Take flight fellow Bournemouthians! The third annual More Bus Bournemouth Air Festival sponsored by, affiliated with blah blah, is back.
From today (Thursday 19th August) until Sunday we can expect to see some of our finest birds flying over the town, including perennial crowd pleaser, the deafening Eurofighter Typhoon.
Surprisingly, and against the grain for the miserablists and cynics who inhabit the town, the Air Festival has been an embraced success.
It might clog up our inadequate transport system and residents closer to the seafront might find Toby, Jane, Andrew and Tom parked in front of their driveway, but this has been largely overlooked.
The statistics point to the success and growing stature of the event. The inaugural event back in 2008 was said by Bournemouth Council to have attracted an estimated 750,000 spectators with even more in attendance in 2009.
The weather helped too. Crammed onto the beach or perched on the cliff tops, spectators basked in rare sunshine to enjoy the view.
As for this year, so far, so good with regards to the weather. Although we have been predicted downpours, the sun is trying its best to burn through the clouds.
Riding around town, I've noticed those savvy traders have camped in the Square to peddle their wares. I've spotted an aesthetically pleasing young lady in hot pants promoting my now favourite time of day, Pimm's O’clock. Tally ho!
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Sunday, 8 August 2010
Thoughts of the Day: A Bournemouth Resident's Confused Mind
I wasn't very happy about being woken up at 2am. Language schools are now the heartbeat of the Bournemouth economy and students from all over the globe converge on the town each summer.
Hearing rich Arabic tones shouting 'come back you fucking prick' is just briliant, isn't it? This is what our international friends learn and take back to their respective homelands. That one phrase, an almost laughable linguistic titbit for export, annoyed me. I was awake now and had work in the morning. Thankfully it was jovial or as friendly as calling someone a 'fucking prick' can be.
Our motley crew from Sainsbury's Castlepoint played football later in the evening. Since our run of defeats, we've started training and things seem to be slowly improving. There is more cohesion and a spirit amongst the camp is growing. It's 'Clarks: The Re-match' next week so hopefully we can show those shoe sellers a thing or two after our narrow defeat last time we faced them.
It's up at 6.30am to get to Sainsbury's Christchurch tomorrow. I don't mind the long journey. I suppose it gives me a chance to read more about jailed musical impresario and apparent nutjob, Phil Spector. I love the way these types of book describe the ease in which famous faces hone their talents and become successful. 'He picked up a guitar' and then a few chapters later they've taken over the world. Lucky bastards.
Hearing rich Arabic tones shouting 'come back you fucking prick' is just briliant, isn't it? This is what our international friends learn and take back to their respective homelands. That one phrase, an almost laughable linguistic titbit for export, annoyed me. I was awake now and had work in the morning. Thankfully it was jovial or as friendly as calling someone a 'fucking prick' can be.
Our motley crew from Sainsbury's Castlepoint played football later in the evening. Since our run of defeats, we've started training and things seem to be slowly improving. There is more cohesion and a spirit amongst the camp is growing. It's 'Clarks: The Re-match' next week so hopefully we can show those shoe sellers a thing or two after our narrow defeat last time we faced them.
It's up at 6.30am to get to Sainsbury's Christchurch tomorrow. I don't mind the long journey. I suppose it gives me a chance to read more about jailed musical impresario and apparent nutjob, Phil Spector. I love the way these types of book describe the ease in which famous faces hone their talents and become successful. 'He picked up a guitar' and then a few chapters later they've taken over the world. Lucky bastards.
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.
Monday, 12 July 2010
In Focus: Wycombe's Summer Signings
Football players these days don't tend to hang around at a club much longer than a Wycombe Wanderers finance director. That aside, we'll be hoping that our new charges stick and are in it for the long-haul, just like messrs Ryan, Brown, Cousins and Carroll were.
With the help of the fans of Aldershot Town, Brentford and Yeovil Town, we're running the rule over the new recruits and garnering opinion from those who have witnessed their performances first hand. Were they sad to see them leave or completely indifferent?
Brentford were the most accommodating lot once I'd been instructed to sign up for their message board. The Aldershot moderator invited me to join however it seems he/she can't be arsed to verify my membership and the comments from Aldershot and Yeovil are thusly the result of me scouring their forums.
So, we’ll start with the contingent from Brentford. Goalkeeper Nikki Bull played for the Bees and the general consensus was he is 'short as shit for a goalie' as one fan put it. I'm not entirely sure what you can read into that. Manchester City's Shay Given isn't too shabby for a relatively short goalkeeper.
Their thoughts on defender Danny Foster and striker Ben Strevens delved deeper than the previous gem although there was one useful reply to clarify opinion on Bull.
A Bees fan wrote: "Bull had an unlucky season. Having just displaced Lewis Price in goal in September, he suffered an injury that kept him out until April. By that time we had Szczesny, so Bull was never going to get a look in. He was called upon off the bench though at Southend in April and a couple of great saves meant we got a point when we were effectively playing with 9 men given the number of injuries we suffered in that game."
One poster had these opinions: (On Foster) "He isn't the greatest defender and certainly not ambitious in crossing the half-way line, but if you are looking for a steady, decent league two full-back - he'll be fine. (sic)
"I don't think we ever saw what we expected from Ben Strevens - he's quite a neat and tidy front-man but the one thing in his favour is that he doesn't stop working. And he scores his goals from inside the six-yard box, so you'll need to get balls in there for him!"
Should Wycombe win promotion and re-ignite the master plan of reaching the Championship, it will be interesting to see how many of the new contingent would be still be included given some Bees fans misgivings on our signing's supposed limitations further up the football pyramid.
As one Bees fan said: "I was very pleased that they all moved on, they are not bad players but also they are not what you need for where we hope to go. I would say that honest sums up Strevens and steady is good for Foster. I would suggest that Bull is short for bullshit but he's your average lower league keeper."
So, Strevens is going to need Kevin Betsy to dribble around the opposition team and then generously pass him the ball, good luck there Ben. Meanwhile Danny Foster will defend his territory bullishly without making too many inroads into the attacking half of the pitch. Bull might be another run of the mill goalkeeper.
Scott Shearer was a good shot-stopper however what we need is a commanding presence, something Bull can hopefully provide to a defence that for large swathes of last season was woefully disorganised.
Our friends in Hampshire, Aldershot Town, have a vociferous contingent who were none too pleased by the manner of defender Dave Winfield's departure.
Some feel that Winfield, who had allegedly agreed in principle to sign a new contract with the Shots upon his return from a holiday, has turned his back on his boyhood club, displaying a lack of class. Others are more forgiving. Politics aside, here's what they say about the lad.
One fan isn't too fussed he's left: "Waddock has just smooth talked him. Simple really. He will be on the bench for most of the season."
Another wished him all the best: "Those who have ever met, spoken to or spent time with Dave will all agree, I'm 100% sure, that the guy is a true gentleman, as polite as you could ever expect a footballer to be..and a true professional in terms of the way he approaches the game. If you believe the parting shot of a manager bitterly disappointed that he has lost a "potential future captain" and allow it to tarnish the view that you have of Dave, then so be it." (sic)
In signing a potential future captain and already having a former Shots captain in Adam Hinshelwood (subject to contract agreement), we should have a few leaders amongst the squad.
Yeovil Town fans didn't seem to say much about midfielder Kieran Murtagh other than that he will be a "quality player at this level". Likewise, Shots fans didn't appear to dwell too much on the departure of defender Andy Sandell. Either that or I’m just too lazy to dig deeper. Meh.
With the help of the fans of Aldershot Town, Brentford and Yeovil Town, we're running the rule over the new recruits and garnering opinion from those who have witnessed their performances first hand. Were they sad to see them leave or completely indifferent?
Brentford were the most accommodating lot once I'd been instructed to sign up for their message board. The Aldershot moderator invited me to join however it seems he/she can't be arsed to verify my membership and the comments from Aldershot and Yeovil are thusly the result of me scouring their forums.
So, we’ll start with the contingent from Brentford. Goalkeeper Nikki Bull played for the Bees and the general consensus was he is 'short as shit for a goalie' as one fan put it. I'm not entirely sure what you can read into that. Manchester City's Shay Given isn't too shabby for a relatively short goalkeeper.
Their thoughts on defender Danny Foster and striker Ben Strevens delved deeper than the previous gem although there was one useful reply to clarify opinion on Bull.
A Bees fan wrote: "Bull had an unlucky season. Having just displaced Lewis Price in goal in September, he suffered an injury that kept him out until April. By that time we had Szczesny, so Bull was never going to get a look in. He was called upon off the bench though at Southend in April and a couple of great saves meant we got a point when we were effectively playing with 9 men given the number of injuries we suffered in that game."
One poster had these opinions: (On Foster) "He isn't the greatest defender and certainly not ambitious in crossing the half-way line, but if you are looking for a steady, decent league two full-back - he'll be fine. (sic)
"I don't think we ever saw what we expected from Ben Strevens - he's quite a neat and tidy front-man but the one thing in his favour is that he doesn't stop working. And he scores his goals from inside the six-yard box, so you'll need to get balls in there for him!"
Should Wycombe win promotion and re-ignite the master plan of reaching the Championship, it will be interesting to see how many of the new contingent would be still be included given some Bees fans misgivings on our signing's supposed limitations further up the football pyramid.
As one Bees fan said: "I was very pleased that they all moved on, they are not bad players but also they are not what you need for where we hope to go. I would say that honest sums up Strevens and steady is good for Foster. I would suggest that Bull is short for bullshit but he's your average lower league keeper."
So, Strevens is going to need Kevin Betsy to dribble around the opposition team and then generously pass him the ball, good luck there Ben. Meanwhile Danny Foster will defend his territory bullishly without making too many inroads into the attacking half of the pitch. Bull might be another run of the mill goalkeeper.
Scott Shearer was a good shot-stopper however what we need is a commanding presence, something Bull can hopefully provide to a defence that for large swathes of last season was woefully disorganised.
Our friends in Hampshire, Aldershot Town, have a vociferous contingent who were none too pleased by the manner of defender Dave Winfield's departure.
Some feel that Winfield, who had allegedly agreed in principle to sign a new contract with the Shots upon his return from a holiday, has turned his back on his boyhood club, displaying a lack of class. Others are more forgiving. Politics aside, here's what they say about the lad.
One fan isn't too fussed he's left: "Waddock has just smooth talked him. Simple really. He will be on the bench for most of the season."
Another wished him all the best: "Those who have ever met, spoken to or spent time with Dave will all agree, I'm 100% sure, that the guy is a true gentleman, as polite as you could ever expect a footballer to be..and a true professional in terms of the way he approaches the game. If you believe the parting shot of a manager bitterly disappointed that he has lost a "potential future captain" and allow it to tarnish the view that you have of Dave, then so be it." (sic)
In signing a potential future captain and already having a former Shots captain in Adam Hinshelwood (subject to contract agreement), we should have a few leaders amongst the squad.
Yeovil Town fans didn't seem to say much about midfielder Kieran Murtagh other than that he will be a "quality player at this level". Likewise, Shots fans didn't appear to dwell too much on the departure of defender Andy Sandell. Either that or I’m just too lazy to dig deeper. Meh.
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Ryanair's Potential Departure From Bournemouth Would Be Disastrous
Love it or loathe it, Irish airline, Ryanair, the budget way to fly with no frills. has become synonymous with Bournemouth Airport.
Thousands take advantage of cheap flights locally to get away to destinations such as Alicante, where nearby there is a significant ex-pat population.
If the rumours emerging this morning are true, Ryanair could be about to pull the plug on its operations from Bournemouth, potentially bringing about job losses and travel misery to the thousands of locals who had become reliant on their services.
Speaking as a foreign exchange cashier, I know first-hand that despite Ryanair's often questionable reputation with regards to service, most people are prepared to put up with the downside for a couple of hours to reach their intended destination.
Many of our customers are elderly or retired, seeing Bournemouth as a far easier option than making the long drive to Gatwick. They have relatives abroad and it would become much harder for them to visit should Ryanair cease flying from Bournemouth Airport.
Given Ryanair's relative success in flying from Bournemouth and long-standing relationship with the airport, dating back to 1996, it will be interesting to see them justify their reasoning should they halt their operations in the area.
Bournemouth's brand new £45 million terminal would no doubt suffer greatly should the worst happen with only Thomson remaining its primary user.
Keep reading Arm Chairs & Deck Chairs for the full story and reaction.
Thousands take advantage of cheap flights locally to get away to destinations such as Alicante, where nearby there is a significant ex-pat population.
If the rumours emerging this morning are true, Ryanair could be about to pull the plug on its operations from Bournemouth, potentially bringing about job losses and travel misery to the thousands of locals who had become reliant on their services.
Speaking as a foreign exchange cashier, I know first-hand that despite Ryanair's often questionable reputation with regards to service, most people are prepared to put up with the downside for a couple of hours to reach their intended destination.
Many of our customers are elderly or retired, seeing Bournemouth as a far easier option than making the long drive to Gatwick. They have relatives abroad and it would become much harder for them to visit should Ryanair cease flying from Bournemouth Airport.
Given Ryanair's relative success in flying from Bournemouth and long-standing relationship with the airport, dating back to 1996, it will be interesting to see them justify their reasoning should they halt their operations in the area.
Bournemouth's brand new £45 million terminal would no doubt suffer greatly should the worst happen with only Thomson remaining its primary user.
Keep reading Arm Chairs & Deck Chairs for the full story and reaction.
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.
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
We'll Fight the 'Germans' on the Beaches and Outside Pubs
One unfortunate gentleman in High Wycombe, sporting a German national team football shirt on Sunday, was assaulted after leaving the Antelope Pub.
The 31-year-old man was punched but reportedly not injured following the game. Thought to be English, word on the web is that the man in question was making a nuisance of himself in the pub and revelling in England's 4-1 demise at the feet of arch-rivals, Germany.
We're a civilised folk here at Arm Chairs & Deck Chairs so we do not advocate groups of marauding hooligans assaulting members of the public for their footballing allegiances however perhaps this chap should have been more tactful given the sensitive nature of the game and distastrous outcome for England.
Pub manager Shane Mcdougall claimed staff offered him a different t-shirt to wear, an offer that was refused, and told him to leave for his own safety after he appeared to be getting a 'bit excited'.
In an ideal world, Wycombe fans would freely wear their colours in Oxford or Colchester pubs and vice versa but sadly this is not possible. No doubt the gentlemen knew the kind of trouble he was likely to encounter and whilst he didn't deserve to be assaulted, he probably went home knowing that it was not wholly unexpected, given his desire to not pursue any complaint.
The 31-year-old man was punched but reportedly not injured following the game. Thought to be English, word on the web is that the man in question was making a nuisance of himself in the pub and revelling in England's 4-1 demise at the feet of arch-rivals, Germany.
We're a civilised folk here at Arm Chairs & Deck Chairs so we do not advocate groups of marauding hooligans assaulting members of the public for their footballing allegiances however perhaps this chap should have been more tactful given the sensitive nature of the game and distastrous outcome for England.
Pub manager Shane Mcdougall claimed staff offered him a different t-shirt to wear, an offer that was refused, and told him to leave for his own safety after he appeared to be getting a 'bit excited'.
In an ideal world, Wycombe fans would freely wear their colours in Oxford or Colchester pubs and vice versa but sadly this is not possible. No doubt the gentlemen knew the kind of trouble he was likely to encounter and whilst he didn't deserve to be assaulted, he probably went home knowing that it was not wholly unexpected, given his desire to not pursue any complaint.
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