Wrexham Fans Win Award

Wrexham fans were yesterday handed ‘bravery' awards for staying true to their troubled club despite all the problems they have faced in the past year.

They received the Services to Supporters Award as the Football Supporters' Federation held its first fans' parliament in Cardiff, Wales to give 120 or so fans from 60 clubs the chance to debate the future of the game, including the takeover by Malcolm Glazer of Manchester United.

Wrexham fans are fighting to save the Racecourse Ground from developers, while the club was placed in administration in December with debts of more than ₤4m leading to a deduction of 10 points for being placed in administration which subsequently relegated them to Coca Cola League Two.

The federation is campaigning for the special role sports clubs play in their communities.

It says it represents 130,000 fans in Wales and England, and this is its third annual conference since it was formed from the merger of other supporters' organisations.

It also supports the introduction of safe standing areas in top-flight grounds, for more games to be played at 3pm on Saturdays and licensing of directors to ensure they are fit to sit on club boards.

Chairman Malcolm Clarke said Wrexham's fans had faced tremendous problems.

He said: “It's a recognition of the sustained campaign they have run and are continuing to run to save the only professional club in the north of Wales.”