THE man leading a consortium to take over Wrexham FC has revealed a deal could be concluded within a fortnight.

Andy Smith, 49, from Surrey, runs the United Plotowners Association (UPA) in Guildford.

He has received backing from businessmen in the City through UPA to bring Wrexham out of administration and take on the running of the club.

According to Mr Smith, initial contracts have already been exchanged with Alex Hamilton in what is a complex deal and he hopes the club's future will be decided inside two weeks.

'I am sure as soon as the deal is done Denis Smith will be knocking on my door wanting to tie up contracts with players, something administration has prevented him from doing,' said Mr Smith.

'We can't rush anything but we under-stand the situation.'

The plan is to keep Wrexham at the Racecourse and develop housing on the perimeter of the ground.

Mr Smith was one of the business delegates at the Sustainable Communities conference in Manchester this week and sees the Racecourse as the perfect hub for encouraging community growth.

'We will bring planning applications forward for what we want to do,' said Mr Smith. 'Nothing is set in stone yet but whatever happens it will be for the good of the club and the good of the area.

'We have been looking for a flagship site in Wales based on our commitment to sustainable community development. The football club is a very important part of the local community because it brings people and their families together.

'We want to be seen in the community as part of the community while improving the club's current situation. Initially we plan to bring in consultants to work with the manager and run the club. But eventually we want to see local involvement, with people from the area on the board of directors and taking ever-greater control.

'I'm sure there will be a role for fans, maybe through the Wrexham Supporters Trust, after all it is their club.'

But he added: 'We are in this investment for the long term. UPA will be here in Wrexham and we will have a lot to offer the town. Even when we have local people running the club we will continue to have a financial interest in it.

'Firstly we need to make sure the club stays up this season and we know the club needs to keep a decent squad of players here beyond this season to secure and improve its league status.'

And Mr Smith had a message for those concerned that another property company was taking over the Racecourse.

'I'm looking forward to the deal happening and proving the cynics wrong,' he said. 'I hope it will be sooner rather than later. I believe people will be genuinely surprised at what the future holds for the club.'