THE Crusaders may face the possibility of a six-point deduction penalty from the Rugby Football League as a result of going into administration.

But the man set to return to the helm of the club as chairman, Ian Roberts, said he wants to turn a negative into a positive and is urging fans to get behind the players for next season.

On Tuesday, the RFL issued a statement saying it had reached an agreement in principle with Mr Roberts and his business partner Geoff Moss for the men to regain control of the Crusaders. The RFL also stated its board would consider the issue of a sporting sanction at a later date. Yesterday, Mr Roberts said that from past examples he said the club could be facing a deduction of up to six league points.

“But we are looking to turn that possible setback around and use it as a catalyst to boost the start of the new season, get the fans to come out and give the players loads of support,” he said. “The backing that the Crusaders enjoyed here in Wrexham last season was incredible. We greatly value that and want it to continue.

“We will certainly honour season tickets which were purchased before we went into administration.”

The next stage of negotiations involves Mr Roberts and Mr Moss successfully concluding discussions to buy the Crusaders from the administrators O’Hara, based in Yorkshire

Mr Roberts said he is in regular contact with representatives of O’Hara and he was optimistic that a deal could be made either before the end of this week or early next week.

Simon Weir, of O’Hara, told the Leader on Tuesday he was hopeful a full agreement could be settled quickly.

Mr Roberts said he couldn’t comment on a financial figure for bringing the Crusaders out of administration.