POLICE investigating allegations of missing gate receipts from Wrexham FC have questioned the club's former commercial director.

Bill Wingrove, 60, now chief executive of Shrewsbury Town FC, was questioned at Newcastle-under-Lyme Police Station on Sunday.

The investigation centres on income from the home match against Swindon Town last season. The missing money could be as much as £20,000.

A police spokesman said: "North Wales Police are investigating allegations of theft of an undisclosed sum of money from Wrexham Football Club which is part of gate receipts of the Wrexham and Swindon match on March 20, 2004.

"A man has been assisting police with their inquiries and inquiries are continuing."

Wrexham FC, currently owned by property developer Alex Hamilton, is in financial crisis. Last week, the club was placed into administration at the High Court in Manchester with debts of £2.5 million.

This morning, Mr Wingrove said he had voluntarily accompanied officers to the police station to assist them all he could.

Allegations

He said: "I can confirm I met with police on Sunday afternoon in relation to allegations made regarding matters at Wrexham AFC.

"I welcomed this meeting and the opportunity to vindicate myself against these unfounded claims.

"I will meet with police again in due course and no charges have been brought against me.

"I will keep Wrexham and Shrewsbury Town supporters informed of any developments."

Related story

"Bill Wingrove's press statement" - Shrewsbury Town FC official web site