By Mark Currie, Daily Post
19 November 2004
WREXHAM
have received messages of support and, in some cases, offers of financial help
from fans around the world as they continue their battle to survive.
Wrexham Supporters Trust has been inundated with e-mail messages from as far
away as Finland and the United States, while supporters of Premiership and
Football League clubs will show solidarity for Wrexham's plight by wearing red
at this weekend's matches.
The messages share a common theme of solidarity in the face of a threat to the
club's proud tradition. Helsinki-based Derby County fan Richard Cousins wrote to
the Trust: "It would be very sad for a team with such tradition, passion and
interest in real football to fold. I wish you all the best and will be looking
out for your score with interest on Saturday."
Darren Budd follows fellow League One club Bournemouth, whose Fitness First
stadium may yet be repossessed by creditors. He said: "Supporter groups can make
a difference, as we have shown, and I'm sure that with the support you have at
the club and the support I'm sure every true fan in the country will show,
Wrexham will make it through and come out the other side."
Cardiff City supporter Shaun Bowie said he would be watching the Bluebirds
tomorrow evening, but his thoughts would be with Wrexham.
"Many of us in South Wales will be thinking of you on Saturday and praying the
right thing is done so that for once capitalism does not win over tradition."
Stephen O'Neill, a Manchester United fan and member of the club's independent
shareholders association which has vowed to fight any proposed takeover by
American billionaire Malcolm Glazer, added his backing.
"We are also engaged in a fight to stave off the unsolicited actions of an
asset-stripper," he wrote. "All fans should realise that they are potential prey
to vultures who have no interest in supporting our football clubs.
"Football clubs are vital community assets and everything that can be done to
save them should be done, whether it be Wrexham, Leeds or Manchester United."
US soccer enthusiast Bill Quigley, from Chicago, said his interest in the game
had been fuelled by the book, 22 Foreigners in Funny Shorts, written more than
10 years ago by Wrexham fan Peter Davies and drawing heavily on the author's
experiences in following the Racecourse club's promotion season.
Quigley said: "I have been following your on-going fight to keep the club alive
for the last few months. I hope that things turn out for the best and the club
can start focusing on winning matches again instead of being wound up."
Meanwhile, tickets for Wrexham's LDV Vans Trophy quarter-final clash against
neighbours Chester City go on sale today at the Racecourse to season
ticket-holders.
The Dragons have received 1,500 tickets for the game, being played at the Deva
Stadium on Tuesday, November 30 priced at £15 (£10 OAPs, £6 juniors) in the
seated area and £13 (£8, £5) on the terraces.
The remainder will then go on general sale (cash only) after the match with
Bristol City.