A FORMER MP has denied speculation he is in the running to buy Wrexham FC.

Rumours of John Marek’s interest in the Dragons circulated after he was spotted close to the front of the directors’ box at Tuesday’s home game against Crawley.

But Dr Marek, who served as MP and Assembly Member for Wrexham, said: “There
is no truth in these rumours.

“I go to all Wrexham’s home games and away games too on occasion.

“At home games I usually sit at the back of the directors’ box as there is more room but on this occasion I was nearer the front.”

Last week a consortium including controversial businessman Stephen Vaughan pulled out of buying the club, citing the high level of media attention.

Since then speculation has been rife about who might next put in a serious bid.

Chairman Robert Bickerton said on Wednesday that talks were under way with potential purchasers.

Dr Marek, who is Welsh Conservative candidate for Wrexham in this year’s Assembly elections, is known to be a long-time Reds fan and has in the past made loans to the club.

But he added: “It’s about time there was an end to all this speculation about who the new owners might be.

“It is not good for the club or anyone else.

“Whatever happens we need to keep the Racecourse ground because it is close to the town and areas like Caia Park from where people can walk to matches.”

He added: “If the council bought it – and that is doubtful at the moment – they ought to lease it back to the club on a peppercorn rent for 99 years.

“Where a club and a ground are kept together there is more incentive for a business person to buy it.”

Dr Marek went on: “These are worrying economic times and it might not be easy to find a buyer for the club.

“However, the team are doing very well at the moment and I am sure someone will come along to rescue the situation in due course.”