A LIFELONG fan is planning a mass demonstration against the possible takeover of Wrexham FC by businessman Stephen Cleeve.

Mike Griffiths, of Llay, says he is looking for a bigger turnout than for last weekend’s rally ahead of the Rushden & Diamonds home match.

He hopes more than 200 supporters will assemble outside the Wynnstay Hotel in High Street before the game against Newport County on March 27 and head out of town along Regent Street towards The Racecourse ground.

There they plan to gather behind the Yale Stand to wave placards and chant slogans against any buyout of the club by Mr Cleeve and in support of the rival joint bid being made by hotelier Stephanie Booth and Wrexham Supporters’ Trust.

Mr Griffiths, 62, who has supported the Reds for more than 50 years, said “the majority of fans” want the Stephanie Booth/WST bid to succeed.

He said: “Stephen Cleeve lives 250 miles away and is a property developer.

“We want to break the vicious circle of the club being owned by property developers. Over the past few years it’s been like pass the parcel with one developer after another owning the club.”

He added: “We think the bid by Stephanie Booth and the WST is in the best interests of the club.

“The last thing we want to see is the club going into administration, which the present owners say will happen if they can’t find a buyer.”

Mr Griffiths believes the advance notice of his demonstration will result in a larger attendance than for the previous protest.

He said:“The game against Newport County is usually a well attended one and we will be gathering support at this Saturday’s away match at Fleetwood.”