FORMER Wrexham FC chairman Pryce Griffiths last night vehemently denied being an obstacle to the sale of the club.

Mr Griffiths was reacting to accusations by prospective buyer Andrew Smith and Dragons owner Alex Hamilton that his insistence on receiving £500,000 from any redevelopment of the Racecourse ground was a stumbling block.

Last night, Mr Griffiths' solicitor, Mark Forman, said: "The details of the contract between my client and Mr Hamilton's company are subject to confidentiality and should not have been disclosed.

"Any payments due to my client would be payable after Mr Hamilton and Mr Smith, or any other party, conclude a deal.

"There is nothing to prevent a deal going through, and the reason why a deal has not gone through as yet is absolutely nothing to do with my client.

"My client's principal concern is to ensure the survival of the club and he is doing everything he can to achieve that goal."

Surrey businessman Andrew Smith said four of his 10 investors pulled out after hearing about Mr Griffiths' cash claim at the "23rd hour".

There is no suggestion Mr Griffiths had tried to conceal his financial interest in the sale.

On Tuesday Mr Hamilton claimed Mr Griffiths sold his 78% shareholding in Wrexham FC three years ago to Memor-vale Ltd - owned by Mr Hamilton - for £50,000.

The contract included provision for further payments to Mr Griffiths, based on the value of any future partial or total redevelopment of the site.

Mr Hamilton said he agreed the clause because his intention was to move the club to a purpose-built stadium and sell the whole of the eight-acre site for development.

"Pryce Griffiths seems to be the impediment to any solution that keeps the club going in its present home.

"I have asked Mr Griffiths to reconsider his position in the best interests of the football club, but so far without success."

Mr Smith was expected to buy the club last month but talks foundered. The latest twist has left fans fearing Mr Smith does not have the cash necessary to complete the deal.

Mr Hamilton has given the club notice to quit the Racecourse Ground with effect from July 21.

stevebagnall@dailypost.co.uk