WREXHAM FC co-owner Neville Dickens will still play a part in the Dragons’ future despite handing over the reins to business partner Geoff Moss.

Moss has confirmed he had taken sole control of Wrexham FC after buying out the 50% stake owned by chairman Dickens, who steps down but will retain a hands-on position as senior vice-president.

The club is looking to create its own property company to develop land at the Racecourse to pay off its debts and secure its long-term financial future.

Moss said Dickens had sold his stake to avoid any conflict of interest with redevelopment plans, as Dickens owns land around the Racecourse Ground.

The two local businessmen were hailed as club saviours when they became co-owners in 2006 to bring Wrexham out of administration, with hopes of wiping out its £4m debts.

Moss – who recently sold his Elegant Resorts travel company to Thomas Cook – said: “I’ve paid off the bank overdraft so the club is in good shape now financially.

“Neville didn’t want to have what he felt was any conflict of interest because of his piece of land there, so this takes it all out under one banner.

“Neville will be very much at the forefront of the club. It definitely brings in new investment. Part of this has allowed negotiations to take place with people.”

It had been hoped North East Wales Institute – on its way to being declared a university and with a need for far more student accommodation – was going to be involved in a development of student flats on Racecourse land.

Now after three years and no scheme it could “commit to” Newi had announced it is looking to go it alone and build flats on its own land.

But Moss added: “It is going to happen and things will happen quickly and we will be building some student accommodation anyway.”

Wrexham Labour AM Lesley Griffiths said: “The contribution made by Mr Dickens in helping to save the club, following the shameful stewardship of the previous owners, is to be commended.

“However, the future still appears to be in a state of flux and this will remain until those promised announcements are made.

“The one thing this club deserves is some stability, sure-footedness, commitment and vision at the helm. I hope whatever transpires over the coming weeks, the new ownership regime will deliver just that.”