FORMER Wrexham FC chairman Mark Guterman, who last week withdrew his bid to buy the club, has defended club captain Darren Ferguson after the star midfielder was blamed by owner Alex Hamilton for the Reds’ financial crisis.

In a Sunday newspaper article, which has upset players and fans alike, Mr Hamilton alleged Ferguson’s contract had “brought the club to its knees”.

In an interview he said: “I have run out of funds to pay the Inland Revenue because the club don’t have the cash – and that’s because they have too many expensive footballers.

“The previous chairman gave contracts and high salaries to footballers, particularly Darren Ferguson. He has cost the club more than £1 million in salary and bonuses.”

Mr Hamilton, who wants to move the club from The Racecourse and use the land for property or retail, also criticised ex-chairman Mr Guterman, who, speaking exclusively to the Evening Leader, has defended the popular team captain.

He said: “Alex Hamilton’s accusations against Darren Ferguson and myself are totally untrue.

“Darren, as everybody can see, has been a brilliant captain and servant of the club.”

The Scottish midfielder and his manager, Denis Smith, have also blasted the accusations. Smith has defended his captain, describing him as excellent value for money, while Ferguson has denied the allegations, revealing he has received several offers in the past to leave the club, including one last week, but wishes to stay at The Racecourse and help the Reds fight for survival.

Mr Guterman also confirmed today that the deadline for his offer to buy the club had been ignored by Mr Hamilton.

He said the deadline was 5.30pm on Thursday last week, but because Mr Hamilton had not responded within a reasonable time and had not entered meaningful discussions, the offer had to be withdrawn.

A statement from Mr Guterman’s representatives outlined the situation with the bid.

It said: “We can confirm that on November 2 a consortium led by Mark Guterman, supported by a leading clearing bank, put forward an offer to purchase Mr Hamilton’s interests in Wrexham AFC.

“The acceptance of this offer by Mr Hamilton would have safeguarded the club’s financial position, saved the club from going into administration and ensured its future at The Racecourse. It would also have resulted in a profit well in excess of £1 million to Mr Hamilton on his investment.

“Notwithstanding attempts to enter into negotiations with Mr Hamilton through his solicitors Berg & Co, we have received no constructive response to this offer despite satisfying all parties that the funding was, and is, available.

“As a result of Mr Hamilton’s failure to accept this offer within a reasonable time or to engage in any meaningful discussions the offer has been reluctantly withdrawn.”

It now seems likely the club will go into administration on Friday in a bid to stave off a winding- up petition lodged by the Inland Revenue over an unpaid £900,000 tax bill.