WREXHAM fans yesterday attacked the appointment of the town's AM John Marek as vice president of the club.

Dr Marek was handed the honorary role by new boss, Neville Dickens, in return for support and a "considerable" loan to help the League Two club out of administration, it was revealed yesterday.

Angry fans made their views known on the Red Passion website, and argued Dr Marek's previous support for former chairman Mark Guterman should disqualify him from the title.

Mr Guterman, also a former chairman of Chester City, became the majority shareholder of the Racecourse Ground in 2002 after boss Pryce Griffiths retired.

His dealings with property developer Alex Hamilton, preceded the club's descent into administration, a Football League 10-points deduction and relegation.

Some fans called for a protest

against Dr Marek's appointment at the next home game.

But car dealer Mr Dickens, hailed as the club's saviour, last night urged fans to trust his judgment.

He said: "John has supported me financially from his own pocket and helped me a lot in bringing the club out of administration.

"He's put aconsiderable amount of his own personal money in as a loan. The way I see it John wants to support Wrexham Football Club whoever is in charge.

He added: I'm pretty sure there is no connection between Alex Hamilton, Mark Guterman and John Marek. As far as Iamconcerned he has no ulterior motive other than helping Wrexham Football Club no matter who was at the helm. He has proved this to me in the past."

Mr Dickens urged fans not to get involved in any protest appointment of the town's AM.

"I am alot closer to this than the fans," he said.

Mr Dickens said other backers, including Dave Griffiths and Dave Bennett, had also been made vice presidents in recognition of their help during the darkest days.

"Dave Griffiths, the former director, had put money into this club and helped to pay the wages," he said.

"Dave Bennett helped to keep the club running on match days and we felt it was worth rewarding."

Dr Marek said yesterday: "I am delighted to be avice president of the club. My support has never wavered over many years."

But Wrexham Supporters Trust

spokesman, Simon Johnson, said fans were very upset.

In a statement the WST said: "We are surprised and disappointed to see Dr John Marek is now avice president of Wrexham Football Club.

"In our view Dr Marek showed a great error of judgment in backing the former chairman Mark Guterman in his bid to purchase the club. Having fought long and hard to ensure that Wrexham Football Club has a future, we are at aloss to understand why Dr Marek has now been allowed this position of privilege."

Mr Johnson said: "Wethink it would be best for all concerned if he was to step down."