Featherstone Rovers release statement detailing season ticket numbers, new signings and pre-season plans

It was a disappointing end to the 2022 season for Featherstone Rovers. After a promising start, beating Leigh Centurions in their opening game, the campaign started to derail as the club struggled with injuries and form during the second half of the year.

Following their shock semi-final defeat to Batley Bulldogs, Brian McDermott was relieved of his duties as head coach and succeeded by St Helens legend and Leeds Rhinos assistant coach Sean Long – an appointment that has excited the fans at Post Office Road.

Now plans turn to the 2023 season and the club have provided an ‘update from the back office’ outlining their pre-season plans and aims for the future under their new coaching regime.

The statement reads as follows: “Good afternoon to you all, hope you are enjoying your post season break and are preparing for a big season ahead of the Club in 2023. I am so pleased that so many supporters have backed us so far this season with 1,000 supporters already signed up for season tickets, this is such a boost to the Club after the huge disappointment of our semi-final loss to Batley Bulldogs and with the potential of promotion alive and kicking in 2023, it’s not a time for dwelling on what might have been but to kick on and prepare well for the new season.

“We are all genuinely excited about the arrival of Sean Long to the camp, he brings with him huge energy, a strong work ethos, boundless enthusiasm, with an extremely positive outlook on how the game should be played. Most importantly Sean understands the Club, its values and the passion its supporters have for their Club and I’m really looking forward to the squad’s imminent return to Camp in the next couple of weeks.

“We already have a very strong squad, but we are keen to add further quality and youth to our side within the next few weeks. The signings of Chris Hankinson, Mathieu Cozza and Thomas Lacans perfectly describe our approach in meeting these objectives as we seek to find the right blend of Super League quality and development potential. Sean is in a prime position being part of the France set up to see some quality players performing in the World Cup and I’m sure we will be making some further positive announcements in the next few weeks.

“I’ve always said that the reason the Club is so competitive on the field of play is because it really is a 365 day a year operation and I have some really positive announcements to make on that front.

“So New Year’s Eve do we fancy the small prospect of a Featherstone Rovers, Castleford Tigers derby? It gives me great pleasure to announce that both Clubs have agreed this festive game to be held at the Millennium Stadium at midday on 31st December 2022. It’s been a while since the 2 Clubs have come together so lets make this event a real treat for all our fans as we welcome our neighbours to the Millennium. It will be a chance for both teams to showcase their new squads and I really do hope our fans back us with a bumper crowd to end 2022 in style.

“You will have noticed in recent weeks that we have stepped up as a club in our offer to supporters in terms of off field events. Our facilities are second to none in the area and whilst the Club has a thriving conference and training facility during the day, it is more social events that we are keen to develop further in 23.

“This programme kicks off this Friday with our Lady Gaga Halloween family night where you can register for tickets via the link below.  Registering however is not mandatory, the only thing you need to do is turn up Friday with your face paint and Halloween costume on, attendance is free, we are expecting a really good turnout so please come along early at 7pm, it should be fun.

“We are also pleased to continue with our Fireworks Display and Funfair on 3 November, full details are shown attached. We had a great attendance last year for the event and whilst you will be able to pay on the gate on the night I would urge you all to book in advance just so the Club can make proper arrangements for the night. Again numbers for the event are looking strong so I look forward to welcoming you again for what should be a great night.

“I am very proud for the Club to host this Thursday evening the World Cup Warm up game between the women’s teams of Brazil and France. It is no surprise to me that our Stadium is constantly chosen for such prestigious games and im also pleased that we have had the Samoa, Greece and Cook Islands teams train at our ground.

“Thursday’s event is free to all, we will have the three world cup trophies available pre match for fans to get their photos, and we have invited all local girls teams in the area to be part of coaching sessions before the game. It would be great to showcase our Club with a strong crowd on Thursday, its half term week, its free, would love to see you all down there for another first for the Club, a women’s international game

“Lots to get through in this note and I hope these communications are helpful to you all, the fixtures will be published on 13th November so just around the corner, as always exciting times around the Club and I’m looking forward to the new season, especially that New Year’s eve derby against Cas!”