Wrexham to give Kevin Wilkin FA Cup money to spend on players

Wrexham manager Kevin Wilkin used to be in charge of Nuneaton Town

Wrexham manager Kevin Wilkin will be given some of the money raised from their FA Cup run to spend on players.

The Welsh club, who beat Maidstone 3-1 in round two, are one of eight non-league sides still in the competition.

They play Premier League Stoke City away in the third round and are expected to make thousands of pounds.

When asked if any of the money would be used to strengthen the squad, Dragons chief executive Don Bircham said: "Without a shadow of a doubt, yes."

He added: "Once it becomes clear what it's [the tie] going to generate, Barry Horne [football operations director] will speak to Kevin [Wilkin] about that and how both of them want to see it invested."

Wrexham who are currently 12th in the Conference have not made it to this stage of the FA Cup since losing on penalties to Brighton in a replay in 2012.

Wilkin's side will travel to play the Potters between 3 and 6 January 2015 and Bircham says the club are "delighted" with the draw.

"It ticks all the boxes," said Bircham.

"Outside the big four, to have a north-west based team in the Premier League would have been the next best option, so we are delighted with that.

"We budget in a very sensible manner. Our ultimate objective is to balance the books and to get back into the League.

"Anything we get from the cup is a very welcome windfall."

Due to the Welsh club's progress in the FA Cup, their New Year's Day [1 January] game against Southport and match against Gateshead on 4 January will both be postponed.