MARK GUTERMAN'S decision to turn his back on Wrexham will be viewed by some as a victory for fans' power, following the red-card demonstration against his chairmanship during the final match of the season against Brighton & Hove Albion.

And the Cheshire-based property developer will no doubt claim at some stage in the future he was never given a fair crack of the whip by the supporters because of his previous association with neighbours Chester City.

But the vast majority of Wrexham followers were prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt, despite some misgivings, and it's only since Christmas that the more vocal dissidents began to draw parallels between the club's current problems and those that ultimately forced Chester into administration just over five years ago following Guterman's reign as chairman at the Deva.

There, as at Wrexham this season, the late payment of players' wages was the first visible sign of a club in crisis.

During Guterman's tenure of the then Third Division club no annual accounts were ever issued and his Wrexham critics have not been slow to point out that the 2002/2003 Racecourse accounts are now long-overdue at Companies House.

What those fans never managed to reconcile with their campaign to force Guterman out was the question of who would fill the gap.

Now they have their answer. Alex Hamilton, a one-time business partner of Guterman and owner of the freehold to the Racecourse Ground has taken control of the club.

Whether the shadowy Hamilton, who has never met either of Wrexham's other two directors or manager Denis Smith, will prove to be the lesser of two evils only time will time. But the smart money suggests that former Lincoln City chairman John Reames will soon be back on the scene.

Brought in by Guterman to conduct a financial audit, Reames is understood to have concluded that the sale of the Racecourse and Wrexham's superb training facility at Gresford, together with the construction of a new home for the football team would secure the club's future and produce the maximum capital return for Hamilton.

Statement on behalf of Mark Guterman in full

"FOLLOWING a Board meeting this evening, I have tendered my resignation as chairman of Wrexham Football Club. I have also sold my financial interest in the club to Alex Hamilton with immediate effect.

"In the main I have come to this decision purely for family and personal reasons.

"I would like to thank our management team of Denis Smith and Kevin Russell together with the players and all the management and staff at the Racecourse for their hard work, dedication and support over the past two years.

"My sincere thanks also go to my colleagues on the Board of Wrexham AFC who have been a tower of strength.

"When I took charge the club it was going into administration, now, two years later, after promotion to the Second Division and two FAW Premier Cup wins, it is true to say the club has enjoyed success on the field of play during my tenure.

"I would like to express my thanks to Wrexham Council for their help and support, particularly over my plans for the redevelopment of the Racecourse Ground. I regret that unfortunately I will now not be able to take those plans forward.

"The letters of support I have received from Wrexham fans especially during the last few months, have been very heartening and I will honestly miss being at the helm of a club I have really grown to love.

"Finally, I would like to thank my family for their backing, understanding and support during my time at Wrexham. At the end of the day one's duties and responsibilities to family have to come first in life.

"To everyone connected with Wrexham Football Club I wish you the very best for the future."