Staff look forward to big day out

The cash-strapped club takes on Southend United at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Sunday.

Administrators, called in four months ago, said the final has made "a huge difference" to its finances.

Money made will be used to continue trading at the club and pay staff wages.

The clubs have sold 32,000 tickets between them so far.

David Acland from administrators Begbies Traynor said the cup run will make in "excess of �250,000 and less than �500,000".

I'm hoping to go down to the final Paul Burrell

On Friday, both Wrexham and their opponents Southend United reported that they had sold around 16,000 tickets each.

The club said that tickets would also be on sale in Cardiff on Sunday.

A local travel agency, which is the club's main sponsor, has also sold tickets to help the club overcome its financial restrictions.

"The club is in administration and can only take cash and cheque payments, so we've helped by taking credit card payments from those fans who don't live in the area," said Don Bircham, director of Just Go.

"We've sold tickets to supporters living in Scotland, south Wales and all over England."

More than 40 coaches will leave Wrexham at the weekend, as well as two special trains. Among those at the stadium will be Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, whose son Darren is Wrexham's captain.

"He'll be there - all the family will," said Ferguson.

He admitted that as the club battles the possibility of being relegated, the cup final has been a slight "distraction".

Skipper Darren Ferguson says it's a big game for everyone

"It's a big game for everyone, especially the younger players," he said.

"It's a massive stadium, everyone at the club and all the fans are looking forward to it. Because of the season we've had, I think we'll get a lot of support from the general public," he added.

Former royal butler and lifelong Wrexham fan Paul Burrell is also hoping to make the final, which will also be shown live on Sky television.

"I'm hoping to go down to the final," he said.

"I think it's very sad what's happened to the football club....the football club in its own way is the heart of the community and people take their children there, it's a very important facility," he added.

Glad of a seat at the stadium will be fans Wayne Price and Stuart Smith, who have spent the last week walking the 150-miles to Cardiff.

By Friday, they had reached Pontypridd.

"We hope to arrive in Cardiff tomorrow," said Mr Price

"I'm overwhelmed with the generosity of the Welsh."

Money raised along the way will be donated to Wrexham Supporters' Trust and Wrexham hospice, Nightingale House.