Court ruling boosts Dragons for Rovers clash

By Darren Devine, Western Mail

22 October 2005

BUSINESSMAN Neville Dickens is hoping the landmark court ruling that transferred ownership of the Racecourse back to Wrexham FC will pave the way for his takeover of the club.

Garage owner Dickens, a former Wrexham director, called Thursday's High Court ruling a "tremendous stride forward" in his desire to save the League Two crisis club.

It is unclear, though, whether the ruling will result in the speedy Dickens takeover that Wrexham fans are so eager to see, as club owner Alex Hamilton could yet take the case to the Court of Appeal.

But Wrexham supporters and Racecourse staff are hoping Hamilton will see the decision as a cue to sever his ties with Wrexham.

Dickens, whose bid is backed by Chester businessman Geoff Moss, said, "We'll just have to take stock of the situation and regenerate our interests and the people that were talking to us.

"I know there is an appeals process that he (Hamilton) can go through, which would be very costly and risky in terms of whether it would be successful."

Lindsay Jones, secretary of the Wrexham Supporters' Trust, urged Hamilton to end any remaining doubts about the club's future by walking away.

"I hope he sees sense and walks away," he said. "But he hasn't showed any sense at all in his dealings with the club and so my hopes are not that high."

Dickens has been in negotiations with North Wales housebuilder Castlemead Developments and says the firm is keen to redevelop the Racecourse car park and his adjacent garage.

Castlemead have spoken to the principal of the North East Wales Institute, which is next door to the Racecourse, about developing the car park as accommodation for students.

In a statement, Castlemead said they had no interest in buying Wrexham FC, but developing the car park would generate cash for the club to help it pay off its creditors and secure the future of the Racecourse.

North East Wales Institute principal professor Michael Scott confirmed discussions had taken place with Dickens and Castlemead, but stressed they were still at an early stage.

Professor Scott said, "We have not given any commitments. We have made it clear that though our student numbers are growing we have to do projections about how fast they are growing before we decide whether we need accommodation."

Wrexham manager Denis Smith said positive off-the-field news, plus the loan signing of former Red Dragons favourite Juan Ugarte, had been a huge morale-boost before today's visit to Bristol Rovers.

"This news (the court victory) plus Juan coming back has given the place a bit of a buzz and a lift," said Smith.

"It's quite obvious the preferred owners would be Neville and Geoff, but that is out of our hands."

Hamilton's solicitors, Manchester-based Berg, last night declined to comment on whether the property developer intended to go to the Court of Appeal.