'Wrexham takeover is imminent' - developer
By Darren Devine
22 December 2004
Surrey Business-man Andrew Smith |
The deal could well be tied up on Wednesday. It's any second now. There are just legal technicalities in the way now
|
THE property developer hoping to take over
Wrexham says he could be installed as the club's new owner by the end of the
week.
Andrew Smith said he expects his bid to buy the club from current owner Alex
Hamilton to go through "any second now."
The Surrey-based businessman was hoping to meet with Hamilton yesterday, but
said this didn't go ahead as there are "legal technicalities to be tidied up".
Smith said, "We didn't meet because there are still a couple of legal issues in
the way, but as soon as they're dealt with we'll be meeting and doing a deal and
signing it.
"We're within hours of it happening I would have thought. Our lawyers are
constantly in touch with his lawyers so they're pushing it all forward now.
"The deal could well be tied up on Wednesday. It's any second now. There are
just legal technicalities in the way now.
"As far as I'm concerned there are no major problems there at all and they'll
all be ironed out within the next day or so."
Smith has said he wants to develop housing on part of the Kop end of the
Racecourse, but would keep the club at its Mold Road home. Hamilton, who owns
the freehold to the Racecourse and has a 78% share holding in the club, wants to
evict Wrexham from their home and use the land for a housing development.
Member of the Wrexham Supporters' Trust Pete Jones said he would be delighted to
see the end of Hamilton's reign, but fans would want to know more about Smith's
intentions.
"We would be over the moon to see the end of Hamilton's connection with Wrexham.
"The trust has met Andrew Smith and everything he said sounded very good, but
after Hamilton's reign we are still cautious of Hamilton's intentions.
"He (Smith) has told us everything we want to hear, but there are probably
things there that we don't want to hear that he hasn't told us. If he does take
over we would want to meet him as soon as possible."
Wrexham manager Denis Smith said he would reserve judgment on any possible Smith
take over until a deal is finalised.
"My initial reaction is great and then once he is there we'll have to see. He
has said all the right things and let's see if he produces.
"It sounds good news for the club. When the deal is done I'll be delighted, but
up until then I'll reserve judgment."