DETECTIVES probing cash missing from debt-ridden Wrexham FC arrested its ex-commercial director.

Bill Wingrove was quizzed by police over the theft of gate money from the club's clash with Swindon Town.

Last night the 60-year-old, now boss of Shrewsbury Town FC, said he welcomed the police investigation as a chance to clear his name.

Mr Wingrove claimed he was on the verge of contacting officers over rumours at the Racecourse, when police rang and called him in.

Detectives are likely to widen their investigation beyond the gate receipts, added Mr Wingrove.

It is believed the missing cash amounts to between £10,000-£20,000.

North Wales Police said: "A 60-year-old male was arrested on Sunday in connection with an allegation of theft of money from Wrexham FC and was bailed pending further enquiries to re-appear at Wrexham Police Station."

Mr Wingrove said: "When a club goes into administration there are lots of rumours. Police are reacting to that. "I welcomed the meeting with police, and I was happy to be in a position to vindicate myself.

"I supplied them with supporting information relating to those rumours, and I expect inquires will widen. Following their investigation, I expect to be eliminated from the inquiry, which will clear my name."

He added: "I was about to go to the police about the rumours, so they could investigate them, and put a stop to what is being said."

North Wales police contacted him at his Stoke home, and he spent 40 minutes at Newcastle-under-Lyme police station being questioned, with his lawyer present.

The probe focuses on the Wrexham v Swindon tie on March 20, watched by nearly 3,400 fans.

Mr Wingrove, formerly involved at Chester football club, arrived at the Racecourse ground as commercial director in the summer of 2002. He left in August this year to become chief executive of Shrewsbury Town, with Robin Eaves, a former commercial director at Telford United and at Forest Green, replacing him.

Last week the troubled Coca Cola League One club was placed into administration at Manchester high court with debts totalling £2.5m.

The move was made by directors to protect the club from slipping into liquidation after the Inland Revenue, owed £890,000 by the club, served a winding up order.