Fan Ownership Heralds New Era For Wrexham FC

Tonight sees the dawn of a new era for Wrexham FC as the players take to the Racecourse pitch against Mansfield with the club under fan ownership for the first time in its history.

Spirits will no doubt be high as fans celebrate news of the sale of the club to Wrexham Supporters Trust for £1, bringing to a head four months of negotiations with club owner Geoff Moss.

The sale had looked in jeopardy as recently as Friday when the directors of the club issued a statement demanding a non-refundable deposit from the WST by 5pm yesterday in order for negotiations to continue.

However, fan’s fears turned to jubilation yesterday evening as word broke that the WST and Mr Moss has come to an agreement after being locked in negotiations all afternoon.

A joint statement issued by both parties said: “The Directors of Wrexham Football Club are delighted to announce that agreement has been reached with Wrexham Supporters Trust today to purchase the football club.

“During this period Wrexham Supporters Trust will run the football club under a licence agreement pending approval by the football authorities.

“Following today’s meeting a suitable financial agreement has been reached.”

Fans took to the Red Passion website to celebrate the news, wrexham forever wrote: “Brilliant news – well done to the WST Board for sticking to their guns. Now is the time for every Wrexham fan to get behind the club and ensure we the fans can run a successful football club.

“I am really looking forward to tomorrow nights match. Top of the league and a club run by people we can all trust.”

It is understood that the WST will gradually take over the running of the club from today with the completion of the deal pending approval from the Welsh FA and Blue Square Premier League.

The town’s MP Ian Lucas and AM Lesley Griffiths, both members of the WST, have welcomed news of the takeover.

Mr Lucas said: “I am absolutely delighted. The WST have shown themselves to be determined and professional in the negotiations. They will have my full backing and I call on everyone in Wrexham to get behind what is now truly our club.”

Lesley Griffiths added: “This is fantastic news, news fans have been waiting for for what seems like an age, and Wrexham will be celebrating this weekend.

“However much of the hard work still lies ahead – to put the team on a viable footing on and off the pitch and I look forward to working with all parties to help bring that about.

“What is important now is that the fans back the new ownership and management at the gates this season, and show the team the rapturous support for which our fans are famed.”

Llyr Huws Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru AM for North Wales also welcomed the sale, he said:

“The takeover has been a long time coming and the Wrexham Supporters’ Trust have worked tirelessly in the best interests of the club during that period – donating thousands of pounds in the process.

“I’d like to wish the WST all the best for the future and hope we cap this historic season by winning automatic promotion.”