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.
Showing posts with label gary waddock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gary waddock. Show all posts
Monday, 18 April 2011
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
Wycombe Wanderers Plot Path to Promotion
Wycombe Wanderers thrashed Burton Albion 4-1 on Tuesday evening to avoid the ignominy of losing four League Two games in a row for the first time since 2007.
The win has seen the Blues clamber back into the automatic promotion positions and up to second place as they plot their path to promotion with fifteen games remaining.
Manager Gary Waddock brought in Lewis Montrose for maligned loanee Scott Donnelly and Jon Paul-Pittman in place of the slightly more unfortunate talisman, Stuart Beavon.
Although Montrose had only featured for the Blues twice since November, his inclusion was certainly no gamble by Waddock as he produced a swashbuckling display of commitment and poise. Montrose's fine evening was capped off by his deflected effort, Wycombe's second goal, that looped over Burton goalkeeper Adam Legzdins.
The midfielder's delight at scoring his first goal since September was clearly evident as he took the plaudits from the crowd and his team-mates before exhaling deeply as he skipped back to the half-way line, closed eyes and a vocal expression of cathartic jubilation visible to all.
In truth, Wycombe could easily have scored more, the aforementioned Pittman was unlucky not to score his second goal for the Blues since returning from his five-month injury lay-off, his electric pace troubling the visitor's defence all evening and the striker's two quick-fire efforts after Wycombe's first goal had to be parried away to safety by Legzdins.
Wycombe's recent poor run had seen them fall to fourth place in the npower League Two table however the Burton game represented a chance to reclaim the upper hand on their promotion rivals.
An all-round strong team performance began with midfielder Stuart Lewis shuffling through a static Burton defence, with referee Oliver Langford obstructing the advancing defender, to calmly fire the ball into the back of net with only 10 minutes gone before Montrose's effort increased the Wanderers' advantage on the half-hour mark.
Lewis, awarded a well-deserved man of match accolade, then proceeded to score the goal of the evening and possibly Wycombe's best goal of the season. In what is looking to be a gem of a signing from Dagenham and Redbridge, the midfielder added to his burgeoning reputation amongst Blues fans by unleashing an unstoppable low drive into the bottom right-hand corner of the Valley End net.
Following the game, Lewis declared to wwfc.com, that it was his 'best game ever' and one he understandably thoroughly enjoyed.
It was perhaps obvious that Burton manager Paul Peschisolido would chasten his team during the half-time interval and demand the addition of composure and zeal to their play. The Brewers had lost Calvin Zola to a hamstring injury during the first-half, a crushing blow as despite his wayward control and finishing, he had looked their most promising attacking outlet until he was replaced by Greg Pearson.
The aforementioned Pearson looked to exploit Alan Bennett's comparitive lack of pace as Burton appeared reinvigorated following the resumption of the game. The reward for their endeavour was Sam Winnall's close-range effort to reduce the deficit eleven minutes into the second-half and the away side were beginning to unsettle Wycombe who had failed to replicate the intensity they displayed prior to the break.
Any hopes the Brewers were harbouring of a dramatic comeback were extinguished when the veteran Moore tussled with the lively Pittman who was rewarded with a penalty kick. Stuart Lewis had an eye on claiming his first senior hat-trick although he had to settle for a brace as striker Scott Rendell stepped up to score his 12th goal of the season, in front of just 3,345 fans at Adams Park.
The Blues issued the perfect response to a week of disappointment that saw consecutive defeats to Bradford City, Southend United and Accrington Stanley.
As the 2010/2011 season prepares to usher in its spring denouement, Wanderers will travel to Macclesfield Town and league leaders Chesterfield in the next week, two sides who had beaten them by a 2-1 scoreline in the reverse fixtures.
Following the victory over Burton, Wycombe have now won 8 of their 16 games against teams in the bottom-half of League Two this season. Macclesfield, however, enjoy a seven point cushion over Stockport County in the last remaining relegation place and will be buoyed by their 2-0 home triumph against Morecambe yesterday.
The journey to Derbyshire to meet league pacesetters Chesterfield next Tuesday evening represents a stern test for Waddock's charges although they will take confidence from previous away wins against members of the current top seven, including a 4-3 victory over Rotherham United and a 2-0 win at Priestfield, the home of Gillingham.
The last and only time I attempted to predict the outcome of all 46 games in a regular Football League season was prior to the 2002/2003 campaign. I ambitiously plumped for the Blues team in question to reach the play-offs. As it turned out, the season was a campaign of listless disenchantment and Wycombe Wanderers finished 18th in Division Two, playing some of the worst football in the club's recent history.
The 'Sanchez Way' to promotion following the FA Cup honeymoon season that was 2001/2002 was to be a return to outmoded drudgery and aimless percentage football, a strategy of methodical zonal domination with long-balls into pre-determined danger areas, a philosophy arguably still favoured by Wycombe's erstwhile manager.
This 'revolutionary' approach ultimately imploded with feverish expectations of possible promotion to what was then Division One going unfulfilled with Sanchez becoming increasing fraught at any perceived criticism aimed towards him and the team. The protracted decline that led to relegation in 2004 had already cost the former Wimbledon FA Cup hero his job and I have not been comfortable commenting on any upcoming Wanderers game since.
Alas, this meandering digression may illustrate the futile hopelessness of my powers of prediction altough it also leads into further analysis of the challenges that lie ahead.
The Wanderers still have to travel to Shrewsbury Town, Bury and local rivals Oxford United besides having the pleasure of the visits of Northampton Town and a potentially charged affair with Aldershot to negotiate.
Whilst I am not prepared to risk damaging the team's promotion chances with further outlandish conjecture, there can surely be little chance of collapse if Wycombe continue in the same vein as yesterday evening.
If the Blues can continue to be exponents of this type of high-tempo, pressure football that is often accompanied by the clinical precision as demonstrated against Burton, then re-establishing themselves in the top three will represent an achievable goal.
As Gary Waddock enthused to skysports.com after the match, "we knew they would respond because they are an excellent group of players and they put it right."
Let's hope that for the majority of Wycombe's remaining fifteen games, the Blues continue to find the winning formula as they bid for promotion back to League One.
The win has seen the Blues clamber back into the automatic promotion positions and up to second place as they plot their path to promotion with fifteen games remaining.
Manager Gary Waddock brought in Lewis Montrose for maligned loanee Scott Donnelly and Jon Paul-Pittman in place of the slightly more unfortunate talisman, Stuart Beavon.
Although Montrose had only featured for the Blues twice since November, his inclusion was certainly no gamble by Waddock as he produced a swashbuckling display of commitment and poise. Montrose's fine evening was capped off by his deflected effort, Wycombe's second goal, that looped over Burton goalkeeper Adam Legzdins.
The midfielder's delight at scoring his first goal since September was clearly evident as he took the plaudits from the crowd and his team-mates before exhaling deeply as he skipped back to the half-way line, closed eyes and a vocal expression of cathartic jubilation visible to all.
In truth, Wycombe could easily have scored more, the aforementioned Pittman was unlucky not to score his second goal for the Blues since returning from his five-month injury lay-off, his electric pace troubling the visitor's defence all evening and the striker's two quick-fire efforts after Wycombe's first goal had to be parried away to safety by Legzdins.
Wycombe's recent poor run had seen them fall to fourth place in the npower League Two table however the Burton game represented a chance to reclaim the upper hand on their promotion rivals.
An all-round strong team performance began with midfielder Stuart Lewis shuffling through a static Burton defence, with referee Oliver Langford obstructing the advancing defender, to calmly fire the ball into the back of net with only 10 minutes gone before Montrose's effort increased the Wanderers' advantage on the half-hour mark.
Lewis, awarded a well-deserved man of match accolade, then proceeded to score the goal of the evening and possibly Wycombe's best goal of the season. In what is looking to be a gem of a signing from Dagenham and Redbridge, the midfielder added to his burgeoning reputation amongst Blues fans by unleashing an unstoppable low drive into the bottom right-hand corner of the Valley End net.
Following the game, Lewis declared to wwfc.com, that it was his 'best game ever' and one he understandably thoroughly enjoyed.
It was perhaps obvious that Burton manager Paul Peschisolido would chasten his team during the half-time interval and demand the addition of composure and zeal to their play. The Brewers had lost Calvin Zola to a hamstring injury during the first-half, a crushing blow as despite his wayward control and finishing, he had looked their most promising attacking outlet until he was replaced by Greg Pearson.
The aforementioned Pearson looked to exploit Alan Bennett's comparitive lack of pace as Burton appeared reinvigorated following the resumption of the game. The reward for their endeavour was Sam Winnall's close-range effort to reduce the deficit eleven minutes into the second-half and the away side were beginning to unsettle Wycombe who had failed to replicate the intensity they displayed prior to the break.
Any hopes the Brewers were harbouring of a dramatic comeback were extinguished when the veteran Moore tussled with the lively Pittman who was rewarded with a penalty kick. Stuart Lewis had an eye on claiming his first senior hat-trick although he had to settle for a brace as striker Scott Rendell stepped up to score his 12th goal of the season, in front of just 3,345 fans at Adams Park.
The Blues issued the perfect response to a week of disappointment that saw consecutive defeats to Bradford City, Southend United and Accrington Stanley.
As the 2010/2011 season prepares to usher in its spring denouement, Wanderers will travel to Macclesfield Town and league leaders Chesterfield in the next week, two sides who had beaten them by a 2-1 scoreline in the reverse fixtures.
Following the victory over Burton, Wycombe have now won 8 of their 16 games against teams in the bottom-half of League Two this season. Macclesfield, however, enjoy a seven point cushion over Stockport County in the last remaining relegation place and will be buoyed by their 2-0 home triumph against Morecambe yesterday.
The journey to Derbyshire to meet league pacesetters Chesterfield next Tuesday evening represents a stern test for Waddock's charges although they will take confidence from previous away wins against members of the current top seven, including a 4-3 victory over Rotherham United and a 2-0 win at Priestfield, the home of Gillingham.
The last and only time I attempted to predict the outcome of all 46 games in a regular Football League season was prior to the 2002/2003 campaign. I ambitiously plumped for the Blues team in question to reach the play-offs. As it turned out, the season was a campaign of listless disenchantment and Wycombe Wanderers finished 18th in Division Two, playing some of the worst football in the club's recent history.
The 'Sanchez Way' to promotion following the FA Cup honeymoon season that was 2001/2002 was to be a return to outmoded drudgery and aimless percentage football, a strategy of methodical zonal domination with long-balls into pre-determined danger areas, a philosophy arguably still favoured by Wycombe's erstwhile manager.
This 'revolutionary' approach ultimately imploded with feverish expectations of possible promotion to what was then Division One going unfulfilled with Sanchez becoming increasing fraught at any perceived criticism aimed towards him and the team. The protracted decline that led to relegation in 2004 had already cost the former Wimbledon FA Cup hero his job and I have not been comfortable commenting on any upcoming Wanderers game since.
Alas, this meandering digression may illustrate the futile hopelessness of my powers of prediction altough it also leads into further analysis of the challenges that lie ahead.
The Wanderers still have to travel to Shrewsbury Town, Bury and local rivals Oxford United besides having the pleasure of the visits of Northampton Town and a potentially charged affair with Aldershot to negotiate.
Whilst I am not prepared to risk damaging the team's promotion chances with further outlandish conjecture, there can surely be little chance of collapse if Wycombe continue in the same vein as yesterday evening.
If the Blues can continue to be exponents of this type of high-tempo, pressure football that is often accompanied by the clinical precision as demonstrated against Burton, then re-establishing themselves in the top three will represent an achievable goal.
As Gary Waddock enthused to skysports.com after the match, "we knew they would respond because they are an excellent group of players and they put it right."
Let's hope that for the majority of Wycombe's remaining fifteen games, the Blues continue to find the winning formula as they bid for promotion back to League One.
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.
Monday, 13 September 2010
Are Wycombe Fans Guilty of Believing Too Much of the Pre-Season Hype?
"There ain't nuthin' more powerful than the smell of mendacity!", so said Harvey 'Big Daddy' Pollitt during the 1958 film Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. It's an obscure reference but perhaps a pertinent one in relation to the disjointed start to Wycombe Wanderers' 2010/2011 Npower League Two campaign.
During the summer, the WWFC spin machine cultivated an image of high expectations unsurpassed by the build-up to previous seasons. A new team, a brave attacking new dawn and the near promise of promotion at any cost were the tenets fed to the light and dark blue masses.
Wycombe manager Gary Waddock was well aware of the pressure internally and externally being exerted upon his fledgling side.
Following the immediate aftermath of relegation, owner Steve Hayes was quick to assert himself and candid in revealing his aims for 2010/2011. He told the Bucks Free Press, "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."
Returning to the original quote, it would be a little unfair to say the club were guilty of a dishonest approach in their assessment of the newly assembled squad and their verdict on the chances of success this season.
After all, a team that contains players of the calibre of Kevin Betsy and Gareth Ainsworth, combined with the additions of proven lower league goalscorers Ben Strevens and Scott Rendell, was rightly tipped for glory.
What's clear from the opening weeks of the season, however, is a need to keep those high expectations in check. This has become especially apparent following last Saturday's disappointing 2-1 reverse at home to unfancied Macclesfield Town. Wanderers slumped to defeat in front of their lowest Football League home attendance for a Saturday afternoon game of just 3.789.
The manager himself, was honest in his criticism, both this past weekend and the preceding Saturday where Wycombe dropped two points when conceding a last-minute equaliser away at Accrington Stanley.
Following their first defeat of the season, Waddock told BBC Three Counties Radio: "On the evidence of how we performed, we didn't deserve anything.
"We didn't compete, we didn't get close to them. They have hit two fantastic strikes to go 2-0 up.
"In the second half they sat deep and it was very difficult to open them up. Credit to them, they have done their homework."
For an attacking purist such as Waddock, these are worrying early season sentiments. The last manager to opt for flair over efficiency, John Gorman, at least found his team half-way through a season before opponents had fathomed a way of stopping his side from steamrollering them.
In fairness to the Blues, despite only mustering only one meaningful effort on goal (their consolation from the penalty spot), they were undone by two wonder strikes early on in the match and then forced to chase the remainder of the game against obdurate opposition.
Losing talismanic striker Jon-Paul Pittman in the warm-up did not help preparations and it should be noted that this loss will not affect the outcome of the rest of the season.
As appears customary following a disappointing result, the reaction has been fierce with controversial owner Steve Hayes once again attracting the chagrin of a vocal contingent.
Add to that, a warring fanbase tearing itself apart over numerous issues at the club including recent bans handed out to a select few and the atmosphere, though largely non-existent during games, has become poisonous off the pitch.
Let's not forget that there are positives to be taken from the first half a dozen games. Scott Davies has returned on-loan from Reading following a relatively successful spell at Adams Park last season. Midfielder Lewis Montrose, so often on the periphery last season, has emerged from the shadows and looks set to further his career with the Blues. New goalkeeper Nikki Bull has also starred as the last line of defence.
Goals have been hard to come by with Scott Rendell coming in for the bulk of criticism however as the gentlemen pointed out during the inaugural 'Wanderer Podcast', it took a fair amount of time for former strikers Jermaine Easter and Alex Revell to truly find their goal scoring touch whilst wearing the quarters.
The Blues visit Aldershot Town next weekend in what will be a difficult and emotional encounter for their former manager Gary Waddock and a host of former Shots players including the aforementioned Davies and Andy Sandell.
A bear-pit atmosphere awaits with Wycombe fans hoping their team can take this perfect opportunity to put down a marker of their promotion credentials. The fans believed before the start of the campaign, it's time to keep that flame alive.
During the summer, the WWFC spin machine cultivated an image of high expectations unsurpassed by the build-up to previous seasons. A new team, a brave attacking new dawn and the near promise of promotion at any cost were the tenets fed to the light and dark blue masses.
Wycombe manager Gary Waddock was well aware of the pressure internally and externally being exerted upon his fledgling side.
Following the immediate aftermath of relegation, owner Steve Hayes was quick to assert himself and candid in revealing his aims for 2010/2011. He told the Bucks Free Press, "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."
Returning to the original quote, it would be a little unfair to say the club were guilty of a dishonest approach in their assessment of the newly assembled squad and their verdict on the chances of success this season.
After all, a team that contains players of the calibre of Kevin Betsy and Gareth Ainsworth, combined with the additions of proven lower league goalscorers Ben Strevens and Scott Rendell, was rightly tipped for glory.
What's clear from the opening weeks of the season, however, is a need to keep those high expectations in check. This has become especially apparent following last Saturday's disappointing 2-1 reverse at home to unfancied Macclesfield Town. Wanderers slumped to defeat in front of their lowest Football League home attendance for a Saturday afternoon game of just 3.789.
The manager himself, was honest in his criticism, both this past weekend and the preceding Saturday where Wycombe dropped two points when conceding a last-minute equaliser away at Accrington Stanley.
Following their first defeat of the season, Waddock told BBC Three Counties Radio: "On the evidence of how we performed, we didn't deserve anything.
"We didn't compete, we didn't get close to them. They have hit two fantastic strikes to go 2-0 up.
"In the second half they sat deep and it was very difficult to open them up. Credit to them, they have done their homework."
For an attacking purist such as Waddock, these are worrying early season sentiments. The last manager to opt for flair over efficiency, John Gorman, at least found his team half-way through a season before opponents had fathomed a way of stopping his side from steamrollering them.
In fairness to the Blues, despite only mustering only one meaningful effort on goal (their consolation from the penalty spot), they were undone by two wonder strikes early on in the match and then forced to chase the remainder of the game against obdurate opposition.
Losing talismanic striker Jon-Paul Pittman in the warm-up did not help preparations and it should be noted that this loss will not affect the outcome of the rest of the season.
As appears customary following a disappointing result, the reaction has been fierce with controversial owner Steve Hayes once again attracting the chagrin of a vocal contingent.
Add to that, a warring fanbase tearing itself apart over numerous issues at the club including recent bans handed out to a select few and the atmosphere, though largely non-existent during games, has become poisonous off the pitch.
Let's not forget that there are positives to be taken from the first half a dozen games. Scott Davies has returned on-loan from Reading following a relatively successful spell at Adams Park last season. Midfielder Lewis Montrose, so often on the periphery last season, has emerged from the shadows and looks set to further his career with the Blues. New goalkeeper Nikki Bull has also starred as the last line of defence.
Goals have been hard to come by with Scott Rendell coming in for the bulk of criticism however as the gentlemen pointed out during the inaugural 'Wanderer Podcast', it took a fair amount of time for former strikers Jermaine Easter and Alex Revell to truly find their goal scoring touch whilst wearing the quarters.
The Blues visit Aldershot Town next weekend in what will be a difficult and emotional encounter for their former manager Gary Waddock and a host of former Shots players including the aforementioned Davies and Andy Sandell.
A bear-pit atmosphere awaits with Wycombe fans hoping their team can take this perfect opportunity to put down a marker of their promotion credentials. The fans believed before the start of the campaign, it's time to keep that flame alive.
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Countdown to Wycombe's Big Kick-Off!
Willi's Wycombe
The new English Football League season is set to begin this Saturday (7th August) with Wycombe kicking off their 2010/2011 Npower League Two campaign at home to Morecambe. The visitors will be desperate to erase the memories of last season's play-off semi-final heartbreak when they were thrashed 7-2 on aggregate by winning finalists Dagenham and Redbridge.
The Blues are priced at 5/2 to win promotion with some bookmakers following a decent pre-season that included a scintillating display in their 5-1 demolition of a young Chelsea XI and a creditable performance against Championship side, Reading.
Much has been made of the attacking style that the team have adopted since the arrival of manager, Gary Waddock. Encouragingly, strikers Ben Strevens, Scott Rendell and Jon Paul-Pittman have all been amongst the goals whilst new 'keeper Nikki Bull is showing signs of being the imperious permanent netminder fans hoped for following loanee Tom Heaton's return to Manchester United at the end of last season.
A re-jigged defence, added to by the acquisition of influential young centre-back, Dave Winfield, combined with a rejuvenated and punchy midfield completes an exciting array of talent.
Expectations are high and growing further still so a victory on Saturday is vitally important to maintain the momentum. Morecambe will not be a straightforward game though. The Shrimpers' squad includes the prolific lower league striker Phil Jevons, who is no stranger to Wycombe fans after his spell at Yeovil Town.
His possible strike partner, Paul Mullin, spoilt Wycombe's opening day in 2007 when he netted the only goal in a 1-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley.
Gary Waddock is aware of the hype surrounding his team prior to the season opener and he's just as excited as the fans about beginning the new campaign. He told the official website,
"Hopefully the fans have enjoyed what they've seen so far and there's more to come from us. It'd be great to see a big crowd for the first game and more importantly, we want to give them something to cheer about by collecting all three points."
Hopefully the Blues will guard against complacency and get three points on the board early on before a Carling Cup hiatus against Millwall, followed by a difficult trip to bogey ground Edgeley Park, home of Stockport County. Then there is the small matter of the 'M40 derby' against newly-promoted Oxford United. Real football is back.
The new English Football League season is set to begin this Saturday (7th August) with Wycombe kicking off their 2010/2011 Npower League Two campaign at home to Morecambe. The visitors will be desperate to erase the memories of last season's play-off semi-final heartbreak when they were thrashed 7-2 on aggregate by winning finalists Dagenham and Redbridge.
The Blues are priced at 5/2 to win promotion with some bookmakers following a decent pre-season that included a scintillating display in their 5-1 demolition of a young Chelsea XI and a creditable performance against Championship side, Reading.
Much has been made of the attacking style that the team have adopted since the arrival of manager, Gary Waddock. Encouragingly, strikers Ben Strevens, Scott Rendell and Jon Paul-Pittman have all been amongst the goals whilst new 'keeper Nikki Bull is showing signs of being the imperious permanent netminder fans hoped for following loanee Tom Heaton's return to Manchester United at the end of last season.
A re-jigged defence, added to by the acquisition of influential young centre-back, Dave Winfield, combined with a rejuvenated and punchy midfield completes an exciting array of talent.
Expectations are high and growing further still so a victory on Saturday is vitally important to maintain the momentum. Morecambe will not be a straightforward game though. The Shrimpers' squad includes the prolific lower league striker Phil Jevons, who is no stranger to Wycombe fans after his spell at Yeovil Town.
His possible strike partner, Paul Mullin, spoilt Wycombe's opening day in 2007 when he netted the only goal in a 1-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley.
Gary Waddock is aware of the hype surrounding his team prior to the season opener and he's just as excited as the fans about beginning the new campaign. He told the official website,
"Hopefully the fans have enjoyed what they've seen so far and there's more to come from us. It'd be great to see a big crowd for the first game and more importantly, we want to give them something to cheer about by collecting all three points."
Hopefully the Blues will guard against complacency and get three points on the board early on before a Carling Cup hiatus against Millwall, followed by a difficult trip to bogey ground Edgeley Park, home of Stockport County. Then there is the small matter of the 'M40 derby' against newly-promoted Oxford United. Real football is back.
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.
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
Wycombe Look Doomed With Only Six To Go
Willi's Wycombe
Wycombe Wanderers' brief stay in League One, following promotion last season, looks to be coming to an end. With only six games of the season remaining, the Blues are nine points away from safety. During a crucial Bank Holiday period, Wanderers lost both of their games and performances have been patchy and not sufficient to merit greater rewards.
In recent weeks, the Blues have been unable to take maximum points from vital encounters. Having found themselves 2-0 up with fifteen minutes to go against Exeter City, they conspired to throw away their advantage and conceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2. Gareth Ainsworth had found a way through the Exeter defence and held firm to poke his finish through visiting 'keeper Paul Jones. Stuart Beavon doubled the lead as his shot deflected off the underside of the unfortunate Jones, to trickle into the net.
The away side had been tidy throughout and retained posession well until their indiscretions that lead to Wycombe scoring. It was only a lack of cutting edge that had stopped them from turning their territorial dominance into something more meaningful. Their fightback began when Liam Sercombe steadied himself on the edge of the Wycombe box and hit the ball superbly into the right-hand corner of Tom Heaton's goal to reduce the deficit. Wycombe's defensive line attempted to play Richard Logan offside however their disjointed effort could not stop the substitute racing through to equalise and send the Devonian side's fans delirious.
This crushing result needed to be rectified the following week at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, the first time Wycombe had visited the new home of old rivals, Colchester United. By all accounts, despite falling a goal behind on the hour mark to Ian Henderson's goal, Wycombe had managed to frustrate the home team. The Blues did manage to salvage something from the game. Deep into stoppage-time, Gareth Ainsworth's dubious contact from a Matt Philips cross incensed the U's and it looked like he handled the ball into the net. Unfortunately, despite this sweet moment of fortune, Wycombe desperately needed to take more from the game.
An Easter holiday double-header saw two defeats which have made the Blues' chances of avoiding the drop extremely slim. Firstly, Wycombe fell to a 2-1 loss to promotion chasing Huddersfield Town. Dean Keates' consolation goal proved not enough to salvage a point. On Easter Monday, Wycombe lost by the same scoreline, this time to mid-table Walsall. The Blues only got going after Adam Hinshelwood had reduced arrears with around twelve minutes left.
Wycombe have still to play fellow strugglers Tranmere Rovers and Leyton Orient however they appear to be heading back to League Two. Wycombe manager Gary Waddock has vowed to not give up hope until relegation is a mathematical certainty although in reality, all he can do now is try to motivate the players to an inspiring finish to the season. The boss will have to decide which squad members are worth keeping hold of and who will be best suited to the challenges ahead next season. On current evidence, a complete re-build may seem like the only viable option.
Wycombe Wanderers' brief stay in League One, following promotion last season, looks to be coming to an end. With only six games of the season remaining, the Blues are nine points away from safety. During a crucial Bank Holiday period, Wanderers lost both of their games and performances have been patchy and not sufficient to merit greater rewards.
In recent weeks, the Blues have been unable to take maximum points from vital encounters. Having found themselves 2-0 up with fifteen minutes to go against Exeter City, they conspired to throw away their advantage and conceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2. Gareth Ainsworth had found a way through the Exeter defence and held firm to poke his finish through visiting 'keeper Paul Jones. Stuart Beavon doubled the lead as his shot deflected off the underside of the unfortunate Jones, to trickle into the net.
The away side had been tidy throughout and retained posession well until their indiscretions that lead to Wycombe scoring. It was only a lack of cutting edge that had stopped them from turning their territorial dominance into something more meaningful. Their fightback began when Liam Sercombe steadied himself on the edge of the Wycombe box and hit the ball superbly into the right-hand corner of Tom Heaton's goal to reduce the deficit. Wycombe's defensive line attempted to play Richard Logan offside however their disjointed effort could not stop the substitute racing through to equalise and send the Devonian side's fans delirious.
This crushing result needed to be rectified the following week at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, the first time Wycombe had visited the new home of old rivals, Colchester United. By all accounts, despite falling a goal behind on the hour mark to Ian Henderson's goal, Wycombe had managed to frustrate the home team. The Blues did manage to salvage something from the game. Deep into stoppage-time, Gareth Ainsworth's dubious contact from a Matt Philips cross incensed the U's and it looked like he handled the ball into the net. Unfortunately, despite this sweet moment of fortune, Wycombe desperately needed to take more from the game.
An Easter holiday double-header saw two defeats which have made the Blues' chances of avoiding the drop extremely slim. Firstly, Wycombe fell to a 2-1 loss to promotion chasing Huddersfield Town. Dean Keates' consolation goal proved not enough to salvage a point. On Easter Monday, Wycombe lost by the same scoreline, this time to mid-table Walsall. The Blues only got going after Adam Hinshelwood had reduced arrears with around twelve minutes left.
Wycombe have still to play fellow strugglers Tranmere Rovers and Leyton Orient however they appear to be heading back to League Two. Wycombe manager Gary Waddock has vowed to not give up hope until relegation is a mathematical certainty although in reality, all he can do now is try to motivate the players to an inspiring finish to the season. The boss will have to decide which squad members are worth keeping hold of and who will be best suited to the challenges ahead next season. On current evidence, a complete re-build may seem like the only viable option.
Sunday, 21 February 2010
The Good and the Ugly; Wycombe Keep Fans Dreaming
Willi's Wycombe 2.1
Over the last month, it's been a case of the good and the ugly at Wycombe Wanderers F.C. Having played Bristol Rovers, Yeovil Town, Brentford and Millwall since the last blog, Wanderers are still five points off safety but there are signs of hope. Certainly there was an air of resignation in my last Wycombe post and it's worth pointing out that the Blues are only two points better off than before. Despite this, aided by a slew of loan signings, the team are finally starting to pick up points on a regular basis.
Wanderers have enjoyed playing both Bristol Rovers and Millwall this season, having beaten them home and away. The Blues picked up their fifth win of the season at the Memorial Ground with a battling 3-2 success against Rovers. Penalty specialist Matt Harrold added to his tally to put the away side ahead before the Gas replied with a two goal salvo that might have seen Wycombe crumble. Instead they fought back and penalty duties were handed to new-boy Alex Revell who grabbed his first goal for the club to restore parity. Stuart Beavon's performances of attacking guile and endeavour are fast making him a cult-hero at Adam Park and the 'Beaver' sent around 450 Wycombe fans into ecstasy with an eightieth minute winner.
From this good came a moment of ugliness so blinding that just to glimpse at it, would send the viewer mad. That's certainly how Wycombe fans and no doubt manager Gary Waddock felt, when Yeovil Town came to the home of football in Buckinghamshire. Having suffered a dreary 4-0 defeat at the hands of the visitors on Boxing Day, you would think that the Blues had all the motivation they needed. Sadly, Wycombe may have grabbed a consolation through Matt Harrold from open-play but Yeovil repeated the trick and ran away 4-1 winners. Luke Oliver was introduced to the field of play for the injured lynchpin Adam Hinshelwood and the capitulation began in earnest with Yeovil scoring three times in fifteen minutes. Goalkeeper Scott Shearer also put in an abject display and he has since been sacrificed with Manchester United 'keeper Tom Heaton brought in on loan for the rest of the season.
Usually the thought of an imminent local derby (of sorts) would galvanise the support however the mood going into the game at Griffin Park to face Brentford was downbeat. Eight-hundred and eighty-eight hardy souls braved a cold day to witness a slight upturn in fortunes as Wanderers collected a point in a 1-1 draw. Kevin Betsy's slotted finish had put Wycombe ahead just before the half-hour mark. They held on until fifteen minutes from time, Bees striker Myles Weston spoiling the party.
Talking of Bees, Gary Waddock has brought in out of favour Brentford defender Alan Bennett on a one-month loan. The Irishman went straight into the starting line-up to face Millwall this weekend as the Blues ran out 1-0 winners. The Lions had a penalty saved by Tom Heaton and were unlucky not to score having hit the woodwork too. Not that Wycombe will care. Right-back Julian Kelly, another loanee, this time from Reading, scored a fortuitous goal with his cross into the box evading everyone to plant itself in the back of the net. To add to the drama, Wycombe had Gareth Ainsworth sent-off for violent conduct. Former Blue Tony Craig spat feathers from the sidelines as Ainsworth headed for the tunnel and my sources tell me that the heated exchanges continued after the final whistle.
Flippancy aside, Ainsworth's absence will dent Wycombe's chances of continuing their point-scoring run such is the influence he has exerted in a short space of time. Wanderers could certainly do with his presence as they prepare to face a rampant Southampton side at home on Tuesday night. Even more crucially, Wycombe travel to fellow strugglers Stockport County next week. The phrase 'six-pointer' was invented for these games. Wycombe desperately need to land the final knock-out blow to Stockport's survival chances and create a strong platform to improve their own. There are now only six points between the bottom four and mid-table. A whole host of clubs are now in a dogfight. Tranmere, once seemingly doomed themselves, have clawed their way out of the relegation zone. If Wycombe are to follow, now is the time. We're approaching League One endgame.
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.
Over the last month, it's been a case of the good and the ugly at Wycombe Wanderers F.C. Having played Bristol Rovers, Yeovil Town, Brentford and Millwall since the last blog, Wanderers are still five points off safety but there are signs of hope. Certainly there was an air of resignation in my last Wycombe post and it's worth pointing out that the Blues are only two points better off than before. Despite this, aided by a slew of loan signings, the team are finally starting to pick up points on a regular basis.
Wanderers have enjoyed playing both Bristol Rovers and Millwall this season, having beaten them home and away. The Blues picked up their fifth win of the season at the Memorial Ground with a battling 3-2 success against Rovers. Penalty specialist Matt Harrold added to his tally to put the away side ahead before the Gas replied with a two goal salvo that might have seen Wycombe crumble. Instead they fought back and penalty duties were handed to new-boy Alex Revell who grabbed his first goal for the club to restore parity. Stuart Beavon's performances of attacking guile and endeavour are fast making him a cult-hero at Adam Park and the 'Beaver' sent around 450 Wycombe fans into ecstasy with an eightieth minute winner.
From this good came a moment of ugliness so blinding that just to glimpse at it, would send the viewer mad. That's certainly how Wycombe fans and no doubt manager Gary Waddock felt, when Yeovil Town came to the home of football in Buckinghamshire. Having suffered a dreary 4-0 defeat at the hands of the visitors on Boxing Day, you would think that the Blues had all the motivation they needed. Sadly, Wycombe may have grabbed a consolation through Matt Harrold from open-play but Yeovil repeated the trick and ran away 4-1 winners. Luke Oliver was introduced to the field of play for the injured lynchpin Adam Hinshelwood and the capitulation began in earnest with Yeovil scoring three times in fifteen minutes. Goalkeeper Scott Shearer also put in an abject display and he has since been sacrificed with Manchester United 'keeper Tom Heaton brought in on loan for the rest of the season.
Usually the thought of an imminent local derby (of sorts) would galvanise the support however the mood going into the game at Griffin Park to face Brentford was downbeat. Eight-hundred and eighty-eight hardy souls braved a cold day to witness a slight upturn in fortunes as Wanderers collected a point in a 1-1 draw. Kevin Betsy's slotted finish had put Wycombe ahead just before the half-hour mark. They held on until fifteen minutes from time, Bees striker Myles Weston spoiling the party.
Talking of Bees, Gary Waddock has brought in out of favour Brentford defender Alan Bennett on a one-month loan. The Irishman went straight into the starting line-up to face Millwall this weekend as the Blues ran out 1-0 winners. The Lions had a penalty saved by Tom Heaton and were unlucky not to score having hit the woodwork too. Not that Wycombe will care. Right-back Julian Kelly, another loanee, this time from Reading, scored a fortuitous goal with his cross into the box evading everyone to plant itself in the back of the net. To add to the drama, Wycombe had Gareth Ainsworth sent-off for violent conduct. Former Blue Tony Craig spat feathers from the sidelines as Ainsworth headed for the tunnel and my sources tell me that the heated exchanges continued after the final whistle.
Flippancy aside, Ainsworth's absence will dent Wycombe's chances of continuing their point-scoring run such is the influence he has exerted in a short space of time. Wanderers could certainly do with his presence as they prepare to face a rampant Southampton side at home on Tuesday night. Even more crucially, Wycombe travel to fellow strugglers Stockport County next week. The phrase 'six-pointer' was invented for these games. Wycombe desperately need to land the final knock-out blow to Stockport's survival chances and create a strong platform to improve their own. There are now only six points between the bottom four and mid-table. A whole host of clubs are now in a dogfight. Tranmere, once seemingly doomed themselves, have clawed their way out of the relegation zone. If Wycombe are to follow, now is the time. We're approaching League One endgame.
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.
Monday, 25 January 2010
Willi's Wycombe 1.2
It has been a frenetic few weeks for Wycombe Wanderers. Since the last blog, Wanderers' league position is little improved however there is hope amongst the faithful that the spate of new signgings will act as a catalyst for a revival. At the very least, manager Gary Waddock is attempting to build a squad capable of promotion straight back to League One, if required.
The task of avoiding relegation looks daunting. Wycombe are seven points from safety and have played up to three games more than some of their nearest rivals. Their last victory came at home against bottom club Stockport County, at a time when hope of a great escape was tangible. Following the last update, Wycombe have recorded a morale boosting draw away at Leeds United with Jon Paul-Pittman again on the scoresheet with a classy finish. Indeed, Leeds were allegedly suitably impressed with the American striker, instigating rumours of a possible transfer though no approach has so far been made. Pittman scored again in the 2-1 reverse at home to much fancied Charlton Athletic and Wycombe picked up another point on the road last Saturday with on-loan West Ham midfielder Josh Payne equalising on his debut when the Blues played Southend United.
The January transfer window has seen a glut of activity at Adams Park. Perhaps the most high-profile piece of business was the departure of Tommy Doherty. Doherty left the club having failed to reconcile with Gary Waddock who released Doherty to Wycombe when he was in charge at Queens Park Rangers. The combative midfielder had a successful spell at the club and was twice named in the League Two Team of the Year. Certainly, his presence as a player was influential both physically and psychologically, albeit not always in keeping within the right spirit. Doherty had flitted in and out of the team over the course of this season as his powers appeared to wane, despite the occasional characteristic flourish of class. Waddock obviously weighed up Doherty's contribution with the undesriable elements of his temperement and made his decision based on what he considered would be the more advantageous for the club.
Kevin Betsy has returned on a permanent basis from Southend, citing his previous stint at the Blues as his most successful and enjoyable. Striker Alex Revell has also joined from Southend, initially on an emergency loan owing to complications with the player's registration. Goalkeeper Jamie Young has left the club by mutual consent, four years and forty-eight games later. The position vacated by Young has quickly been filled by young goalie Steve Arnold, signed from Eastleigh. Recent developments have also seen Wycombe bring in Bristol City goalkeeper Stephen Henderson, a former Ireland U-21 international. And finally, on-loan Josh Payne, whose impressive strike rescued a point last weekend, will stay at the club until the end of February. Arguably the most eye-catching signing has been that of former Peterborough United midfielder Dean Keates, who like Arnold, has a deal until the end of season. More signings are expected with a bid already turned down for Aldershot player Scott Donelly, who is said to be desperate to team up again with former boss Waddock.
Meanwhile, proposals for the building of a new 'Community Stadium' to house Wycombe and rugby union side London Wasps have been further discussed publicly by Wycombe District Council. The figure of £700,000 has been earmarked for the development. Despite protestations from numerous residents and fan groups, the Council have stated that they are committed to the move with the 2014-15 season targetted for opening although the aforementioned hurdles could delay the process. With Wanderers' increasing debt mountain and the commercial benefit to London Wasps, the supporters within the Council, along with Managing Director Steve Hayes will no doubt continue to drive the project. The overall benefits to Wanderers and the town in general remain unclear.
The task of avoiding relegation looks daunting. Wycombe are seven points from safety and have played up to three games more than some of their nearest rivals. Their last victory came at home against bottom club Stockport County, at a time when hope of a great escape was tangible. Following the last update, Wycombe have recorded a morale boosting draw away at Leeds United with Jon Paul-Pittman again on the scoresheet with a classy finish. Indeed, Leeds were allegedly suitably impressed with the American striker, instigating rumours of a possible transfer though no approach has so far been made. Pittman scored again in the 2-1 reverse at home to much fancied Charlton Athletic and Wycombe picked up another point on the road last Saturday with on-loan West Ham midfielder Josh Payne equalising on his debut when the Blues played Southend United.
The January transfer window has seen a glut of activity at Adams Park. Perhaps the most high-profile piece of business was the departure of Tommy Doherty. Doherty left the club having failed to reconcile with Gary Waddock who released Doherty to Wycombe when he was in charge at Queens Park Rangers. The combative midfielder had a successful spell at the club and was twice named in the League Two Team of the Year. Certainly, his presence as a player was influential both physically and psychologically, albeit not always in keeping within the right spirit. Doherty had flitted in and out of the team over the course of this season as his powers appeared to wane, despite the occasional characteristic flourish of class. Waddock obviously weighed up Doherty's contribution with the undesriable elements of his temperement and made his decision based on what he considered would be the more advantageous for the club.
Kevin Betsy has returned on a permanent basis from Southend, citing his previous stint at the Blues as his most successful and enjoyable. Striker Alex Revell has also joined from Southend, initially on an emergency loan owing to complications with the player's registration. Goalkeeper Jamie Young has left the club by mutual consent, four years and forty-eight games later. The position vacated by Young has quickly been filled by young goalie Steve Arnold, signed from Eastleigh. Recent developments have also seen Wycombe bring in Bristol City goalkeeper Stephen Henderson, a former Ireland U-21 international. And finally, on-loan Josh Payne, whose impressive strike rescued a point last weekend, will stay at the club until the end of February. Arguably the most eye-catching signing has been that of former Peterborough United midfielder Dean Keates, who like Arnold, has a deal until the end of season. More signings are expected with a bid already turned down for Aldershot player Scott Donelly, who is said to be desperate to team up again with former boss Waddock.
Meanwhile, proposals for the building of a new 'Community Stadium' to house Wycombe and rugby union side London Wasps have been further discussed publicly by Wycombe District Council. The figure of £700,000 has been earmarked for the development. Despite protestations from numerous residents and fan groups, the Council have stated that they are committed to the move with the 2014-15 season targetted for opening although the aforementioned hurdles could delay the process. With Wanderers' increasing debt mountain and the commercial benefit to London Wasps, the supporters within the Council, along with Managing Director Steve Hayes will no doubt continue to drive the project. The overall benefits to Wanderers and the town in general remain unclear.
Monday, 4 January 2010
Willi's Wycombe 1.1
Three games, three defeats and a thoroughly miserable festive period for Wycombe Wanderers has left them cast adrift at the bottom of League One. A 4-0 drubbing at the feet of Yeovil Town began a series of catastrophic results. This was closely followed by a morale sapping 5-2 reverse at home to relegation rivals Brighton & Hove Albion having at one stage led the game. This was further compounded by a battling 1-0 defeat to promotion chasing Norwich City which leaves them six points from safety.
Aside from difficulties on the pitch there are other concerns. At the beginning of the season there was boardroom talk of 'not merely making up the numbers in the division' however this notion seems laughable now given the current state of affairs. Coupled with this, owner Steve Hayes' vision of Wycombe Wanderers and the successful rugby club he also owns, London Wasps, playing their respective sports at a 20,000 community stadium is another implausible dream. Wycombe's poor form has magnified the examination of the overall health of the club with promotion briefly glossing over the increasing debt mountain and subsequent repercussions. A significant section of the fanbase are now focusing on the long-term problems that could affect the club as well as the more immediate travails.
Similar to the defeat at St. Mary's to Southampton, Wycombe's most recent loss, to Norwich City, highlighted the gulf in class between fallen Premier League giants and a Wanderers side who were fortunate to have eventually crawled to promotion last season. What has been more galling is the joint capitulations against Yeovil and Brighton. These are both two sides who had Wycombe fared better against, they could be in contention with, facing a much better chance of avoiding relegation. The reality was two heavy defeats with the defence once again lacking composure and the options available up front failing to produce. Glenn Murray's four goal salvo for Brighton against the Blues combined with his strike partner Nicky Forster's contribution highlights the abundance of attacking riches at the disposal of Wanderers' rivals.
Gary Waddock has already moved swiftly in the transfer window to bring in defender Adam Hinshelwood from former club Aldershot Town. The defender's competent display against Norwich City bodes well for the future however it could be the influence he exerts rather than his ability that sweetened the deal for his old boss. Certainly listening to Shots fans, Hinshelwood, a former club captain, is regarded as a good professional though his injury problems indicate he may find it difficult to cement his place in the team over a prolonged period. Indeed, following the Norwich defeat, Hinshelwood had already issued a rallying cry, stating that every remaining game will be 'like a cup final'. Wycombe's next opponents are Leeds United, who will probably feel as if they've already won a cup final having defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford in the FA Cup third round this past weekend. A trip to Elland Road is probably the toughest in the division. And it won't get any easier the following week when the Blues face Charlton Athletic. Hope is at a premium amongst the fans at Adams Park. The next few games could all but extinguish its dying embers.
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.
Aside from difficulties on the pitch there are other concerns. At the beginning of the season there was boardroom talk of 'not merely making up the numbers in the division' however this notion seems laughable now given the current state of affairs. Coupled with this, owner Steve Hayes' vision of Wycombe Wanderers and the successful rugby club he also owns, London Wasps, playing their respective sports at a 20,000 community stadium is another implausible dream. Wycombe's poor form has magnified the examination of the overall health of the club with promotion briefly glossing over the increasing debt mountain and subsequent repercussions. A significant section of the fanbase are now focusing on the long-term problems that could affect the club as well as the more immediate travails.
Similar to the defeat at St. Mary's to Southampton, Wycombe's most recent loss, to Norwich City, highlighted the gulf in class between fallen Premier League giants and a Wanderers side who were fortunate to have eventually crawled to promotion last season. What has been more galling is the joint capitulations against Yeovil and Brighton. These are both two sides who had Wycombe fared better against, they could be in contention with, facing a much better chance of avoiding relegation. The reality was two heavy defeats with the defence once again lacking composure and the options available up front failing to produce. Glenn Murray's four goal salvo for Brighton against the Blues combined with his strike partner Nicky Forster's contribution highlights the abundance of attacking riches at the disposal of Wanderers' rivals.
Gary Waddock has already moved swiftly in the transfer window to bring in defender Adam Hinshelwood from former club Aldershot Town. The defender's competent display against Norwich City bodes well for the future however it could be the influence he exerts rather than his ability that sweetened the deal for his old boss. Certainly listening to Shots fans, Hinshelwood, a former club captain, is regarded as a good professional though his injury problems indicate he may find it difficult to cement his place in the team over a prolonged period. Indeed, following the Norwich defeat, Hinshelwood had already issued a rallying cry, stating that every remaining game will be 'like a cup final'. Wycombe's next opponents are Leeds United, who will probably feel as if they've already won a cup final having defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford in the FA Cup third round this past weekend. A trip to Elland Road is probably the toughest in the division. And it won't get any easier the following week when the Blues face Charlton Athletic. Hope is at a premium amongst the fans at Adams Park. The next few games could all but extinguish its dying embers.
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.
Thursday, 19 November 2009
The Results Business Shows No Mercy to Reputation
Six games, no win and a squad of underachievers low on confidence. Gary Waddock could be forgiven for thinking he's taken on a poisoned chalice at Wycombe Wanderers given his record so far. He may also feel that the club's fall, even under his guidance, could be irreversible. The Blues' defeat last night to Brighton and Hove Albion in a first round FA Cup replay saw the boss ring the changes following the humiliating 6-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town the previous Saturday.
Unfortunately it wasn't enough as Wanderers collapsed to a 2-0 defeat though by all accounts, the performance was an improvement. Those who witnessed the defeat to Huddersfield, live on Sky television, would perhaps argue that nothing could be worse. Granted, Huddersfield are a tidy, upwardly mobile side capable of playing attractive and incisive football. But the manner in which Wycombe were taken apart was abject at best and at its worst, demoralising for players and fans alike. There were pockets of Wycombe's play, mainly in the first-half when the scoreline was respectable, where they looked capable. There were neat exchanges in midfield and attempts to penetrate the channels and hurt the opposition with livewires Scott Davies and Kevin Betsy, talisman Tommy Doherty and re-called hero John Akinde offering a threat.
However, middle third of the pitch aside, in defence Wycombe were disorganised and sloppy, in attack they were toothless and devoid of ideas. Former Premiership defender and Wycombe captain Michael Duberry partnered Luke Oliver in the centre of the backline and so far this season both have managed to produce a series of error-strewn displays. Blues fans must be fondly recalling former defensive lynchpins Jamie Bates, Jason Cousins and Paul McCarthy with a renewed rose-tinted vigour. In his defence, Oliver looks like he is needing the kind of assistance that an in-form, experienced partner would provide and he was kept in the side at Brighton and performed admirably. Duberry may be experienced but in-form he isn't and the natives are restless.
By dropping players like Duberry and Matt Bloomfield, Waddock is follwing a refreshing tack. Unprepared to tolerate poor performance and stick to rigid systems and pick favourite players, he admitted that after the debacle at Huddersfield, the honeymoon was over. To be blandly matter of fact, Wycombe at present are staring relegation in the face and are going down with a whimper. With Millwall away next up followed by a crucial encounter with fellow strugglers Southampton, Waddock and Wycombe desperately need to get into the results business. If this means the collective team ego receiving a well-needed massage ahead of individual reputation, then so be it.
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.
Unfortunately it wasn't enough as Wanderers collapsed to a 2-0 defeat though by all accounts, the performance was an improvement. Those who witnessed the defeat to Huddersfield, live on Sky television, would perhaps argue that nothing could be worse. Granted, Huddersfield are a tidy, upwardly mobile side capable of playing attractive and incisive football. But the manner in which Wycombe were taken apart was abject at best and at its worst, demoralising for players and fans alike. There were pockets of Wycombe's play, mainly in the first-half when the scoreline was respectable, where they looked capable. There were neat exchanges in midfield and attempts to penetrate the channels and hurt the opposition with livewires Scott Davies and Kevin Betsy, talisman Tommy Doherty and re-called hero John Akinde offering a threat.
However, middle third of the pitch aside, in defence Wycombe were disorganised and sloppy, in attack they were toothless and devoid of ideas. Former Premiership defender and Wycombe captain Michael Duberry partnered Luke Oliver in the centre of the backline and so far this season both have managed to produce a series of error-strewn displays. Blues fans must be fondly recalling former defensive lynchpins Jamie Bates, Jason Cousins and Paul McCarthy with a renewed rose-tinted vigour. In his defence, Oliver looks like he is needing the kind of assistance that an in-form, experienced partner would provide and he was kept in the side at Brighton and performed admirably. Duberry may be experienced but in-form he isn't and the natives are restless.
By dropping players like Duberry and Matt Bloomfield, Waddock is follwing a refreshing tack. Unprepared to tolerate poor performance and stick to rigid systems and pick favourite players, he admitted that after the debacle at Huddersfield, the honeymoon was over. To be blandly matter of fact, Wycombe at present are staring relegation in the face and are going down with a whimper. With Millwall away next up followed by a crucial encounter with fellow strugglers Southampton, Waddock and Wycombe desperately need to get into the results business. If this means the collective team ego receiving a well-needed massage ahead of individual reputation, then so be it.
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.
Monday, 26 October 2009
Two Points as Signs of Life Emerge
Since Gary Waddock took charge of Wycombe Wanderers, the Blues have notched two points against rivals Colchester United and Exeter City. Wycombe remain bottom of the League One table, two points adrift of Tranmere Rovers and six from safety but signs of life are beginning to emerge.
Jon Paul-Pitman continues to display what a valuable asset he is to the club and it was his late equaliser against Colchester that secured a point. Fortunes were reversed however when the Blues faced Exeter at St. James' Park on Saturday with Barry Corr's header, again a goal conceded from a set-piece, deep into stoppage time that denied Wycombe their first away win of the season and Waddock's first in charge.
There do remain concerns however the signs of promise from the team appear to have the fans reinvigorated with a crucial home game against Walsall next Saturday to look forward to. It will be interesting to see whether the new manager alters the playing personnel or whether he believes that there is enough quality in the squad to avoid relegation. Could it be the previous system and style of play that were to blame for poor results? Against Exeter, Waddock employed the much maligned 4-5-1 formation that his predecessor favoured. One thing is certain, the Blues need a win quickly to give them confidence as they head into deepest winter.
williwycombe is an exile from the fair town of High Wycombe so does not get to attend many matches. Therefore his views and opinions should be treated thusly and not dissected as if he were some expert who actually witnessed events unfold first hand.
Jon Paul-Pitman continues to display what a valuable asset he is to the club and it was his late equaliser against Colchester that secured a point. Fortunes were reversed however when the Blues faced Exeter at St. James' Park on Saturday with Barry Corr's header, again a goal conceded from a set-piece, deep into stoppage time that denied Wycombe their first away win of the season and Waddock's first in charge.
There do remain concerns however the signs of promise from the team appear to have the fans reinvigorated with a crucial home game against Walsall next Saturday to look forward to. It will be interesting to see whether the new manager alters the playing personnel or whether he believes that there is enough quality in the squad to avoid relegation. Could it be the previous system and style of play that were to blame for poor results? Against Exeter, Waddock employed the much maligned 4-5-1 formation that his predecessor favoured. One thing is certain, the Blues need a win quickly to give them confidence as they head into deepest winter.
williwycombe is an exile from the fair town of High Wycombe so does not get to attend many matches. Therefore his views and opinions should be treated thusly and not dissected as if he were some expert who actually witnessed events unfold first hand.
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