Given the club rhetoric, long-suffering Blues fans could be forgiven for having entered this campaign with a sense of optimism, one that if it existed before, has since been severely diluted. The protracted 'takeover' (coup d'etat?) by local financial monolith and the self-proclaimed philanthropist (in terms of portraying himself as the only solution, the saviour, the bloke doing us a favour) Steve Hayes finally went through, halting manager Peter Taylor's advances in the transfer market. Supposedly this was going to usher in a new era of prosperity and limitless ambition with the Championship and the promise of a shiny new identikit stadium to house Wanderers and current tenants, the successful rugby union side, London Wasps. This sporting union would surely lay the foundations for an unstoppable enterprise that would ensure High Wycombe becomes the envy of the Home Counties. First, let us get on with the nasty business of dispatching with fallen giants Leeds, Charlton and Southampton then we can concentrate on the important task of plotting the downfall of the European greats.
Of course, things never do quite work out as those intended had hoped and after the 'bail out' was voted on, the bitterness and division amongst the fan base lingered and events on the pitch so far this season have done little to lift the cynicism. Languishing in the relegation zone with problems conceding goals and scoring them, the recipe for success is missing key ingredients including the notable absence of Tommy Doherty, struggling with injury and unable to participate in his own indomitable manner.
The opening day brought a courageous 3-2 defeat away at much fancied Charlton, a game and result which appeared to boost morale rather than dampen spirits. Even a subsequent defeat to Leeds was dismissed as par for the course in what was already regarded as a difficult beginning to the season. A point at home to a slick Southend side was given a mixed response. Whilst it was nice of the visitors to afford Wycombe their first notch on the league scoreboard, the manner in which Southend outclassed the Blues suggested that points were going to be exceedingly difficult to come by unless the team proved that they too have the ability to compete in the third tier. A 5—2 mauling at Norwich did little to prove doubters wrong and the critics were already starting to dissect the team's notable weaknesses. A home win against Bristol Rovers provided a brief respite as did a valuable away point at Hartlepool however the latest result, a 1-0 defeat at home to rivals MK Dons in the faux Bucks derby leaves Wanderers rooted near the bottom of the table and looking increasingly devoid of ideas.
The aforementioned Tommy Doherty's midfield presence is paradoxically essential to ensuring a better chance of success. The skill and graft he exerts on proceedings is often offset by a formidable temper that is also capable of contributing to the team's downfall in matches. Peter Taylor is also presented with a front line dilemma. At the other end, although the inclusion of ex-Chelsea and Stoke man Michael Dubbery has shored up the defence, putting the ball in the opposition net has proved difficult and the manager's selections have not always met with approval. Jon Paul-Pittman would do well to take note of Jermaine Defoe and remain a persistent goal scorer coming off the bench to perhaps one day merit a chance from the start. Matt Harrold is doing his best targetman impression however despite a goal against former club Southend, he has looked lacklustre in leading the line however the tactic employed of knocking the ball over his head cannot help. Meanwhile Stuart Beavon waits eagerly for an extended chance in the first -team, one that he may be afforded following his goal against Hartlepool.
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