The owners of Wrexham have emphatically denied charges of asset stripping over a controversial plan to sell the Racecourse Ground to a new company and lease it back. More than 1,500 people have signed an online petition against the move. Wrexham chairman Ian Roberts has said that if he receives the position he will ‘stick it in the drawer’.
The owners of Wrexham have emphatically denied charges of asset stripping over a controversial plan to sell the Racecourse Ground to a new company and lease it back. More than 1,500 people have signed an online petition against the move. Wrexham chairman Ian Roberts has said that if he receives the position he will ‘stick it in the drawer’.
The owners argue that it is the best way of attracting new investment to the club and getting them back to the Football League. The Dragons are up for sale and there are two potential purchasers. However, chairman Ian Roberts has stated that neither of them wants to buy the Racecourse ground at this stage, although they would like an option to buy it in the future. Hence what is described as a plan to move the stadium sideways within the group.
Roberts claims that he and owner Geoff Moss have been subject to abuse from some fans: ‘We have sunk millions into this club and frankly it is unreasonable to accept the behaviour we are are having to suffer. We have never taken one penny out of the club, all we have done is put money in. The problem is a minority who whip up every little bit of infornation and turn it on its head. It is very frustrating when we have to sit there and take abuse.’
However, he conceded that ‘The majority of fans are sensible people.’ Presumably that would include Wrexham Supporters’ Trust who have written to Roberts seeking clarification. From his perspective, ‘We are not stripping the club of an asset, we are protecting the asset. It cost £300,000 a year to run; who do they think is paying it now?’
With the two South Wales clubs in contention for promotion to the Premiership, it would be good to see North Wales represented in the Football League again. Wrexham have had some remarkable FA Cup successes in their history and some colourful players.
They also have a dedicated bunch of fans which is what often finds in locations away from metropolitan areas that don’t have the easiest time economically. Some years ago I bought a calendar that a fans’ group produced and I particularly liked the picture of fans walking across a park to the match. They deserve some luck.