Wrexham Evening Leader

Right to the end

15/11/04

Dave Bennett and Dave GriffithsREDS bosses have this morning launched a bid to buy themselves 14 days to save Wrexham FC from liquidation.

Directors David Griffiths and David Bennett were this morning due to sign legal documents urging the High Court to halt Wednesday’s winding up hearing.

Mr Bennett said the move, if successful, would give the club more time to avoid a winding-up order lodged by the Inland Revenue.

This comes as Sky Sports confirmed that they could be televising Wrexham’s FA Cup second round match at Scunthorpe. They have applied to the Football Association for permission to screen the match at Glanford Park on Friday, December 3, with a 7.45pm kick-off.

Sky expect a decision to be made later today, and a spokesman said: “We have put in a request to the FA for the Scunthorpe against Wrexham match to be our live televised tie in the second round of the FA Cup.

“We are looking forward to the game and we are only too aware of the significance of the money for Wrexham.

“We select ties that we think will be good, entertaining games and Wrexham have a good FA Cup history.”

Wrexham’s football secretary Geraint Parry welcomed the news.

“Fingers crossed that we will still be around to play the match.

“We are getting support from fans everywhere, and even people who support Premiership clubs have e-mailed us, which shows that they are keeping an eye on what is happening to smaller teams,” added Parry.

“The response has been unbelievable since fans found out about our current problems.”

Mr Bennett told the Leader this morning: “We are due to make an official announcement at noon. We are waiting for the paperwork to be faxed through this morning. We will need to look at the paperwork and then make a final decision. We need to speak to our lawyers as well and just check over a few things.

“Of course, Mark Guterman’s bid for the club is still on the table and I understand a decision on that will be given today by owner Alex Hamilton.

“If Mr Guterman’s offer is accepted this morning, it will keep the club out of administration.”

Mr Bennett said it was still unclear whether the legal process they were likely to embark upon today would eventually lead to administration.

Administration would see the club deducted 10 league points, court appointed staff run the club and the dealings at the club being investigated.

Racecourse legend Dixie McNeil, interviewed on radio this morning, spoke in favour of Mr Guterman’s bid.

He said it was a serious offer that would keep the club at The Racecourse. If Mr Guterman’s bid was accepted by Mr Hamilton, Mr McNeil was likely to take up the post of chief executive in the new regime.