Wycombe Wanderers ushered in 2011 with a New Year's Day victory against Cheltenham Town. The Blues recorded a 2-1 win courtesy of two stunning goals from Stuart Beavon and Gareth Ainsworth. The result has propelled the Blues to third position in the npower League Two table.
In the past, much has been made of the significance of the number '1' in relation to the previous successes of Tottenham Hotspur, notably their last League title win in 1961 and FA Cup triumph in 1991.
A 2001 FA Cup semi-final defeat to arch-rivals Arsenal poured scorn on this erroneous piece of football nostalgia, even if there was some solace in the Gunner's defeat to Liverpool at the crucial juncture of the competition.
If Wycombe were to apply the same superstition, they can justly use their own statistics to make a case for a successful 2011 as they pursue promotion to League One.
After all, the Blues like Spurs were a 2001 FA Cup semi-finalist whilst only a Division Two side. Ten years prior to that historic occasion, Wycombe enjoyed FA Trophy success defeating Kidderminster Harriers in the 1991 final.
Delving further still into the annals of Wanderers history, there was an FA Amateur Cup triumph in 1931. In addition, a poignant reminder of the significance of the digit in relation to past success and the current stadium debate ruckus, is that former Wanderer and Loakes Park benefactor Frank Adams joined the club as a player in 1911.
The upcoming year could be memorable for a variety of reasons, good and bad. Wycombe District Council are expected to announce the outcome of their consultation with residents regarding proposals to build Wycombe Wanderers and tenants London Wasps rugby club a new stadium in the Booker area of High Wycombe. The results of the consultation are expected to be delivered in January.
Thus far, no concrete details have been released by the football club with regards to how the stadium plan would specifically benefit the Wanderers.
A potential promotion could propel the club a step closer to the promised land of the npower Championship. Those more cynical than myself may argue that achieving this feat would have questionable benefits, especially after the false dawn following Wycombe's last promotion and quick-fire relegation in 2010.
Some may take a dim view of having the chance to be the next Scunthorpe United or being able to replicate the feats of clubs like Bury, Stockport County and Grimsby Town. The latter three grimly clung onto their second tier status during the late nineties and early noughties before succumbing to their inevitable slide down the leagues.
Was the last game against Cheltenham a vintage performance to kick-off a year of achievement? It was certainly a win to savour over a bogey team, Wycombe's first in nine Football League encounters with the Robins.
By all accounts, the team awoke from their initial slumber to break with purpose and although there were elements of fortune, the Blues had chances themselves to secure the three points by a greater margin.
The rivalry of sorts with Cheltenham is a peculiar one, online animosity stoked by tedious banter and fanned by the tangible bitterness of Wycombe's 2006 play-off semi-final defeat. The Blues had battered Cheltenham in the return leg before bowing out on aggregate (2-1) after a very one-sided 0-0 draw in Gloucestershire where Wycombe did everything but score.
There are certainly valid reasons for Wycombe fans to be cheerful heading into the new year:
1. We are sexy. At least in a footballing sense. We have a midfield capable of industry and creativity and strikers scoring goals after a slow start to the season for the forward line. That we possess a defence that can sometimes resemble an articulated lorry trying desperately to turn quickly enough to avoid a South Ruislip bridge strike only adds more excitement for Blues fans and neutrals alike.
2. We are managed by an ambitious man of principle and integrity. Wycombe manager Gary Waddock wants the club to progress and to do so playing football the right way. This involves a ball predominantly zipping across the turf rather than the turgid hoofball of c.2002-2003 and other fitful periods of the last decade.
Despite the additional pressure from the men in suits to achieve promotion at all costs, our Gaz has largely managed to keep his focus on the team rather than Brand WWFC with exciting additions such as midfielder Scott Donnelly on a loan deal from Swansea City.
3. Wycombe fans of the world, unite!
You are more likely to see Wycombe fans delivering cutting online insults to one another or cursory glances across the Vere Suite as opposed to a mass conga snaking its way through the Frank Adams stand.
That said, a vociferous number are in agreement in their opposition to sketchy plans to move the club to a new stadium in Booker. Although the proximate cause is unpleasant, the unifying effect of the opposition, epitomised by the 'Black and White' movement, is refreshing.
There have been moments where results and performances have triggered murmurs of dissatisfaction. Defeat to Macclesfield Town at home was cause for concern, swiftly erased by a six match unbeaten run that included a welcome win against rivals Colchester United.
Torquay United's classy 3-1 victory at Adams Park had some questioning how good or otherwise this Wycombe team is compared to some of its promotion rivals.
Defeating Rotherham United, who now top the table, besides victories against fellow promotion hopefuls Bury and Cheltenham in recent weeks, are enough to dispel any accusations that the Blues are incapable of beating the top sides in the division.
Depending on your standpoint, this year is going to be memorable, for good or for ill. Not everyone is opposed to the construction of a new stadium. It is a lingering shiny promise representative of investment in the club and the wider community and has been proposed through worthy enough soundbites.
Their content though fails to answer pertinent qustions as to where exactly there is a need for a larger stadium to suit Wycombe Wanderers Football Club. How will it financially benefit WWFC and what plan, if any, exists to reverse the effects of years of debt accumulation?
As When Saturday Comes writer Paul Lewis noted in 2005, "How a club previously known to be financially stable had amassed debts of more than £2 million by 2003 was never made clear, especially given that players’ wages were always kept as less than 40 per cent of total turnover and that rugby tenants London Wasps have paid £300,000 a year since moving to Wycombe in 2002."
Six years later and these debts have increased to circa £6 million with no transparent plans to stem annual losses of around £1 million.
Let the mocking words of those in power not unduly disparage the genuine concerns of those who remain the lifeblood of an institution supported and maintained by their loyal devotion. Here is to a year to remember, for all the right reasons.
Showing posts with label Gareth Ainsworth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gareth Ainsworth. Show all posts
Sunday, 2 January 2011
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.
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.
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