Wrexham slumped 3-0 to Blackpool last week, a result which virtually sealed the Dragons' fate.

The season began with Brian Flynn's departure

With just three games to play, it is still mathematically possible for the team to earn a maximum of nine points and ensure safety.

But even the club's managing director, David Rhodes, has accepted that relegation is almost inevitable.

Dropping down a division will do nothing to help the club's worsening financial problems, which have been compounded by the recent crisis at ITV Digital, said Mr Rhodes.

"It could mean through our Football League and TV income a loss of about �100,000 next season."

We've got to be realistic - it's going to require a minor miracle to stay up

David Davies, Wrexham fan

But Mr Rhodes dismissed speculation that Wrexham could follow the likes of Bury and Crystal Palace into financial crisis.

"We'll keep going somehow, we'll just have to cut our cloth accordingly.

"We're disbanding our academy and reverting to a centre of excellence, which will save around �200,000-300,000 a season."

Denis Smith took over as manager of the club last autumn, after Brian Flynn left the club.

Dave Davies, who has been a loyal Wrexham fan for 50 years, said he has seen the club through bad times and good, including the side's golden spell during the 1970s.

"Players like Billy Ashcroft, Mickey Thomas and Joey Jones all came through as youngsters and did well.

The club's fortunes have declined

"But with football clubs, you get your ups and downs. I've seen four promotion teams, and almost as many relegation sides and that's what we're facing isn't it.

"Well, I think we've got to be realistic - it's going to require a minor miracle to stay up. It makes me sad - it's depressing watching your team lose."

The town recently lost out on coveted Golden Jubilee city status to Newport in the south, meaning potential economic spin-offs for the town have been lost.

Club takeover

The town's MP, Ian Lucas, said relegation of the football club would be another blow.

The players spent the week at the club's training ground at Colliers Park, trying to put thoughts of relegation behind them.

Wrexham could be buoyed by the expected announcement of a fresh hand at the club's helm, with a new owner due to take over the business in the next month.

It is believed the mystery figure behind the deal is former Chester City owner Mark Guterman.

The takeover has come about following the decision by chairman Pryce Griffiths sell his 78% majority shareholding in the club.