's Rochdale Hornets have held talks over a proposed merger.

Details were discussed at a meeting last week, as Rochdale AFC look at the possibility of taking over the running of the cash-strapped Hornets.

National League Two side Hornets have been served with an Inland Revenue winding-up order for £55,000.

"I've been trying to put together a plan," Rochdale AFC chairman Chris Dunphy told BBC Radio Manchester.

"It explores the possibility of keeping the name Rochdale Hornets alive. From what little information I do know, it does seem they are struggling at the moment.

"Really, it is just a case of having a contingency plan - if they do fail in managing to keep the club alive - then we can explore the possibility of keeping the club alive in Rochdale."

The two clubs have ground-shared at Spotland since 1988, when the rugby club's Athletic Grounds was sold.