Administrators running Wrexham FC have begun High Court action against club owner, property developer Alex Hamilton, over ownership of the club's Racecourse ground.
David Acland and Steve Williams yesterday served a writ against Crucialmove Ltd - one of Mr Hamilton's companies - which owns the stadium.
Hamilton acquired the freehold to the ground three years ago in a deal which has been described as underhand by some, and was the focus of a documentary on BBC Wales.
In a statement issued last night Mr Acland and Mr Williams said:
"You will be aware from previous announcements that we have, since the date of our appointment, been actively seeking a consensual sale of the club's assets, to include the Racecourse Ground.
"In the absence of such a sale, proceedings were issued in the High Court of Justice,
"These proceedings seek an order from the court that the legal and beneficial ownership of the freehold to the Racecourse Ground be vested in the club. Crucialmove now have 28 days to submit and serve their defence to the proceedings if considered appropriate.
"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."
Before June 2002 the ground was owned by Birmingham-based Wolverhampton & Dudley Brewery, with Wrexham having a 125-year lease on the Racecourse
On June 15 that year the freehold was transferred to Wrexham AFC for £300,000 and later the same day it was sold on to Damens Ltd (another of Hamilton's companies) for anominal sum. Crucialmove Ltd now owns the ground.
Unsurprisingly Hamilton has not yet made comment on the administrators decision to take him to court.
Lindsay Jones of Wrexham Supporters' Trust welcomed the move: "I'm absolutely delighted," he said.
"But it's ridiculous the situation has had to come to this. I just wish Mr Hamilton would see sense and do a deal sooner rather than later."
Acland and Williams also confirmed Wirral businessman and former Everton director Cliff Finch has joined Neville Dickens and Geoff Moss on a steering committee set up to run the club on their behalf.
They added: "One of the first tasks facing the committee is the issue 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."