Wrexham's Future At Risk - 04/10/2004

FThe future of Wrexham Football Club is at stake. The club has been given notice to quit the Racehorse Ground, their home for 130 years. The club's majority shareholder, property developer Alex Hamilton, acquired the ground from a brewery for £300,000 three years ago. It is thought to be worth £10 million with planning permission for development. Hamilton says that the sale of the Racecourse is necessary to clear debts which he puts at £5 million, but which Wrexham Supporters' Trust say amount to £2 million. The Trust has submitted plans for redevelopment of surrounding land with cash to spare for an all-seat arena. About 40 minority shareholders representing 22 per cent of the equity turned up at a emergency general meeting to protest, but it was cancelled by Hamilton with half an hour's notice. Hamilton has also sacked three fellow directors including managing director John Reames. It is difficult to see where else the club could play. The possibility of sharing with rivals Chester City is hardly attractive.