I should have perhaps explained the nature of the challenge in a more lucid way in my previous blog. Just to recap, on the weekend of the Champions League final, I bet £25 of my own hard-earned money and recouped £22.50. In other words, I didn't break even.
I want that £2.50 back and fast. So, I've deposited another £10 in my account with the hope of winning at least £12.50 to cover my previous losses.
I am, however, a betting coward. My strategy thus far has seen very mixed results. I've played safe options, betting 20p here and there to win 6p back and it hasn't been getting me any nearer to my goal.
Last night, I did enjoy some creditable success. Rather than bet on match-winners, I've taken to gambling on the number of goals and whether there will be under or over a certain amount.
The dull Argentinian Primera Division served me well with my prediction that Argentinos Juniors and Estudiantes would conjure less than two goals at 2/1 pulling in £3. I'd also plumped for a goal-fest between Jamaica and Grenada and should have been less conservative than to say there may only be more a guaranteed two goals scored.
This morning, before today's bets were placed, I was edging back towards the original £10 outlay. Here's hoping there's at least one goal in the game between Japan and the Czech Republic and two between Australia and Serbia and the Faroe Islands and Estonia.
Current Balance-£6.53
Follow me on Twitter @williwycombe for live updates and send me your tips to help me reach my target!
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Friday, 3 June 2011
WilliWycombe's Willy Hill £10 Challenge: The Beginning of the End
OK, I'll keep this as brief as possible. Last Saturday, to celebrate a rendevous with some old friends and the Champions League final between Manchester United and Barcelona, I opened an online betting account (the clue is in the title with regards to the company I've sold my soul to).
Over the course of the weekend I'd deposited £25 and through a series of bets involving the aforementioned game and the League One play-off final, I'd managed to recoup £22.50.
So I'm £2.50 down and anxious to claw it back. I must have mug tattooed on my forehead as they probably say in a Guy Ritchie film.
I don't need to elaborate at this point but I have pretty average luck as a punter. But I'm cheesed off. I want that £2.50. Bad.
I've deposited a further £10 with the aim of reaching an account balance of £12.50 to get back my second load and the remaining precious funds to 'break even'. I'm eager to beat the bookie.
My challenge started off yesterday (today?) with mixed results. The Miami Heat spunked a 15-point lead to hand the second game of their NBA Eastern Conference Finals series to their revitalised opponents, the Dallas Mavericks.
Thankfully, Argentina's Velez Sarsfield got me back on track with a narrow 2-1 win over Uruguayan side Penarol, who went through on away goals to the Copa Libertadores final.
Cue the Epsom Derby and Euro 2012 qualifying. I've plumped for Recital with an each-way bet at 5/1. The poor bugger doesn't even know who his rider will be as jockey Kieron Fallon awaits the outcome of an appeal hearing brought by owner Ibrahim Araci who claims the Irishman had already agreed to ride his horse, Native Khan, in the showpiece race. The decision is expected to be announced at around 9am tomorrow.
Anyhoo, this evening Italy, Germany (just!) and in-play bets on Liechtenstein (albeit at 2-0 up), and a Croatia turnaround conjoured valuable winnings. Alas, nervy in-play stabs at Lithuania, Georgia and Austria to snatch draws offset my success.
I've stuck 30p on LA Galaxy to do the business against DC United early tomorrow morning (UK time), Montenegro to beat Bulgaria and for both teams NOT to score in the England v Switzerland game. The latter has me slightly anxious as the Swiss may go all-out at Wembley to salvage something from their qualifying campaign.
Follow me in my quest to reach the magic £12.50 mark and feel free to leave any tips you think I might find helpful!
Twitter: @williwycombe
Current balance: £6.64
Over the course of the weekend I'd deposited £25 and through a series of bets involving the aforementioned game and the League One play-off final, I'd managed to recoup £22.50.
So I'm £2.50 down and anxious to claw it back. I must have mug tattooed on my forehead as they probably say in a Guy Ritchie film.
I don't need to elaborate at this point but I have pretty average luck as a punter. But I'm cheesed off. I want that £2.50. Bad.
I've deposited a further £10 with the aim of reaching an account balance of £12.50 to get back my second load and the remaining precious funds to 'break even'. I'm eager to beat the bookie.
My challenge started off yesterday (today?) with mixed results. The Miami Heat spunked a 15-point lead to hand the second game of their NBA Eastern Conference Finals series to their revitalised opponents, the Dallas Mavericks.
Thankfully, Argentina's Velez Sarsfield got me back on track with a narrow 2-1 win over Uruguayan side Penarol, who went through on away goals to the Copa Libertadores final.
Cue the Epsom Derby and Euro 2012 qualifying. I've plumped for Recital with an each-way bet at 5/1. The poor bugger doesn't even know who his rider will be as jockey Kieron Fallon awaits the outcome of an appeal hearing brought by owner Ibrahim Araci who claims the Irishman had already agreed to ride his horse, Native Khan, in the showpiece race. The decision is expected to be announced at around 9am tomorrow.
Anyhoo, this evening Italy, Germany (just!) and in-play bets on Liechtenstein (albeit at 2-0 up), and a Croatia turnaround conjoured valuable winnings. Alas, nervy in-play stabs at Lithuania, Georgia and Austria to snatch draws offset my success.
I've stuck 30p on LA Galaxy to do the business against DC United early tomorrow morning (UK time), Montenegro to beat Bulgaria and for both teams NOT to score in the England v Switzerland game. The latter has me slightly anxious as the Swiss may go all-out at Wembley to salvage something from their qualifying campaign.
Follow me in my quest to reach the magic £12.50 mark and feel free to leave any tips you think I might find helpful!
Twitter: @williwycombe
Current balance: £6.64
Monday, 18 April 2011
And then there were four...
Two weeks, two successive recoveries from two goal deficits and Wycombe Wanderers continue to desperately cling to the one remaining automatic promotion place in npower League Two.
Arguably, the Blues' ability to rescue themselves from seemingly hopeless positions displays encouraging resolve however the trite obviousness of the necessity to claim as many of the twelve remaining points available, beginning with the Good Friday trip to promotion rivals Torquay United, is apparent.
Whilst Wycombe have remained defiant in their quest to secure a quick-fire return to League One, familar signs of the end of season implosions that have featured throughout the past decade raise tangible fears of anti-climatic misfortune.
In evaluating the final four fixtures of the season, Arm Chairs & Deck Chairs reflects on a few of the comparable run-ins from recent years where success and failure at the telling denouement have manifested themselves in differing ways.
1998/1999: (Notts County, Blackpool, Wigan Athletic, Lincoln City)
The merits and subsequent deteoriation of Lawrie Sanchez's tenure as Wycombe manager have been much discussed recently following comments made by attendees at a club dinner to commemorate the heroic FA Cup run that culminated in the semi-final against Liverpool.
Sanchez's personal skills may have been scrutinised as the team he inherited and built upon became stale at the turn of the new century however most Wycombe Wanderers historians now seem to prefer the revisionist approach to assessing the Northern Irishman's time at the helm.
Hired to replace Neil Smillie during the 1998/1999 campaign, Sanchez's Wycombe adventure began with one of its finest hours as he helped to save the club from
relegation to the former 'Division Three'.
With only two defeats in the final eleven games of the season, one of those a dispiriting 1-0 reverse at Meadow Lane to Notts County, the Wanderers embarked upon the 'Great Escape' and they would enjoy another five seasons in the third tier of English football before falling down the ladder in 2004.
Losing in Nottingham meant that defeating Blackpool at Adams Park appeared even more imperative. One of Sanchez's most astute purchases was striker Sean Devine, who had initially joined on-loan from Barnet. He netted his seventh goal since his arrival a few months previously as Wycombe twice took the lead before the visitors claimed a point, meaning that the Chairboy's fate was no longer in their own hands.
Contained within similar tales of triumph over adversity, there are quirks of fate that aid the victorious party. It was perhaps fortunate that when Wigan Athletic made the long trip south to Buckinghamshire for the penultimate game of the season, they had played six games in two weeks in their own pursuit of glory, namely achieving play-off qualification.
As the visitors threatened to extinguish Wycombe's survival hopes with a Simon Hawarth opener, two heroes of the battle to beat the drop combined to ensure that the Chairboys could at least attempt to look forward to the pivotal trip to Sincil Bank to meet Lincoln City for a relegation decider as the Latics tired.
A Sean Devine effort and a first Wycombe goal for striker Paul Emblen, a £60,000 signing from Charlton Athletic, completed the home side's comeback.
Merely three days later, 2,643 Blues fans travelled north to witness the ushering in of a new era of hope following a period of stagnation post-Martin O'Neill.
The aforementioned Emblen sent a looping header into the top of the Lincoln net with just seven minutes left to send the Blue hoardes wild with delight. The 1-0 victory completed an incredible final four games for Wycombe, a microcosm of a season full of emotions encapsulated by defeat and just enough success to stay above the condemned.
2002/2003: (Cheltenham Town, Port Vale, Colchester United, Plymouth Argyle)
If the culmination to the 1998/99 season represented the re-birth of Wycombe's Football League ambitions then the manner in which the 2002/2003 campaign crawled to a disappointing finale surely achieved the opposite.
It has been described as 'one of the worst seasons' in living memory, a turgid campaign characterised by a lack of fluidity in Wycombe's play and an outmoded focus on strength over technical ability. The winds of change that were sweeping through the club as Lawrie Sanchez approached his personal endgame are perfectly evinced by this quartet of harrowing encounters.
In the dewey-eyed haze of the FA Cup run, Wycombe had made a credible charge for the play-offs during the first-half of the 2001/2002 season however a traumatic 4-1 home defeat to Blackpool on a drizzly Tuesday night put paid to any legitimate hopes of promotion.
That evening is widely regarded as a watershed moment in Wycombe's recent history and that of Sanchez's reign.
Where Wycombe had previously dispatched of most visitors to Adams Park, the fortress was now far less impregnable. Memorable scalps of the 'giants' of the division were replaced by ignominous defeats where the strength of the squad was questioned.
Although still full of endeavour, the notable victories of the previous season, such as those over Stoke City and Wigan Athletic, were replaced by a 4-0 hammering against a rampant Cardiff City side and even a disastrous 4-1 collapse at home to Stockport County having taken a 1-0 lead in the 65th minute.
A 1-1 draw against Cheltenham Town at Adams Park, who would eventually fall to the Football League's basement division, effectively secured Wycombe's place amongst the twenty-four sides in Division Two for at least another year.
The depressing nature of the contest lives long in the memory. The Gloucestershire side deservedly equalised one minute from time through the diminutive journeyman, Tony Naylor, to cancel out Steve Brown's opener from the penalty spot.
This encounter was a 90-minute summation of the ineffective, dreary percentage football that the Blues had resorted to. Although Cheltenham's attempts to avoid relegation were ultimately in vain, they travelled to Buckinghamshire full of purpose and were it not for the woeful finishing of Damien Spencer and Kayode Odejayi in front of a disbelieving Valley End, they could have emerged comfortable victors.
The erstwhile squad were fading with left-back Chris Vinnicombe in particular, often regarded as the team's 'Mr Consistent', suffering at the feet of Port Vale on the Easter Monday.
The Blues earned a point from Vale Park courtesy of a headed goal from maligned striker, Richard Harris, whose ability to dispatch rocket-like long-throws into the opposition penalty area became symbolic with the team's desperate malaise.
If the Chairboys faithful were hoping for some end of season cheer at home to old rivals, Colchester United, there was more disappointment.
The U's could have left with more than just one point following a drab 0-0 draw however Kemal Izzet's header smacked back off the crossbar. Wycombe could only fire tame efforts towards the Essex side's goal as the season continued to peter out.
By the time Wycombe meekly finished the 46th league game of a forgettable season with defeat to Plymouth Argyle, most were past caring.
2008/2009: (Aldershot Town, Luton Town, Port Vale, Notts County)
As divided as opinion remains on the 'wow factor' of only the second Football League promotion that the Wanderers have achieved, it's worth mentioning that Taylor's charges only lost once in the final four games of this particular season.
It could be argued that the opposition in question had less to play for than those in upcoming fixtures, however Taylor's Blues did just about enough to win a place in League One despite a last-day setback.
Current Wanderers incumbent Gary Waddock and his former employers, Aldershot Town, were enjoying their first season back in the Football League since their resignation in 1992. The Hampshire club had the worst away record in the division and probably travelled to Adams Park on Saturday 18th April 2009 with more hope than expectation, as the Wanderers ran out 3-0 winners.
There was still immense pressure on the Blues to not falter at the final hurdle and as yours truly anxiously huddled around a laptop, whilst frantically clicking the refresh button from the comfort of an undisclosed Dorset location, history was being made.
John Akinde, an explosive loan signing from Bristol City, had breathed fresh life into a season where Peter Taylor's model of efficiency had at times failed to tighten its grip on claiming all three points when called upon.
The Nigerian striker's 56th minute winner at Kenilworth Road against Luton Town ensured a 1-0 victory that seemed to draw the Wanderers tantalisingly close to a return to the third tier following a five year absence.
A win in the following game against Port Vale would have sent the 1,000 travelling Blues contingent into raptures and sealed automatic promotion however Wycombe could only escape with a point after Lee Sawyer's late equaliser.
Requiring only a draw from their final game at Adams Park against Notts County, a team who had in the past been home cannon fodder, Wycombe performed the inevitable and slipped to a 2-1 defeat.
A Football League record attendance of 9,625 fell into deadly silence following the away side's 90th minute winner before news finally filtered through that the Blues had prevailed by the narrowest of margins, a superior goal difference of just one.
The repercussions of the half-hearted pitch invasion that ensued were deemed by some to be more noteworthy than the nature of the promotion itself.
As the Blues prepare to face fierce promotion rivals Torquay United and Bury, sandwiched between equally as crucial games against Crewe Alexandra and Southend United, it will take another herculean effort to persevere.
Seventy-eight points in 2009 were barely enough to start the party. You get the feeling it will take at least that total and perhaps a couple more to raise the roof two years on.
Peter Taylor's side left their slip-up to the final day. Gary Waddock's version of Oxford and Cambridge blue might not even have that luxury.
Arguably, the Blues' ability to rescue themselves from seemingly hopeless positions displays encouraging resolve however the trite obviousness of the necessity to claim as many of the twelve remaining points available, beginning with the Good Friday trip to promotion rivals Torquay United, is apparent.
Whilst Wycombe have remained defiant in their quest to secure a quick-fire return to League One, familar signs of the end of season implosions that have featured throughout the past decade raise tangible fears of anti-climatic misfortune.
In evaluating the final four fixtures of the season, Arm Chairs & Deck Chairs reflects on a few of the comparable run-ins from recent years where success and failure at the telling denouement have manifested themselves in differing ways.
1998/1999: (Notts County, Blackpool, Wigan Athletic, Lincoln City)
The merits and subsequent deteoriation of Lawrie Sanchez's tenure as Wycombe manager have been much discussed recently following comments made by attendees at a club dinner to commemorate the heroic FA Cup run that culminated in the semi-final against Liverpool.
Sanchez's personal skills may have been scrutinised as the team he inherited and built upon became stale at the turn of the new century however most Wycombe Wanderers historians now seem to prefer the revisionist approach to assessing the Northern Irishman's time at the helm.
Hired to replace Neil Smillie during the 1998/1999 campaign, Sanchez's Wycombe adventure began with one of its finest hours as he helped to save the club from
relegation to the former 'Division Three'.
With only two defeats in the final eleven games of the season, one of those a dispiriting 1-0 reverse at Meadow Lane to Notts County, the Wanderers embarked upon the 'Great Escape' and they would enjoy another five seasons in the third tier of English football before falling down the ladder in 2004.
Losing in Nottingham meant that defeating Blackpool at Adams Park appeared even more imperative. One of Sanchez's most astute purchases was striker Sean Devine, who had initially joined on-loan from Barnet. He netted his seventh goal since his arrival a few months previously as Wycombe twice took the lead before the visitors claimed a point, meaning that the Chairboy's fate was no longer in their own hands.
Contained within similar tales of triumph over adversity, there are quirks of fate that aid the victorious party. It was perhaps fortunate that when Wigan Athletic made the long trip south to Buckinghamshire for the penultimate game of the season, they had played six games in two weeks in their own pursuit of glory, namely achieving play-off qualification.
As the visitors threatened to extinguish Wycombe's survival hopes with a Simon Hawarth opener, two heroes of the battle to beat the drop combined to ensure that the Chairboys could at least attempt to look forward to the pivotal trip to Sincil Bank to meet Lincoln City for a relegation decider as the Latics tired.
A Sean Devine effort and a first Wycombe goal for striker Paul Emblen, a £60,000 signing from Charlton Athletic, completed the home side's comeback.
Merely three days later, 2,643 Blues fans travelled north to witness the ushering in of a new era of hope following a period of stagnation post-Martin O'Neill.
The aforementioned Emblen sent a looping header into the top of the Lincoln net with just seven minutes left to send the Blue hoardes wild with delight. The 1-0 victory completed an incredible final four games for Wycombe, a microcosm of a season full of emotions encapsulated by defeat and just enough success to stay above the condemned.
2002/2003: (Cheltenham Town, Port Vale, Colchester United, Plymouth Argyle)
If the culmination to the 1998/99 season represented the re-birth of Wycombe's Football League ambitions then the manner in which the 2002/2003 campaign crawled to a disappointing finale surely achieved the opposite.
It has been described as 'one of the worst seasons' in living memory, a turgid campaign characterised by a lack of fluidity in Wycombe's play and an outmoded focus on strength over technical ability. The winds of change that were sweeping through the club as Lawrie Sanchez approached his personal endgame are perfectly evinced by this quartet of harrowing encounters.
In the dewey-eyed haze of the FA Cup run, Wycombe had made a credible charge for the play-offs during the first-half of the 2001/2002 season however a traumatic 4-1 home defeat to Blackpool on a drizzly Tuesday night put paid to any legitimate hopes of promotion.
That evening is widely regarded as a watershed moment in Wycombe's recent history and that of Sanchez's reign.
Where Wycombe had previously dispatched of most visitors to Adams Park, the fortress was now far less impregnable. Memorable scalps of the 'giants' of the division were replaced by ignominous defeats where the strength of the squad was questioned.
Although still full of endeavour, the notable victories of the previous season, such as those over Stoke City and Wigan Athletic, were replaced by a 4-0 hammering against a rampant Cardiff City side and even a disastrous 4-1 collapse at home to Stockport County having taken a 1-0 lead in the 65th minute.
A 1-1 draw against Cheltenham Town at Adams Park, who would eventually fall to the Football League's basement division, effectively secured Wycombe's place amongst the twenty-four sides in Division Two for at least another year.
The depressing nature of the contest lives long in the memory. The Gloucestershire side deservedly equalised one minute from time through the diminutive journeyman, Tony Naylor, to cancel out Steve Brown's opener from the penalty spot.
This encounter was a 90-minute summation of the ineffective, dreary percentage football that the Blues had resorted to. Although Cheltenham's attempts to avoid relegation were ultimately in vain, they travelled to Buckinghamshire full of purpose and were it not for the woeful finishing of Damien Spencer and Kayode Odejayi in front of a disbelieving Valley End, they could have emerged comfortable victors.
The erstwhile squad were fading with left-back Chris Vinnicombe in particular, often regarded as the team's 'Mr Consistent', suffering at the feet of Port Vale on the Easter Monday.
The Blues earned a point from Vale Park courtesy of a headed goal from maligned striker, Richard Harris, whose ability to dispatch rocket-like long-throws into the opposition penalty area became symbolic with the team's desperate malaise.
If the Chairboys faithful were hoping for some end of season cheer at home to old rivals, Colchester United, there was more disappointment.
The U's could have left with more than just one point following a drab 0-0 draw however Kemal Izzet's header smacked back off the crossbar. Wycombe could only fire tame efforts towards the Essex side's goal as the season continued to peter out.
By the time Wycombe meekly finished the 46th league game of a forgettable season with defeat to Plymouth Argyle, most were past caring.
2008/2009: (Aldershot Town, Luton Town, Port Vale, Notts County)
As divided as opinion remains on the 'wow factor' of only the second Football League promotion that the Wanderers have achieved, it's worth mentioning that Taylor's charges only lost once in the final four games of this particular season.
It could be argued that the opposition in question had less to play for than those in upcoming fixtures, however Taylor's Blues did just about enough to win a place in League One despite a last-day setback.
Current Wanderers incumbent Gary Waddock and his former employers, Aldershot Town, were enjoying their first season back in the Football League since their resignation in 1992. The Hampshire club had the worst away record in the division and probably travelled to Adams Park on Saturday 18th April 2009 with more hope than expectation, as the Wanderers ran out 3-0 winners.
There was still immense pressure on the Blues to not falter at the final hurdle and as yours truly anxiously huddled around a laptop, whilst frantically clicking the refresh button from the comfort of an undisclosed Dorset location, history was being made.
John Akinde, an explosive loan signing from Bristol City, had breathed fresh life into a season where Peter Taylor's model of efficiency had at times failed to tighten its grip on claiming all three points when called upon.
The Nigerian striker's 56th minute winner at Kenilworth Road against Luton Town ensured a 1-0 victory that seemed to draw the Wanderers tantalisingly close to a return to the third tier following a five year absence.
A win in the following game against Port Vale would have sent the 1,000 travelling Blues contingent into raptures and sealed automatic promotion however Wycombe could only escape with a point after Lee Sawyer's late equaliser.
Requiring only a draw from their final game at Adams Park against Notts County, a team who had in the past been home cannon fodder, Wycombe performed the inevitable and slipped to a 2-1 defeat.
A Football League record attendance of 9,625 fell into deadly silence following the away side's 90th minute winner before news finally filtered through that the Blues had prevailed by the narrowest of margins, a superior goal difference of just one.
The repercussions of the half-hearted pitch invasion that ensued were deemed by some to be more noteworthy than the nature of the promotion itself.
As the Blues prepare to face fierce promotion rivals Torquay United and Bury, sandwiched between equally as crucial games against Crewe Alexandra and Southend United, it will take another herculean effort to persevere.
Seventy-eight points in 2009 were barely enough to start the party. You get the feeling it will take at least that total and perhaps a couple more to raise the roof two years on.
Peter Taylor's side left their slip-up to the final day. Gary Waddock's version of Oxford and Cambridge blue might not even have that luxury.
Sunday, 3 October 2010
Wycombe Enter the Dark Season Seeing the Light
As darkness falls and sometimes even the ball changes colour, Wycombe Wanderers enter the winter months illuminated by consecutive victories.
It has been the week manager Gary Waddock's players had been hoping for. The potential of the squad has finally shone through following an indifferent start to the season.
If the midweek 4-2 victory against a poor Barnet side served to reinvigorate the Wanderers camp, Saturday afternoon's 2-0 success at the newly named Stevenage FC represented an indicator of the team's tangible intentions. The short trip to Hertfordshire was a litmus test which could shape the future direction of both clubs, for this season at least.
Stevenage began the day two places above Wycombe however by the final whistle; it was the Chairboys who had usurped the hosts to climb into the final play-off position.
In truth, the Blues had made the game safe by half-time with a relatively comfortable margin. Kevin Betsy's header at the far post following a cross from Gareth Ainsworth opened the scoring with Stuart Beavon's converted rebound in reaction to the tireless Ainsworth's initial shot just before the break securing the three points.
The aforementioned 'Beaver', Stuart Beavon, received a standing ovation from the away contingent when replaced by Scott Rendell with six minutes remaining. He epitomised Wycombe's approach, defending from the front and displaying touches of class. The Blues were resolute in defence, swiftly switching to attack with a refreshing diversity of play.
Stevenage were mainly restricted to hopeful balls into the box, although the complexion of the game could have been changed had Jon Ashton converted and steered his header on target with Nikki Bull's goal gaping with around twenty minutes remaining. On the balance of play though, the home side displayed enough to be comfortable towards the upper echelons of League Two.
Wycombe striker Ben Strevens tried desperately hard to get on the scoresheet only to be thwarted by a smart reaction save down low from goalkeeper Chris Day.
Scott Davies, Wycombe's enfant terrible after a frustrating start to his second spell with the club and supposed online reaction (dissatisfaction) to being benched against Barnet was introduced late on.
Like Strevens, he was eager to impress. At times his attempted link-up play was overcooked and too intricate although a few smart switches of play aimed at the industrious Betsy re-affirmed his ability, even if there are unanswered questions about his temperament.
The Stevenage fans were silenced, partially by the travelling Wycombe faithful's mimicry of their 'ultra' style chanting and by their side's inability to penetrate their opposition. Wycombe fans were even treated to a fairly original rendition of 'Twist and Shout', perhaps a welcome addition to the terrace songbook.
The overarching cloud that encompasses the new stadium debate has not dissipated however on the pitch if this momentum can be sustained, there could be plenty more to twist and shout about come the end of the season.
It has been the week manager Gary Waddock's players had been hoping for. The potential of the squad has finally shone through following an indifferent start to the season.
If the midweek 4-2 victory against a poor Barnet side served to reinvigorate the Wanderers camp, Saturday afternoon's 2-0 success at the newly named Stevenage FC represented an indicator of the team's tangible intentions. The short trip to Hertfordshire was a litmus test which could shape the future direction of both clubs, for this season at least.
Stevenage began the day two places above Wycombe however by the final whistle; it was the Chairboys who had usurped the hosts to climb into the final play-off position.
In truth, the Blues had made the game safe by half-time with a relatively comfortable margin. Kevin Betsy's header at the far post following a cross from Gareth Ainsworth opened the scoring with Stuart Beavon's converted rebound in reaction to the tireless Ainsworth's initial shot just before the break securing the three points.
The aforementioned 'Beaver', Stuart Beavon, received a standing ovation from the away contingent when replaced by Scott Rendell with six minutes remaining. He epitomised Wycombe's approach, defending from the front and displaying touches of class. The Blues were resolute in defence, swiftly switching to attack with a refreshing diversity of play.
Stevenage were mainly restricted to hopeful balls into the box, although the complexion of the game could have been changed had Jon Ashton converted and steered his header on target with Nikki Bull's goal gaping with around twenty minutes remaining. On the balance of play though, the home side displayed enough to be comfortable towards the upper echelons of League Two.
Wycombe striker Ben Strevens tried desperately hard to get on the scoresheet only to be thwarted by a smart reaction save down low from goalkeeper Chris Day.
Scott Davies, Wycombe's enfant terrible after a frustrating start to his second spell with the club and supposed online reaction (dissatisfaction) to being benched against Barnet was introduced late on.
Like Strevens, he was eager to impress. At times his attempted link-up play was overcooked and too intricate although a few smart switches of play aimed at the industrious Betsy re-affirmed his ability, even if there are unanswered questions about his temperament.
The Stevenage fans were silenced, partially by the travelling Wycombe faithful's mimicry of their 'ultra' style chanting and by their side's inability to penetrate their opposition. Wycombe fans were even treated to a fairly original rendition of 'Twist and Shout', perhaps a welcome addition to the terrace songbook.
The overarching cloud that encompasses the new stadium debate has not dissipated however on the pitch if this momentum can be sustained, there could be plenty more to twist and shout about come the end of the season.
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Dust Settles Following Wycombe's Relegation Campaign
Willi's Wycombe
Following a dismal 2009/2010 season, where Wycombe Wanderers succumbed to relegation from League One, the dust is beginning to settle ahead of their pre-season preparations. Manager Gary Waddock has already begun the re-building process with numerous out of contract players not being offered new terms.
Unlike the build-up to last season, the management team have acted promptly and decisively to bring in a glut of new faces. Gary Waddock was always keen to mould a side in his own image with new signings cherry-picked from his former club, Aldershot Town, amongst a host of others, coming in.
The flurry of news emanating from Wycombe doesn't merely make reference to changes amongst the playing staff. Local news outlets have also reported on a proposal to lay a plastic pitch at Adams Park.
Wycombe owner Steve Hayes espoused the benefits of a fourth generation artificial pitch back in May, citing examples from rugby, namely the pitch of Guinness Premiership side, Newcastle Falcons. Aside from being advantageous to the playing side, Hayes is convinced switching to an artificial pitch could have commercial benefits too.
He told The Bucks Free Press, “The amount of money it costs to keep a really good pitch is way in excess of £75k a year, and all you can do is play football and rugby on it. With an artificial surface we could be staging all sorts of events – concerts, you name it – every night."
Although should changes be made to the playing surface, the club would have to negotiate some way around Premier League and Football League regulations that forbid surfaces that are not predominantly natural grass. In addition, should the club wish to host non-football events, they would be subject to the agreement of Wycombe District Council.
In the end of season fall-out, Hayes was also quick to publically set his targets for the upcoming campaign, with anything but promotion seen as a professional and financial failure.
"We have to go up next year. Gary knows it and everyone knows it. We don’t want to wait around another year in that division, the aim is to go up automatically and we want to do it in a blaze of glory" he told The Bucks Free Press.
With regards to the playing personnel, there has been a radical shake-up. Kevin Betsy, Alex Revell, Matt Bloomfield, John Mousinho, Adam Hinshelwood and Steve Arnold were all offered new deals with utility man Mousinho deciding to join Stevenage Borough whilst striker Alex Revell has opted to join Leyton Orient instead.
Midfielder cum forward Kevin Betsy has signed a new deal in his second spell with the club and the Blues' longest-serving player, midfielder Matt Bloomfield, has also signed new terms following his resurgence at the end of last season.
Meanwhile those released are Scott Shearer, Joe Cobb, Lewis Hunt, Luke Oliver, Lewwis Spence, Dean Keates, Kevin McLeod and Matt Harrold. First year pro George Daly has also been released without making a First Team appearance and Tom Heaton, Julian Kelly and Alan Bennett have returned to their parent clubs.
Arriving at Adams Park are 28 year-old goalkeeper Nikki Bull from Brentford. Waddock is familiar with Bull with the 'keeper previously playing for Aldershot Town. Central defender Dave Winfield, 22, has also joined from Aldershot.
Wycombe have also swooped to bring in Brentford duo, Danny Foster, 25, and experienced striker, 30 year-old Ben Strevens. Foster is seen as the ideal replacement for the outgoing Lewis Hunt whilst Strevens is a familiar face, having played against Wycombe for Barnet and Dagenham and Redbridge.
Young midfielder, Kieran Murtagh, 21, has signed from Yeovil Town. Murtagh scored against the Wanderers last season and the Blues reportedly fought off competition from a number of clubs to secure his signature.
Replacing former captain Craig Woodman, who has since moved to Brentford, is another signing from Aldershot, left-back, Andy Sandell.
Wycombe have moved to form a potent strike force having struggled for goals last term. Aside from the addition of Strevens, the Blues have brought in striker Scott Rendell from Peterborough United. The 23 year-old failed to secure a starting berth at Posh but has enjoyed some successful loan spells, including last season at Torquay United where he scored 12 goals in 35 League Two games.
Wycombe will begin their pre-season campaign of friendlies barely a few days after this summer's World Cup has finished. The Blues face local outfit Chesham United at The Meadow before facing other non-league sides including Hayes and Yeading and Uxbridge.
Marquee home games include friendlies against Championship side and local rivals, Reading, on Saturday 24 July (kick-off 3pm) and a highly anticipated match against a Chelsea XI on Thursday 29 July (kick-off 7.45pm).
The beginning of the Football League season sees Wycombe open their League Two campaign against Morecambe on Saturday 7 August. The following week the Blues travel up north to meet old sparring partners, Stockport County. The Blues will renew another rivalry with Oxford United arriving at Adams Park on Saturday 21 August.
Refreshingly, Wycombe have moved fast in the transfer market to bolster the squad. There look to be some exciting additions with Ben Strevens, Scott Rendell, Jon Paul-Pittman and Stuart Beavon set to fiercely compete for starting-places up-front.
Willi's Wycombe will be analysing the ins and outs besides looking ahead in earnest to what will be a crucial 2010/2011 season.
Expectations are high as Wycombe seek automatic promotion to avoid more potential play-off heartbreak. Steve Hayes and co. will not tolerate another five seasons in the Football League's bottom tier. The fans will not accept financial meltdown in the pursuit of glory. It's imperative that this precarious balance is achieved.
Following a dismal 2009/2010 season, where Wycombe Wanderers succumbed to relegation from League One, the dust is beginning to settle ahead of their pre-season preparations. Manager Gary Waddock has already begun the re-building process with numerous out of contract players not being offered new terms.
Unlike the build-up to last season, the management team have acted promptly and decisively to bring in a glut of new faces. Gary Waddock was always keen to mould a side in his own image with new signings cherry-picked from his former club, Aldershot Town, amongst a host of others, coming in.
The flurry of news emanating from Wycombe doesn't merely make reference to changes amongst the playing staff. Local news outlets have also reported on a proposal to lay a plastic pitch at Adams Park.
Wycombe owner Steve Hayes espoused the benefits of a fourth generation artificial pitch back in May, citing examples from rugby, namely the pitch of Guinness Premiership side, Newcastle Falcons. Aside from being advantageous to the playing side, Hayes is convinced switching to an artificial pitch could have commercial benefits too.
He told The Bucks Free Press, “The amount of money it costs to keep a really good pitch is way in excess of £75k a year, and all you can do is play football and rugby on it. With an artificial surface we could be staging all sorts of events – concerts, you name it – every night."
Although should changes be made to the playing surface, the club would have to negotiate some way around Premier League and Football League regulations that forbid surfaces that are not predominantly natural grass. In addition, should the club wish to host non-football events, they would be subject to the agreement of Wycombe District Council.
In the end of season fall-out, Hayes was also quick to publically set his targets for the upcoming campaign, with anything but promotion seen as a professional and financial failure.
"We have to go up next year. Gary knows it and everyone knows it. We don’t want to wait around another year in that division, the aim is to go up automatically and we want to do it in a blaze of glory" he told The Bucks Free Press.
With regards to the playing personnel, there has been a radical shake-up. Kevin Betsy, Alex Revell, Matt Bloomfield, John Mousinho, Adam Hinshelwood and Steve Arnold were all offered new deals with utility man Mousinho deciding to join Stevenage Borough whilst striker Alex Revell has opted to join Leyton Orient instead.
Midfielder cum forward Kevin Betsy has signed a new deal in his second spell with the club and the Blues' longest-serving player, midfielder Matt Bloomfield, has also signed new terms following his resurgence at the end of last season.
Meanwhile those released are Scott Shearer, Joe Cobb, Lewis Hunt, Luke Oliver, Lewwis Spence, Dean Keates, Kevin McLeod and Matt Harrold. First year pro George Daly has also been released without making a First Team appearance and Tom Heaton, Julian Kelly and Alan Bennett have returned to their parent clubs.
Arriving at Adams Park are 28 year-old goalkeeper Nikki Bull from Brentford. Waddock is familiar with Bull with the 'keeper previously playing for Aldershot Town. Central defender Dave Winfield, 22, has also joined from Aldershot.
Wycombe have also swooped to bring in Brentford duo, Danny Foster, 25, and experienced striker, 30 year-old Ben Strevens. Foster is seen as the ideal replacement for the outgoing Lewis Hunt whilst Strevens is a familiar face, having played against Wycombe for Barnet and Dagenham and Redbridge.
Young midfielder, Kieran Murtagh, 21, has signed from Yeovil Town. Murtagh scored against the Wanderers last season and the Blues reportedly fought off competition from a number of clubs to secure his signature.
Replacing former captain Craig Woodman, who has since moved to Brentford, is another signing from Aldershot, left-back, Andy Sandell.
Wycombe have moved to form a potent strike force having struggled for goals last term. Aside from the addition of Strevens, the Blues have brought in striker Scott Rendell from Peterborough United. The 23 year-old failed to secure a starting berth at Posh but has enjoyed some successful loan spells, including last season at Torquay United where he scored 12 goals in 35 League Two games.
Wycombe will begin their pre-season campaign of friendlies barely a few days after this summer's World Cup has finished. The Blues face local outfit Chesham United at The Meadow before facing other non-league sides including Hayes and Yeading and Uxbridge.
Marquee home games include friendlies against Championship side and local rivals, Reading, on Saturday 24 July (kick-off 3pm) and a highly anticipated match against a Chelsea XI on Thursday 29 July (kick-off 7.45pm).
The beginning of the Football League season sees Wycombe open their League Two campaign against Morecambe on Saturday 7 August. The following week the Blues travel up north to meet old sparring partners, Stockport County. The Blues will renew another rivalry with Oxford United arriving at Adams Park on Saturday 21 August.
Refreshingly, Wycombe have moved fast in the transfer market to bolster the squad. There look to be some exciting additions with Ben Strevens, Scott Rendell, Jon Paul-Pittman and Stuart Beavon set to fiercely compete for starting-places up-front.
Willi's Wycombe will be analysing the ins and outs besides looking ahead in earnest to what will be a crucial 2010/2011 season.
Expectations are high as Wycombe seek automatic promotion to avoid more potential play-off heartbreak. Steve Hayes and co. will not tolerate another five seasons in the Football League's bottom tier. The fans will not accept financial meltdown in the pursuit of glory. It's imperative that this precarious balance is achieved.
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Wycombe Wanderers Still Living in Hope of the Greatest Escape
Willi's Wycombe
Wycombe Wanderers claimed their first win in nine games last Saturday as they defeated Hartlepool United 2-0 at Adams Park. This was followed on Tuesday night by a trip to the Wirral to face fellow strugglers, Tranmere Rovers. Wycombe secured a rare set of successive victories, thrashing their hosts 3-0.
These two wins, coming at the tail-end of a largely miserable season, have re-ignited faint hopes of what would surely be the greatest of escapes. The Blues remain six points away from Gillingham who occupy the final position of safety however their inferior goal difference would still see them relegated, should that decisive caveat prove a determining factor.
The Blues have been here before. In the depths of winter last December, wins against Millwall, Brentford and Stockport reduced the margin between them and safety to a similar fraction of points. Even as recently as February, following draws against Brentford and Southampton and a second victory against Millwall, fans were plotting the Chairboys' escape route.
Only the dismal month of March appeared to extinguish any chances of survival as the supporters were beginning to bitterly reflect on the problems affecting all aspects of the club.
In truth, March and early April were a time of missed opportunities and a reflection of the disappointing reality that Wycombe were probably not good enough to remain in League One. The haunting spectre of relegation had loomed large throughout a campaign that until Tuesday night, had only seen six successes.
These recent two wins, scoring five goals and earning two clean sheets in the process, could represent a reversal in fortunes. Striker Alex Revell had only claimed one goal since arriving on loan from Southend at the beginning of the year. This was a penalty away at Bristol Rovers in January.
Against Hartlepool, however, he produced a Man of the Match display and scored twice against Tranmere, one a clever chip over a stranded goalkeeper. Matt Bloomfield has also returned to the side and is starting to reproduce the form that made Wycombe's current longest serving player a fans' favourite.
Wycombe manager Gary Waddock has attempted to create an emphasis on exciting, attacking football since his arrival. Speaking about the end of season run-in, he told wwfc.com, "We want to win every game - that's how me and Martin (Kuhl) go about it. We want to be on the front foot and be attack-minded."
Waddock's sentiments have been re-iterated throughout his tenure. Now that their action is combined with the resurgence of the team and individual players, hopefully it won't be a case of 'too little, too late'.
Players and fans alike will be hoping that these omens bode well for a memorable end of season. The fact remains though, only victories against MK Dons, Swindon, Leyton Orient and Gillingham can turn the pipedream of survival into an almost unfathomable reality.
Wycombe Wanderers claimed their first win in nine games last Saturday as they defeated Hartlepool United 2-0 at Adams Park. This was followed on Tuesday night by a trip to the Wirral to face fellow strugglers, Tranmere Rovers. Wycombe secured a rare set of successive victories, thrashing their hosts 3-0.
These two wins, coming at the tail-end of a largely miserable season, have re-ignited faint hopes of what would surely be the greatest of escapes. The Blues remain six points away from Gillingham who occupy the final position of safety however their inferior goal difference would still see them relegated, should that decisive caveat prove a determining factor.
The Blues have been here before. In the depths of winter last December, wins against Millwall, Brentford and Stockport reduced the margin between them and safety to a similar fraction of points. Even as recently as February, following draws against Brentford and Southampton and a second victory against Millwall, fans were plotting the Chairboys' escape route.
Only the dismal month of March appeared to extinguish any chances of survival as the supporters were beginning to bitterly reflect on the problems affecting all aspects of the club.
In truth, March and early April were a time of missed opportunities and a reflection of the disappointing reality that Wycombe were probably not good enough to remain in League One. The haunting spectre of relegation had loomed large throughout a campaign that until Tuesday night, had only seen six successes.
These recent two wins, scoring five goals and earning two clean sheets in the process, could represent a reversal in fortunes. Striker Alex Revell had only claimed one goal since arriving on loan from Southend at the beginning of the year. This was a penalty away at Bristol Rovers in January.
Against Hartlepool, however, he produced a Man of the Match display and scored twice against Tranmere, one a clever chip over a stranded goalkeeper. Matt Bloomfield has also returned to the side and is starting to reproduce the form that made Wycombe's current longest serving player a fans' favourite.
Wycombe manager Gary Waddock has attempted to create an emphasis on exciting, attacking football since his arrival. Speaking about the end of season run-in, he told wwfc.com, "We want to win every game - that's how me and Martin (Kuhl) go about it. We want to be on the front foot and be attack-minded."
Waddock's sentiments have been re-iterated throughout his tenure. Now that their action is combined with the resurgence of the team and individual players, hopefully it won't be a case of 'too little, too late'.
Players and fans alike will be hoping that these omens bode well for a memorable end of season. The fact remains though, only victories against MK Dons, Swindon, Leyton Orient and Gillingham can turn the pipedream of survival into an almost unfathomable reality.
Saturday, 10 April 2010
Bournemouth and Dorset Ready to Show Its Support for England
Let's get past the slightly jingoistic title of this blog and its sub-text and permit ourselves to revel in a minor victory over political correctness. Whilst other areas of the country are banning people wearing England football shirts in pubs this summer, Dorset Police and pubs and clubs in the conurbation have hit back.
The police and local bar owners have revealed their stance, stating that they'll be more than happy for people to nail their national colours to the mast.
A spokesperson for the force told the Daily Echo that their approach will be "proportionate and intelligence led", adding "Our priority is to ensure that all people wishing to celebrate the tournament can do so and in a way that is safe and enjoyable for all".
In other areas, police have already sounded out certain parts of the country where they believe shirt-wearing fans could cause trouble. The Metropolitan Police have already issued warnings to pubs screening forthcoming World Cup matches in Croydon, urging them to apply dress codes that outlaw England shirts. The authorities in the capital have claimed they're desperate to avoid outbreaks of violence, especially if England lose.
It would be nice if those of us who wish to swill imported lager and wear a garment that was probably stitched abroad could support our national side in peace. We're not all members of the English Defence League (EDL) and we're not about to march through Bournemouth Square declaring white supremacy.
In an age where the loss of English national pride is mourned as culture becomes a homogenised, Americanised gloop, it would make a refreshing change if we could still cling to the typical elements of our Englishness-namely throwing up in a heap after a defeat on penalties as we relentlessly berate our footballing icons.
In that spirit, well done to Will Bowling, manager of Dukes in Barrack Road, Christchurch for upholding these rights of passage as we prepare for another summer of potential heartbreak. His establishment will assess the risks of individual matches and act accordingly.
Minus the occasional oddball, Mr. Bowling offered this insightful nugget, stating "To be honest I would think more trouble comes out of the club games."
Car stickers and flags should be compulsory for all. Yellow Buses should be painted with the St. George's cross. Most importantly, we should be able to proudly bear the Three Lions. After all, win or lose, the shirts will probably disappear as a throng of heavily tattooed, corpulent torsos will emerge, ready to cheer on or chastise in symptomatic fashion.
The police and local bar owners have revealed their stance, stating that they'll be more than happy for people to nail their national colours to the mast.
A spokesperson for the force told the Daily Echo that their approach will be "proportionate and intelligence led", adding "Our priority is to ensure that all people wishing to celebrate the tournament can do so and in a way that is safe and enjoyable for all".
In other areas, police have already sounded out certain parts of the country where they believe shirt-wearing fans could cause trouble. The Metropolitan Police have already issued warnings to pubs screening forthcoming World Cup matches in Croydon, urging them to apply dress codes that outlaw England shirts. The authorities in the capital have claimed they're desperate to avoid outbreaks of violence, especially if England lose.
It would be nice if those of us who wish to swill imported lager and wear a garment that was probably stitched abroad could support our national side in peace. We're not all members of the English Defence League (EDL) and we're not about to march through Bournemouth Square declaring white supremacy.
In an age where the loss of English national pride is mourned as culture becomes a homogenised, Americanised gloop, it would make a refreshing change if we could still cling to the typical elements of our Englishness-namely throwing up in a heap after a defeat on penalties as we relentlessly berate our footballing icons.
In that spirit, well done to Will Bowling, manager of Dukes in Barrack Road, Christchurch for upholding these rights of passage as we prepare for another summer of potential heartbreak. His establishment will assess the risks of individual matches and act accordingly.
Minus the occasional oddball, Mr. Bowling offered this insightful nugget, stating "To be honest I would think more trouble comes out of the club games."
Car stickers and flags should be compulsory for all. Yellow Buses should be painted with the St. George's cross. Most importantly, we should be able to proudly bear the Three Lions. After all, win or lose, the shirts will probably disappear as a throng of heavily tattooed, corpulent torsos will emerge, ready to cheer on or chastise in symptomatic fashion.
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Wycombe Prepare for Last Throw of the Dice
Willi's Wycombe
Blimey, it's been a long time since my last Wycombe Wanderers F.C blog. Unfortunately fortunes haven't improved much and Wycombe approach the final ten games of the season eight points from safety at the time of writing. February showed promise with a win against Millwall and a point against Southampton however a gutting 4-3 defeat to bottom club Stockport County deflated any sense of optimism. Wycombe have since won two points so far this month as they drew 0-0 with Carlisle United and 2-2 at fellow struggers Oldham Athletic, after conceding a last-minute equaliser.
Today's match at Adams Park against Exeter City, six points above the Blues in the final relegation spot, represents a last throw of the dice. Failure to beat Exeter will almost certainly condemn Wycombe to the drop, having begun the season with boasts of 'not being in the league to simply make up the numbers'. Close examination of the season's failings had begun long before this weekend with the
ownership battle in the summer and subsequent fall-out causing irreperable damage to events on the pitch. All of the concerns surrounding the club and tensions within the fractious fan-base will need to be put to one side in a last-ditch effort to save Wycombe from relegation this afternoon. On the bright side, the reserves have made it through to the final of the Bucks and Berks Cup having defeated old rivals Slough Town 1-0 on Tuesday.
Ahead of the game, defender Alan Bennett has had to return to Brentford, leaving Wanderers short of options in central defence although rumours have since emerged that the Irishman could make a dramatic return until the end of the season. More enouraging for the Blues, Reading defender Julian Kelly has extended his loan until the end of the season having made five starts and he netted the winner against Millwall on his debut.
It's been said before but if Wycombe are to start life in League One next season, they desperately need to build momentum. Picking up a few draws and the odd win simply will not do at this stage. Exeter have an abysmal away record, having won just twice on their travels so far this season and it is the perfect opportunity for Wycombe to kick-start a great escape. Next week is a first trip to the new home of bitter rivals Colchester United. To continue the fightback with a win in Essex would be an especially sweet continuation should Wycombe win today. For now though, the result at 4.55pm today is all that matters.
WilliWycombe is an exile from the fair town of High Wycombe, having once been a season ticket holder at Adams Park. He doesn't get to many games these days and his views are those of the exile, on the outside looking in and should be treated thusly.
Blimey, it's been a long time since my last Wycombe Wanderers F.C blog. Unfortunately fortunes haven't improved much and Wycombe approach the final ten games of the season eight points from safety at the time of writing. February showed promise with a win against Millwall and a point against Southampton however a gutting 4-3 defeat to bottom club Stockport County deflated any sense of optimism. Wycombe have since won two points so far this month as they drew 0-0 with Carlisle United and 2-2 at fellow struggers Oldham Athletic, after conceding a last-minute equaliser.
Today's match at Adams Park against Exeter City, six points above the Blues in the final relegation spot, represents a last throw of the dice. Failure to beat Exeter will almost certainly condemn Wycombe to the drop, having begun the season with boasts of 'not being in the league to simply make up the numbers'. Close examination of the season's failings had begun long before this weekend with the
ownership battle in the summer and subsequent fall-out causing irreperable damage to events on the pitch. All of the concerns surrounding the club and tensions within the fractious fan-base will need to be put to one side in a last-ditch effort to save Wycombe from relegation this afternoon. On the bright side, the reserves have made it through to the final of the Bucks and Berks Cup having defeated old rivals Slough Town 1-0 on Tuesday.
Ahead of the game, defender Alan Bennett has had to return to Brentford, leaving Wanderers short of options in central defence although rumours have since emerged that the Irishman could make a dramatic return until the end of the season. More enouraging for the Blues, Reading defender Julian Kelly has extended his loan until the end of the season having made five starts and he netted the winner against Millwall on his debut.
It's been said before but if Wycombe are to start life in League One next season, they desperately need to build momentum. Picking up a few draws and the odd win simply will not do at this stage. Exeter have an abysmal away record, having won just twice on their travels so far this season and it is the perfect opportunity for Wycombe to kick-start a great escape. Next week is a first trip to the new home of bitter rivals Colchester United. To continue the fightback with a win in Essex would be an especially sweet continuation should Wycombe win today. For now though, the result at 4.55pm today is all that matters.
WilliWycombe is an exile from the fair town of High Wycombe, having once been a season ticket holder at Adams Park. He doesn't get to many games these days and his views are those of the exile, on the outside looking in and should be treated thusly.
Saturday, 5 December 2009
Waddock Makes His Mark on Wycombe
Wycombe Wanderers have now won three of their last four games and are revitalised under the stewardship of Gary Waddock. The Blues' recent form has brought fresh optimism that they may be able to beat the drop and survive their first season back in League One for five years. What's more, even your esteemed writer has been able to see the last two games, up close and personal at St. Mary's and Adams Park.
On-loan veteran winger Gareth Ainsworth arrived from Queens Park Rangers for a month to help kick-off the Waddock revolution in earnest, inspiring Wycombe to an impressive 2-0 away win at Millwall. The Blues followed this up with by beating relegation rivals Brentford 1-0 at Adams Park before their winning run was ended by a dominant Southampton side who ran out 1-0 winners on the south-coast. In a proverbial 'six-pointer', Wycombe came from behind to win 2-1 at home against Stockport to keep them in touch with those around them and send the Hatters to the bottom of the table.
In truth, Wycombe were outclassed in their encounter with Southampton and could have lost heavily were it not for the Saints' wastefulness in front of goal. If Wycombe fans were underwhelmed by a performance in which they struggled to retain possession and create a meaningful attack, they will be ecstatic with the character shown against Stockport. County scored with their only decent chance and it looked as if Wycombe were going to be dealt a cruel blow in their fight for survival. Instead, they displayed courage and spirit and the impressive Chris Westwood powered in the equaliser with a strong header reminiscent of his recent goal against Millwall. Scott Davies' winner typified the young midfielder's drive and eye for goal. Occasionally he will shoot wildly however his potential is evident and his talent is quickly being honed by playing first-time football.
As mentioned in the previous Wanderers blog, Gary Waddock isn't afraid of making necessary changes, regardless of individual reputation. Club captain and former Premier League star Michael Duberry found himself on the bench against Stockport with the returning Westwood forming a strong partnership in the centre of defence with the ever-improving Luke Oliver. Likewise, Ian Westlake was given a starting berth against Southampton but failed to impress and Matt Phillips found himself in the line-up to face Stockport and his pace and trickery had a major impact on the game. With Betsy and Phillips on both wings, Wycombe have two exciting outlets alongside Davies in the centre with John Mousinho or Tommy Doherty breaking up play.
Recent performances have been encouraging as Wycombe enter the intense Christmas period where they will play another 4 games before the end of the month. Their attacking intent is beginning to be complimented by solid defensive play and if Gareth Ainsworth extends his loan, the Blues will benefit even more from his quality and experience. Blues fans are daring to dream however Wycombe will need to ensure their performances match the enthusiasm and effort they displayed against Stockport and that they retain the same cohesion in their play. The escape starts here.
WilliWycombe is an exile from the fair town of High Wycombe and does not get to many games. His opinions are those of the exile, on the outside looking in and should be treated thusly.
On-loan veteran winger Gareth Ainsworth arrived from Queens Park Rangers for a month to help kick-off the Waddock revolution in earnest, inspiring Wycombe to an impressive 2-0 away win at Millwall. The Blues followed this up with by beating relegation rivals Brentford 1-0 at Adams Park before their winning run was ended by a dominant Southampton side who ran out 1-0 winners on the south-coast. In a proverbial 'six-pointer', Wycombe came from behind to win 2-1 at home against Stockport to keep them in touch with those around them and send the Hatters to the bottom of the table.
In truth, Wycombe were outclassed in their encounter with Southampton and could have lost heavily were it not for the Saints' wastefulness in front of goal. If Wycombe fans were underwhelmed by a performance in which they struggled to retain possession and create a meaningful attack, they will be ecstatic with the character shown against Stockport. County scored with their only decent chance and it looked as if Wycombe were going to be dealt a cruel blow in their fight for survival. Instead, they displayed courage and spirit and the impressive Chris Westwood powered in the equaliser with a strong header reminiscent of his recent goal against Millwall. Scott Davies' winner typified the young midfielder's drive and eye for goal. Occasionally he will shoot wildly however his potential is evident and his talent is quickly being honed by playing first-time football.
As mentioned in the previous Wanderers blog, Gary Waddock isn't afraid of making necessary changes, regardless of individual reputation. Club captain and former Premier League star Michael Duberry found himself on the bench against Stockport with the returning Westwood forming a strong partnership in the centre of defence with the ever-improving Luke Oliver. Likewise, Ian Westlake was given a starting berth against Southampton but failed to impress and Matt Phillips found himself in the line-up to face Stockport and his pace and trickery had a major impact on the game. With Betsy and Phillips on both wings, Wycombe have two exciting outlets alongside Davies in the centre with John Mousinho or Tommy Doherty breaking up play.
Recent performances have been encouraging as Wycombe enter the intense Christmas period where they will play another 4 games before the end of the month. Their attacking intent is beginning to be complimented by solid defensive play and if Gareth Ainsworth extends his loan, the Blues will benefit even more from his quality and experience. Blues fans are daring to dream however Wycombe will need to ensure their performances match the enthusiasm and effort they displayed against Stockport and that they retain the same cohesion in their play. The escape starts here.
WilliWycombe is an exile from the fair town of High Wycombe and does not get to many games. His opinions are those of the exile, on the outside looking in and should be treated thusly.
Friday, 10 April 2009
Radio Ga Ga, Football Crazy
It has certainly been a while since I 'blogged'! Back in late 2007 when I last posted, the recession was a mere blip on the horizon, not yet having thrown the world's economy into turmoil. Though a few months on in January 2008, I felt the pinch and a sign of things to come when I lost my job in a call centre, creating leads to sell onto mortgage advisors. The housing market was one of the first areas of a fragile economy to implode and we've all been crunched.
Alas, I digress. Now here we are already hurtling through 2009 at light speed and many find themselves struggling to find any form of employment, let alone something in a field that that they are interested in. Having graduated in 2007 and a few months later packed my bags for Bournemouth, I thought it was difficult enough when contacting media companies to get a foot in the door. A new wave of graduates this summer are no doubt going to find things even tougher. It might sound simplistic to say so but those graduating now really do need to assess their options in advance of leaving university if they hope to find suitable employment. Those lucky souls who will leave with 'vocational' degrees (i.e-those that are generally essential and valued in society, such as engineering, teaching etc) will probably be lucky enough to ride the storm and discover that there are an abundance of employers who need their specialised skills. For the rest of them, those like me who studied English for example, they need to hone their CVs, have completed some form of volunteering or work experience already or have something that they can claim as their niche to wave in front of employers to enable them to stand out from the rest of the crowd.
Having presented a few radio shows for the university station in Bangor, I now want to take that experience further. Last July I got involved with Hospital Radio Bedside, a community station for those staying in the Royal Bournemouth, Poole, Poole Maternity, Christchurch and Wimborne hospitals. It's a fantastic opportunity to help those in the local community, gain new skills and give a little something back. I'd recommend Hospital Radio to anyone, there is so many rewarding and fulfilling tasks to carry out that don't just involve being on-air.
This time of year is also a crucial one in domestic and European football. The team I support, Wycombe Wanderers might not be gracing the finest footballing cathedrals of Europe this spring but there is the extremely important matter of a promotion race in England's League 2 (the fourth tier in the national pyramid). For those who take a keen interest in matters further down the ladder, they will know that Wycombe have an unenviable recent history of failing at the last hurdle to clinch promotion. This season has been another rollercoaster, having been 9 points clear at the top at one point, now clawing desperately to the last automatic promotion spot with around 7/8 teams in the mix. This blogger wishes all at WWFC the best of luck and hopefully this will finally be our year. I'm hoping that there will be cause for celebration come the final whistle against Notts County on the last day of the season.
Alas, I digress. Now here we are already hurtling through 2009 at light speed and many find themselves struggling to find any form of employment, let alone something in a field that that they are interested in. Having graduated in 2007 and a few months later packed my bags for Bournemouth, I thought it was difficult enough when contacting media companies to get a foot in the door. A new wave of graduates this summer are no doubt going to find things even tougher. It might sound simplistic to say so but those graduating now really do need to assess their options in advance of leaving university if they hope to find suitable employment. Those lucky souls who will leave with 'vocational' degrees (i.e-those that are generally essential and valued in society, such as engineering, teaching etc) will probably be lucky enough to ride the storm and discover that there are an abundance of employers who need their specialised skills. For the rest of them, those like me who studied English for example, they need to hone their CVs, have completed some form of volunteering or work experience already or have something that they can claim as their niche to wave in front of employers to enable them to stand out from the rest of the crowd.
Having presented a few radio shows for the university station in Bangor, I now want to take that experience further. Last July I got involved with Hospital Radio Bedside, a community station for those staying in the Royal Bournemouth, Poole, Poole Maternity, Christchurch and Wimborne hospitals. It's a fantastic opportunity to help those in the local community, gain new skills and give a little something back. I'd recommend Hospital Radio to anyone, there is so many rewarding and fulfilling tasks to carry out that don't just involve being on-air.
This time of year is also a crucial one in domestic and European football. The team I support, Wycombe Wanderers might not be gracing the finest footballing cathedrals of Europe this spring but there is the extremely important matter of a promotion race in England's League 2 (the fourth tier in the national pyramid). For those who take a keen interest in matters further down the ladder, they will know that Wycombe have an unenviable recent history of failing at the last hurdle to clinch promotion. This season has been another rollercoaster, having been 9 points clear at the top at one point, now clawing desperately to the last automatic promotion spot with around 7/8 teams in the mix. This blogger wishes all at WWFC the best of luck and hopefully this will finally be our year. I'm hoping that there will be cause for celebration come the final whistle against Notts County on the last day of the season.
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