HORNETS battle for survival continues with an extraordinary general meeting called at Spotland on Monday at 7pm.

Before any talk of a proposed merger with Rochdale AFC, top of the agenda will be the winding up order against the club from the Inland Revenue for £55,000, the deadline for which is next Wednesday, 14 January.

Further talks took place this week with Rochdale Football Club, the Rugby Football League and the council about a possible merger of the two Spotland based clubs – exclusively revealed in Saturday’s Observer – but the main emphasis at the EGM will be the avoidance of the winding up order as chief executive Ken Oldham explained. He said: "At the moment all our efforts are concentrated on averting the winding up order in the high court.

"Our accountants are still on the case and the RFL have been very helpful and supportive. It’s our first priority. Our coaches, Darren Shaw and Paul Anderson, and the players have been fantastic. We will be talking to them as soon as possible to put them in the picture."

Mr Oldham confirmed discussions regarding the merger were ongoing. The two clubs, the RFL and council representatives held further talks at a scheduled meeting of the Stadium Company on Monday.

In light of the Observer’s story, Rochdale chairman Chris Dunphy outlined Dale’s position with a statement on the club’s website which said: "The board of directors of Rochdale Football Club are in discussions with the Rugby Football League in the hope we can keep rugby alive in the town.

"From what we know there is a strong possibility that the name Rochdale Hornets will go out of existence if we do not take action.  Our supporters can rest assured that this matter in no way means that our focus has changed and it remains the priority to give the management team every possible tool to achieve our goal of winning promotion this season."

Rochdale’s MP Paul Rowen has also expressed his support for Hornets, adding: "If Hornets were to fold this would be a sad day for rugby league in our town.

"Hornets are one of the longest established clubs. I know they have struggled to get support over the last couple of years and I spoke to Richard Lewis chief executive of the Rugby Football League a couple of months ago to express concerns about their financial position. Since then I know that the club has put together a rescue plan. However, it does need more people with time, money and experience to commit to the Hornets. If they are not forthcoming I fear the club will fold."