WREXHAM'S super skipper Darren Ferguson today said a big 'Thank You' to Wrexham fans.

Ferguson was responding to messages of support after controversial owner Alex Hamilton blamed the popular midfielder for the Reds' financial crisis.

Hamilton made the claims in a national newspaper, saying Ferguson's contract had 'brought the club to its knees,' but that caused outrage amongst Reds' fans.

And Ferguson, who came to the Racecourse in September 1999, is indebted to Wrexham supporters for. their words of encouragement.

"I've been told about the E-mails and the response to the Alex Hamilton comments and I'd just like to say thank you to Wrexham fans," said Ferguson.

"It's been a tremendous response. It's nice to know what fans think of you and to get the full backing off them.

"I think fans know in the time I've been here the way I go about my job.

HONEST

"I'm an honest professional - a good professional - and I think they appreciate that, and the loyalty I've shown to the club. It's great that I get that response from them.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to the fans."

Ferguson, who has also played for Manchester United, Wolves and Sparta Rotterdam, and has five Scotland under 21 caps, has been happy with his form at Wrexham.

And he says he has built up a good rapport with the Reds' faithful since he was signed by former manager Brian Flynn.

Ferguson added: "In the five seasons I've been here I've only had one bad season, when we got relegated. Apart from that I think I've done quite well.

"I've always got on well with the fans. They're a good set of fans.

"Look at them at Scunthorpe when we got beat, the 1,700 we took to Chester, and after beating Stockport.

"I really appreciate the support they've given me. It is important.

"To get the response to the Alex Hamilton piece is fantastic - I'm really pleased. I could not be more happy with the way they've reacted."

Ferguson, who has admitted there have been offers to leave Wrexham, is hoping to lead Wrexham out of the League One relegation zone.

The ten point deduction for going into administration has sent the Reds spiralling down the table although Wrexham will be lodging an appeal with administrator Steve Williams admitting they have 'reasonable grounds' to take on the - Football League.

Winning that case would be a bonus but no matter what the courts decide, Ferguson hopes he can lead the club to safety and more happier times in 2005.

"I've enjoyed my time at Wrexham. Obviously the year we got relegated I did not enjoy. That was the worst moment of my career," Ferguson added.

"I never thought that would happen in my career but it did. Then again, the following season we got a great promotion.

"There have been a lot of good times and I hope there are more to come.

"Hopefully we can put everything behind us and stay up.

"It was a good win against Stockport, we needed it, and hopefully we can get another on Saturday at MK Dons."

Ferguson, who misses the trip to Milton Keynes through suspension having picked up five bookings, has found himself in the Wrexham midfield alongside Scott Green, who is now on his second spell at the Racecourse.

Green, part of Smith's promotion winning team, has not had a club since Telford went out of business but since signing on non-contract terms until the end of the season, has played a large part in Wrexham's three wins from four games.

And manager Denis Smith is delighted with Green's performances though the 34-year-old is still not fully fit.

Smith said: "When I spoke to him just over a week ago and asked him if he could he said he could possibly give me 30 minutes.

"He's now given me four games in just over a week. He's done tremendously well for me.

"He's a long, long way from match fitness but he keeps churning out performances for me. Now that's character."

Green will start against The Dons but it's a wait and see game to find out if Alex Smith, who could fill Ferguson's playmaking boots, will be available for Wrexham's first ever trip to Milton Keynes.

Smith was surprisingly on the bench against Stockport and he played 90 minutes of last night's reserve defeat at Burnley.

"Alex played 90 minutes but we think he needs a cartilage operation," said Reds boss Denis Smith today. "We'll see how he is."