Denis Smith is eager for Wrexham's new owners to be confirmed

A consortium headed by Neville Dickens exchanged contracts on Friday night with administrators Begbies Traynor.

"The situation has been difficult to handle, but what it has done is drawn the fans and kept the playing staff all together," Smith said.

"We're hoping that Nev gets it, they've been in talks constantly for the past few months and it's all very positive."

While recognising that the sale must be agreed by share holders and creditors, which include former owner Alex Hamilton, Smith says it is another big step.

Wrexham FC went into administration in 2004 with �4m debts and were deducted 10 points under Football League rules, which saw them relegated to League Two.

But a club that remains in administration for more than 18 months risks being expelled from the League, with Wrexham's deadline due on 3 June.

"Obviously there are still potential problems, but we've taken another step forward," Smith added.

On the pitch things have been better, although Wrexham's 1-1 draw with Oxford United on Saturday ensured that it was mathematically impossible for the Dragons to reach the play-offs.