Shrewsbury Town’s former general manager and a former director have taken over control of Wrexham Football Club.

Jon Harris has become Wrexham’s new owner and managing director, with the financial backing of Shropshire businessman Colin Poole.

The two men beat off a bid from the Wrexham Supporters Club to take over the reins at the Racecourse from former owners Geoff Moss and Ian Roberts.

There have been fears that if the bid was successful then either the Racecourse Ground or Wrexham’s training ground, Collier Park, could be sold. But in an official statement from Wrexham AFC, Mr Harris said he would ensure that the assets were retained by the club, for the club.

Mr Poole has been banned from the Department of Trade and Industry from acting as a director of a business, but Mr Harris said the issues surrounding the ban had been technical.

He said: “I contacted Colin some weeks ago when it became clear that the club was in serious financial difficulties. He said he would be happy to help and despite some of the nasty personal comments made by ill-informed individuals he remains committed to helping me and the club move forward.”

Manager Dean Saunders said he hoped that the fans and community would get behind the club.

“I have met with Jon Harris and Colin Poole and am convinced that the club is in safe hands. They are both very experienced and have a good understanding of football and what it takes to run a successful club,” he said.