Wrexham fans fail in buyout bid
Taken from the

5/11/04

Wrexham fansA group of Wrexham fans say club owner Alex Hamilton has rejected their offer to buy the beleaguered club and ground.

The Wrexham Supporters' Trust met Hamilton on Monday and was confident of buying his 78% majority share and the freehold to the Racecourse Ground.

Said Trust member Charles Wardle: "We are naturally very disappointed at this response. Mr Hamilton was unwilling to name his price."

Former Wrexham chairman Mark Guterman has also made a bid to buy the club.

Guterman resigned as Wrexham chairman in May - claiming criticism from fans was a major factor in his decision to walk away after just two years - and sold his controlling share to Hamilton.

"A proposal has been put forward to save Wrexham AFC and to secure football at the Racecourse for years to come," said a statement issued by Guterman's solicitors.

"This proposal would safeguard the club's financial position. We are yet to receive a response from Mr Hamilton and until this proposal is accepted or rejected, we are unable to comment any further."

Wrexham Supporters' Trust chairman Rob Owen told BBC Wales Sport he was not surprised by Hamilton's refusal to accept the Trust's offer.

"But it is our first offer and there is hope we will be able to go back to Alex with another offer which hopefully he'll accept," he said.

"Our resources are limited. The only way we are going to be able to make an improved offer is by encouraging as many people as possible to become involved in the Trust and make financial contributions."

Hamilton resigned from the club board last week, but it is believed he now plans to reinstate himself as chairman.

The Cheshire-based property developer has said he intends to submit a planning application in the New Year for housing or commercial development on the Racecourse site.

He has already served notice to evict the club from its home with effect from July next year.

With debts of up to £2.5million and a winding-up order from the Inland Revenue for an unpaid tax bill of £800,000, Wrexham's future remains in the balance.

Wrexham Council has said it wants to buy the Racecourse Ground to ensure it remains the home of the town's football club.