Administrators at Wrexham Football Club have begun legal action to seize its ground from the owner, Alex Hamilton.
They are seeking a high court order to force one of his companies to hand back ownership of the stadium to the club.

Wrexham went into administration last December with debts of over £4m. Mr Hamilton gave the club until July to quit the Racecourse ground.

But last month he backed down after administrators challenged the validity of the leasing arrangements.

The administrators took steps in the High Court in Birmingham on Friday to take the stadium out of his hands.

Mr Hamilton's company has 28 days to defend itself in the proceedings.

In a statement, Wrexham's administrators said: "We are disappointed to have been forced to take the proceedings in respect of the ground and will continue to explore the possibilities of a consensual sale in the hope that further litigation can be avoided".

They added that their plans for the new season in League Two were continuing "apace" and that a steering committee of local businessman had been formed for that purpose.

The statement said indemnities to help manager Denis Smith with player contracts were being arranged by the steering committee and possibly by Wrexham Supporters' Trust as well.

Season tickets

"One of the first tasks facing the committee is the issuing of season tickets.

"Application forms will be issued this week and we would strongly urge all fans to continue to show their unstinting support for the club by submitting an early application for renewal of their tickets."

The administrators had been optimistic that a bid involving Wrexham car dealer Neville Dickens would come to fruition.

Then, last week, Surrey-based property developer Andy Smith - who had previously been linked with a takeover - said he was involved in exclusive negotiations with Mr Hamilton to buy the club.

It is understood Mr Dickens is now part of the steering committee and is still hoping to pull off a deal.