A FORMER Wrexham FC boss quizzed by police over ticket money theft allegations has been eliminated from the inquiry.

Ex-chief executive Bill Wingrove said last night he had been completely exonerated.

Mr Wingrove, who left Wrexham last August and is now chief executive of Shrewsbury Town FC, was twice questioned by police.

Last night the 60-year-old spoke of his delight.

And he thanked Wrexham fans who supported him throughout the ordeal.

North Wales Police launched an inquiry into allegations that ticket money from last March's Wrexham v Swindon clash went missing from the North Wales club's offices.

Mr Wingrove said: "I went to the police station at Newcastle-under-Lyme and visited Wrexham police station earlier this year where I answered questions in some detail.

"As I have always maintained I had nothing to hide and was able to help police in any way they wanted.

"I have never been charged with anything and now I have a letter from the police saying that no further action is to be taken.

"It just highlights what I said earlier this year that as far as I am concerned there is nothing untoward."

Mr Wingrove claimed that while in office he paid the club's £500 plus water rate bill out of his own pocket.

"Without water there's no restaurant, there's no showers, there's no coffee - there's no game," he said..

He claimed he personally paid bills totalling more than £4,000 - including a hotel bill for a goalkeeper on loan to the club.

He now plans to talk to administrators in the hope of clawing back the cash.

"When I do get the money back I will donate it to the Wrexham supporters for their use," he added..

"I've heard the rumours that people think £30,000 has gone missing from the ticket money but I can tell you it is nothing like that."

He claimed police fully accepted his answers and an audit bore out his claims.

"I have had one or two nasty calls and messages but on the whole I have to say I have had some terrific support from Wrexham fans.

"I said I would clear my name and I have," he added..

A North Wales Police spokeswoman confirmed: "A 60-year-old man questioned in connection with allegations of theft has now been released from police bail. The investigation is ongoing and inquiries continue." To order your copy of this picture, please fill in the form on page 4 All About... THE DEE, CORWEN