Western Mail

'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."