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Gutterman resigns but Wrexham still in trouble - Sign the Petition
- Thread starter (was)DBS
- Start date
Oh dear oh dear.
Lady Bracknell
Handbag at Dawn
Good idea. Consider them merged.
Lady Bracknell
Handbag at Dawn
Blimey! He's so QUICK, that Turkey! I'd barely hit the "merge thread" button before it had been gobbled up already!
Last edited:
To slow Roz, to slow.. 
Raphael Meade
Well-known member
looks like gutterman and his mate have had it planned out from the start....
bastards.
looks like we might be heading back to wrexham sooner than we thought...
bastards.
looks like we might be heading back to wrexham sooner than we thought...
Beach Hut
Brighton Bhuna Boy
You could merge the other one on this on page two as well
Lady Bracknell
Handbag at Dawn
I could. But I'll let Lightning have first go!
Hilton
New member
Looks like there will be plenty of money extra from the "Marvellous Scenes" banner
Lord Bracknell
On fire
Two stories from the Wrexham Evening Leader
21/05/2004
Reds chief: We may quit Racecourse
by David Lovett
Alex Hamilton, WREXHAM FC’s new owner has today revealed the club may have to move away from The Racecourse.
In an exclusive interview with the Evening Leader, Alexander Hamilton revealed the Reds’ huge debts of more than £500,000 to the Inland Revenue.
Mr Hamilton was made a director of the club at a board meeting last night.
Speaking from his luxury home in Hale Barns, near Manchester, the new chairman said Mark Guterman decided to hand over the reins after having “a bellyful of grief”.
Mr Hamilton, a property developer, spoke about the dire financial position of the club and its future plans.
The future of The Racecourse is still in doubt, but fans are assured they’ll be watching their team next season at the spiritual home of Wrexham Football Club.
In February last year the club was sent a £535, 975 bill by the Inland Revenue, and that, along with a string of other debts, meant a rescue bid has now had to be launched to save the club.
Mr Hamilton, a Liverpool FC season ticket holder, said: “I have acquired the controlling share holding of Wrexham Football Club. This is good news for me, the fans, and the club. I want to make my objectives clear because I have been invited to take up control of the club as a rescue mission.”
But this morning he refused to discuss whether he will be watching Wrexham FC next season.
£500,000 in debt... we have to consider leaving the Racecourse
By Matt Warner and Anna Jones
THE Reds new chairman, Alexander Hamilton, revealed this morning the huge challenge of pulling Wrexham FC out of debt and securing the club's long term future.
He said: "I am looking forward to the challenge of rescuing Wrexham Football Club. Mark has had a bellyfull of grief and does not want it anymore. I can promise fans will be going to The Racecourse next season but after that I do not know what the future holds.
"Funding will have to be begged and borrowed to pay the Inland Revenue and I want a club that breaks even. At the moment we cannot pay the police, the water board, and there is nothing left to pay for advertising or even the tea lady."
"Keeping this club afloat is costing people a lot of commitment and liability and it is fortunate I like a challenge.
"We are hundreds of thousands of pounds in debt to the Inland Revenue and unpaid creditors, but I want to make it clear that the players are not owed anything.
"I am taking control of this as a business and as the chairman I want to represent the interest of £2 million worth of creditors and to enable them to get back the money they are owed.
"I want to maximise all the assets of the club which means the players and the land and to endeavour to ensure there is a long term future for Wrexham FC in a solvent state.
"Substantial funds need to be secured in the next few weeks to stop the Inland Revenue issuing proceedings."
During the exclusive interview Mr Hamilton produced a file of paperwork from the Inland Revenue including demand letters for £300,000 last June and £535,976 last February.
"People have to be aware Mark Guterman acted to the best of his endeavours to improve the financial position at the club but was not successful."
Mr Hamilton is known to Bill Wingrove, Wrexham club secretary and commercial director. Mr Wingrove said today: "I have known Mr Hamilton since 1990. He then worked as a solicitor in Stockport and has since become a property consultant. All I can say is in all the business and social dealings I have had with him he has been impeccable."
Mr Wingrove revealed there is a board meeting at The Racecourse on Monday. "Mr Hamilton will be present at that meeting and hopefully some sort of statement will be made," he said. "I can't pre-empt what will be discussed at Monday's board meeting. But obviously the future of the football club will be very high on the agenda."
Reds fans have given a cautious welcome to the shock news that Mark Guterman has quit as chairman of Wrexham FC.
But a number have also expressed deep concern the club is now in the hands of a man they know nothing about and have never seen at The Racecourse.
Shock revelations
Concern is also growing that Mr Hamilton, a Manchester- based solicitor, plans to turf the football club out of the ground and sell it off for commercial development.
This morning hundreds of fans have been bombarding supporters' websites with their views on the latest in a long line of shock revelations at the Second Division club.
A spokesman for the fanzine, Dismal Jimmy, said although the news of Mark Guterman's departure is welcome they do not think it actually changes anything. He added his exit from the club will now convince fans who were sceptical about the current situation that there is indeed a crisis situation.
Other fans are desperate to hear from the club's new owner, a long-term business associate of Mr Guterman, as to what his plans are for the Racecourse and the football club.
Wrexham MP Ian Lucas said: "I am very concerned that football stays at The Racecourse, and that needs to be made clear to the new owner. I know from speaking to people that Wrexham wants football to stay at The Racecourse. We don't want a supermarket on that site, we want football there, and we need to send out a very loud and clear message to that effect. I will be contacting the club today asking them to meet me to discuss what their intentions are.
"There's an awful lot of uncertainty around this and we need to have some information. I have been in touch with the fans and they want to know what's going on. Everyone needs to unite around this because The Racecourse is a very important part of the culture of the town.
"I don't know how well he knows Wrexham but he (Alex Hamilton) is going to find out the club is very important here in Wrexham.
"I want to know who's in control of the ownership of the ground. I want a commitment from the owners that they will make no attempt to relocate the club away from The Racecourse.
"They owe the players and the managers a clear explanation about what's happening so they have security.
"There is a lot of talent and we need to tap into that. We are in the Second Division and have survived that without difficulty. There is no reason why we can't be even more successful in the future."
Wrexham AM Dr John Marek said: "I am sorry Mark Guterman has resigned. I do believe he had the best interests of the club at heart and that he wanted to develop non-football interests at The Racecourse while keeping the ground at the site.
"I believe that has to be the way forward for the club and hope the new owner will not move the ground to the industrial estate or further afield — that will not happen. Wrexham FC is indispensable for the town, it puts Wrexham on the map and is in an ideal situation. If the club decided to move out of the town that would be a disaster."
Paul Craddock, a fan who travels to matches from Market Harborough, Leicestershire, said: "My initial reaction is absolute delight that Guterman has gone, but my question is: 'Is this bloke any better?' It would be nice to know a little bit more about him. I would say if he has got good intentions and they stay at The Racecourse, perhaps this is a good move. But if he takes us away he is going to have a battle on his hands.
"Hopefully, his intentions are honourable. He has got to say exactly what's going on, unlike Guterman, who hid everything; fans like me need to know."
Another fan, Lindsay Jones, said: "I am pleased Guterman has gone, but nothing's really changed for us. I don't think him leaving is actually going to make any difference. I am glad to be rid of him, but that doesn't necessarily mean we've got a better option with Hamilton."
Wrexham Council's lead member for economic development and regeneration, and season ticket holder, Cllr Neil Rogers said: "Obviously this is of concern to anyone associated with Wrexham Football Club and with Wrexham itself. My view is that the club must continue to play at The Racecourse, and I will be opposed to any relocation within the county.
"Wrexham Football Club is an asset, we have redeveloped the entrance to Wrexham as one of our gateway schemes to create a nice thoroughfare to a wonderful stadium that has scope for further development."
Surprised
And Gresford councillor Andrew Bailey said that attempts to move The Racecourse to Gresford would happen over "my dead body".
Wrexham Council chief economic development officer, Steve Bayley said: "We are surprised and concerned at the decision by Mr Guterman to sell his interest in the club, particularly since it appeared that he was moving things forward in a positive way. Our primary concern remains the long term future of the club given the important role it plays in the local community."
John Bramhall, senior executive of the Professional Footballers Association said uncertainty surrounding the club is inevitable after Mr Guterman's departure.
He said: "That's the issue with football - changes that take place do bring uncertainty. Finances sometimes dictate, history is good but it doesn't always pay the bills. Moving a club is not a simple exercise but I am sure there will be an opportunity to examine the possibility, if it is a possibility.
"The financial problems of the last few months have been well documented but hopefully it is now moving into stability. If they need any help or assistance we will do that.
"As far as the players are concerned their main concern is playing for the club and doing well, although off field matters do have an effect on field."
21/05/2004
Reds chief: We may quit Racecourse
by David Lovett
Alex Hamilton, WREXHAM FC’s new owner has today revealed the club may have to move away from The Racecourse.
In an exclusive interview with the Evening Leader, Alexander Hamilton revealed the Reds’ huge debts of more than £500,000 to the Inland Revenue.
Mr Hamilton was made a director of the club at a board meeting last night.
Speaking from his luxury home in Hale Barns, near Manchester, the new chairman said Mark Guterman decided to hand over the reins after having “a bellyful of grief”.
Mr Hamilton, a property developer, spoke about the dire financial position of the club and its future plans.
The future of The Racecourse is still in doubt, but fans are assured they’ll be watching their team next season at the spiritual home of Wrexham Football Club.
In February last year the club was sent a £535, 975 bill by the Inland Revenue, and that, along with a string of other debts, meant a rescue bid has now had to be launched to save the club.
Mr Hamilton, a Liverpool FC season ticket holder, said: “I have acquired the controlling share holding of Wrexham Football Club. This is good news for me, the fans, and the club. I want to make my objectives clear because I have been invited to take up control of the club as a rescue mission.”
But this morning he refused to discuss whether he will be watching Wrexham FC next season.
£500,000 in debt... we have to consider leaving the Racecourse
By Matt Warner and Anna Jones
THE Reds new chairman, Alexander Hamilton, revealed this morning the huge challenge of pulling Wrexham FC out of debt and securing the club's long term future.
He said: "I am looking forward to the challenge of rescuing Wrexham Football Club. Mark has had a bellyfull of grief and does not want it anymore. I can promise fans will be going to The Racecourse next season but after that I do not know what the future holds.
"Funding will have to be begged and borrowed to pay the Inland Revenue and I want a club that breaks even. At the moment we cannot pay the police, the water board, and there is nothing left to pay for advertising or even the tea lady."
"Keeping this club afloat is costing people a lot of commitment and liability and it is fortunate I like a challenge.
"We are hundreds of thousands of pounds in debt to the Inland Revenue and unpaid creditors, but I want to make it clear that the players are not owed anything.
"I am taking control of this as a business and as the chairman I want to represent the interest of £2 million worth of creditors and to enable them to get back the money they are owed.
"I want to maximise all the assets of the club which means the players and the land and to endeavour to ensure there is a long term future for Wrexham FC in a solvent state.
"Substantial funds need to be secured in the next few weeks to stop the Inland Revenue issuing proceedings."
During the exclusive interview Mr Hamilton produced a file of paperwork from the Inland Revenue including demand letters for £300,000 last June and £535,976 last February.
"People have to be aware Mark Guterman acted to the best of his endeavours to improve the financial position at the club but was not successful."
Mr Hamilton is known to Bill Wingrove, Wrexham club secretary and commercial director. Mr Wingrove said today: "I have known Mr Hamilton since 1990. He then worked as a solicitor in Stockport and has since become a property consultant. All I can say is in all the business and social dealings I have had with him he has been impeccable."
Mr Wingrove revealed there is a board meeting at The Racecourse on Monday. "Mr Hamilton will be present at that meeting and hopefully some sort of statement will be made," he said. "I can't pre-empt what will be discussed at Monday's board meeting. But obviously the future of the football club will be very high on the agenda."
Reds fans have given a cautious welcome to the shock news that Mark Guterman has quit as chairman of Wrexham FC.
But a number have also expressed deep concern the club is now in the hands of a man they know nothing about and have never seen at The Racecourse.
Shock revelations
Concern is also growing that Mr Hamilton, a Manchester- based solicitor, plans to turf the football club out of the ground and sell it off for commercial development.
This morning hundreds of fans have been bombarding supporters' websites with their views on the latest in a long line of shock revelations at the Second Division club.
A spokesman for the fanzine, Dismal Jimmy, said although the news of Mark Guterman's departure is welcome they do not think it actually changes anything. He added his exit from the club will now convince fans who were sceptical about the current situation that there is indeed a crisis situation.
Other fans are desperate to hear from the club's new owner, a long-term business associate of Mr Guterman, as to what his plans are for the Racecourse and the football club.
Wrexham MP Ian Lucas said: "I am very concerned that football stays at The Racecourse, and that needs to be made clear to the new owner. I know from speaking to people that Wrexham wants football to stay at The Racecourse. We don't want a supermarket on that site, we want football there, and we need to send out a very loud and clear message to that effect. I will be contacting the club today asking them to meet me to discuss what their intentions are.
"There's an awful lot of uncertainty around this and we need to have some information. I have been in touch with the fans and they want to know what's going on. Everyone needs to unite around this because The Racecourse is a very important part of the culture of the town.
"I don't know how well he knows Wrexham but he (Alex Hamilton) is going to find out the club is very important here in Wrexham.
"I want to know who's in control of the ownership of the ground. I want a commitment from the owners that they will make no attempt to relocate the club away from The Racecourse.
"They owe the players and the managers a clear explanation about what's happening so they have security.
"There is a lot of talent and we need to tap into that. We are in the Second Division and have survived that without difficulty. There is no reason why we can't be even more successful in the future."
Wrexham AM Dr John Marek said: "I am sorry Mark Guterman has resigned. I do believe he had the best interests of the club at heart and that he wanted to develop non-football interests at The Racecourse while keeping the ground at the site.
"I believe that has to be the way forward for the club and hope the new owner will not move the ground to the industrial estate or further afield — that will not happen. Wrexham FC is indispensable for the town, it puts Wrexham on the map and is in an ideal situation. If the club decided to move out of the town that would be a disaster."
Paul Craddock, a fan who travels to matches from Market Harborough, Leicestershire, said: "My initial reaction is absolute delight that Guterman has gone, but my question is: 'Is this bloke any better?' It would be nice to know a little bit more about him. I would say if he has got good intentions and they stay at The Racecourse, perhaps this is a good move. But if he takes us away he is going to have a battle on his hands.
"Hopefully, his intentions are honourable. He has got to say exactly what's going on, unlike Guterman, who hid everything; fans like me need to know."
Another fan, Lindsay Jones, said: "I am pleased Guterman has gone, but nothing's really changed for us. I don't think him leaving is actually going to make any difference. I am glad to be rid of him, but that doesn't necessarily mean we've got a better option with Hamilton."
Wrexham Council's lead member for economic development and regeneration, and season ticket holder, Cllr Neil Rogers said: "Obviously this is of concern to anyone associated with Wrexham Football Club and with Wrexham itself. My view is that the club must continue to play at The Racecourse, and I will be opposed to any relocation within the county.
"Wrexham Football Club is an asset, we have redeveloped the entrance to Wrexham as one of our gateway schemes to create a nice thoroughfare to a wonderful stadium that has scope for further development."
Surprised
And Gresford councillor Andrew Bailey said that attempts to move The Racecourse to Gresford would happen over "my dead body".
Wrexham Council chief economic development officer, Steve Bayley said: "We are surprised and concerned at the decision by Mr Guterman to sell his interest in the club, particularly since it appeared that he was moving things forward in a positive way. Our primary concern remains the long term future of the club given the important role it plays in the local community."
John Bramhall, senior executive of the Professional Footballers Association said uncertainty surrounding the club is inevitable after Mr Guterman's departure.
He said: "That's the issue with football - changes that take place do bring uncertainty. Finances sometimes dictate, history is good but it doesn't always pay the bills. Moving a club is not a simple exercise but I am sure there will be an opportunity to examine the possibility, if it is a possibility.
"The financial problems of the last few months have been well documented but hopefully it is now moving into stability. If they need any help or assistance we will do that.
"As far as the players are concerned their main concern is playing for the club and doing well, although off field matters do have an effect on field."
Lord Bracknell
On fire
But don't worry, folks. Mr Hamilton might have once been struck off the solicitors' roll, but he HAS been reinstated. Incidentally, he was represented at the tribunal by the same lawyers who acted on behalf of Bellotti when he threatened legal action against Albion fans back in 1997.
From the Manchester Evening News, 16 June 2003:-
Solicitor cleared of fraud
By Nicola Dowling
A SUCCESSFUL solicitor struck off for "scandalous" mortgage fraud has been reinstated after the accusations were dropped.
Last September, Alexander Hamilton had his name removed from the solicitors' roll by a disciplinary tribunal.
But at a new hearing Mr Hamilton's name was restored to the roll, after the mortgage fraud allegation was dismissed and a number of other allegations relating to complaints from clients were dropped.
Mr Hamilton's lawyer, Heidi Bracegirdle, of Eversheds, in Manchester, said 11 outstanding complaints referring to paperwork and procedural issues, were left on file.
During the original hearing, Mr Hamilton did not defend himself because he thought the charges were minor and had retired from his company Hamilton Ward & Co - which had six offices in the North West - to care for Julie Andrew a friend and former colleague who was terminally ill and later died from breast cancer.
Hearing
The disciplinary tribunal hearing was instigated by the Law Society, the professional body for solicitors in England and Wales.
Today, Mr Hamilton said he was delighted to have been cleared of the original allegations but said he had no plans to go back to his previous career, having launched his own commercial property finance consultancy.
"Improper analysis of the documentation and failure to properly interview witnesses in this case led to a serious miscarriage of civil justice which has now been remedied," said Mr Hamilton, of Hale, Cheshire.
"I regret the distress and anxiety this has caused to me and my late friend in the last months of her life."
The Hyde branch of Mr Hamilton's firm became well-known during the Shipman murder investigation because a letter and will forged by the doctor purporting to be from former Lady Mayoress Kathleen Grundy was pushed through the office letterbox.
Mr Hamilton and the company's probate specialist, Brian Burgess were suspicious and contacted Mrs Grundy's family who brought in the police, sparking the serial murder investigation.
From the Manchester Evening News, 16 June 2003:-
Solicitor cleared of fraud
By Nicola Dowling
A SUCCESSFUL solicitor struck off for "scandalous" mortgage fraud has been reinstated after the accusations were dropped.
Last September, Alexander Hamilton had his name removed from the solicitors' roll by a disciplinary tribunal.
But at a new hearing Mr Hamilton's name was restored to the roll, after the mortgage fraud allegation was dismissed and a number of other allegations relating to complaints from clients were dropped.
Mr Hamilton's lawyer, Heidi Bracegirdle, of Eversheds, in Manchester, said 11 outstanding complaints referring to paperwork and procedural issues, were left on file.
During the original hearing, Mr Hamilton did not defend himself because he thought the charges were minor and had retired from his company Hamilton Ward & Co - which had six offices in the North West - to care for Julie Andrew a friend and former colleague who was terminally ill and later died from breast cancer.
Hearing
The disciplinary tribunal hearing was instigated by the Law Society, the professional body for solicitors in England and Wales.
Today, Mr Hamilton said he was delighted to have been cleared of the original allegations but said he had no plans to go back to his previous career, having launched his own commercial property finance consultancy.
"Improper analysis of the documentation and failure to properly interview witnesses in this case led to a serious miscarriage of civil justice which has now been remedied," said Mr Hamilton, of Hale, Cheshire.
"I regret the distress and anxiety this has caused to me and my late friend in the last months of her life."
The Hyde branch of Mr Hamilton's firm became well-known during the Shipman murder investigation because a letter and will forged by the doctor purporting to be from former Lady Mayoress Kathleen Grundy was pushed through the office letterbox.
Mr Hamilton and the company's probate specialist, Brian Burgess were suspicious and contacted Mrs Grundy's family who brought in the police, sparking the serial murder investigation.
Lord Bracknell
On fire
Doomed to fail from the start
May 21 2004
By Mark Currie Daily Post
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.
May 21 2004
By Mark Currie Daily Post
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.
Lord Bracknell
On fire
... and (apparently) Reames is today talking about moving Wrexham FC to "temporary" accommodation at Widnes RLFC while the work goes on.
So ...
It's a half-baked redevelopment plan, led by people with no knowledge of Wrexham FC, no planning approval and a temporary relocation. Add in the financial crisis, debts to the Inland Revenue, overdue accounts, and what do we have?
... a familiar story.
So ...
It's a half-baked redevelopment plan, led by people with no knowledge of Wrexham FC, no planning approval and a temporary relocation. Add in the financial crisis, debts to the Inland Revenue, overdue accounts, and what do we have?
... a familiar story.
Hove&Albion F.C
New member
- May 15, 2004
- 790
Wrexham Need Our Help
Get signing!
Their Chairman, Guterman has gone and his best mate and boss is now in charge, who only wants their ground.
www.PetitionOnline.com/WR...ition.html
Get signing!
Their Chairman, Guterman has gone and his best mate and boss is now in charge, who only wants their ground.
www.PetitionOnline.com/WR...ition.html
Hove&Albion F.C
New member
- May 15, 2004
- 790
Ok cant get that to work- if you go to red-passion.com and to the message board there are links there.
sams dad
I hate Palarse
Signed