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.

Rochdale AFC chairman Chris Dunphy told BBC Radio Manchester (quote)I’ve been trying to put together a plan, 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.(end Quote)

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