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.
Sunday, 3 October 2010
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
A Very British Rebellion?
Hats off to the Recessionairs for taking on those ghastly banks. A very British rebellion against corporate greed has taken place in Westbourne, Bournemouth this past weekend.
As reported through the Daily Echo, a group calling themselves the 'Recessionairs' bricked up the entrance to a branch of Barclays bank in the seaside suburb in protest against the whole banking network's refusal to loan money to small businesses, calling in overdrafts and paying punitive interest rates on savings while charging higher rates on loans.
Property developer, Cameron Hope, 59, organised the protest along with fellow developer, Charlie Townsend, 49, from Poole. Friend Les Dawson, 66, is the other member of the rebellious triumvirate.
Dawson's comments strike at the heart of the nature of the trio's expression of anger.
“Somebody’s got to say something. We’re all too apathetic in this country; we need to be a bit more like France.
“We’re not here for a jape, we’re here to bring a serious problem to people’s attention.”
Shortly after the bricks were put up, two police officers arrived to ask the men to remove their protest though not before a photo opportunity with the local press.
As Dawson points out, this kind of direct action is usually anathema to the majority of Britons who still regard the stiff upper-lip as the dignified way of dealing with problems.
When it comes to the subject of banks and bosses' pay though, even the rage of a middle England normally full of hot-air and bravado is being translated into concerted action.
Whether you agree with the views of a few property developers obviously out to make a quick buck themselves, the feelings evident are clear. The British Bankers' Association stressed that "The UK’s banks have established a taskforce to report to the government on exactly this issue – addressing how banks can further help small businesses through the recovery."
For the time being at least, this might not be enough. People want decisive action, not more bluster.
As reported through the Daily Echo, a group calling themselves the 'Recessionairs' bricked up the entrance to a branch of Barclays bank in the seaside suburb in protest against the whole banking network's refusal to loan money to small businesses, calling in overdrafts and paying punitive interest rates on savings while charging higher rates on loans.
Property developer, Cameron Hope, 59, organised the protest along with fellow developer, Charlie Townsend, 49, from Poole. Friend Les Dawson, 66, is the other member of the rebellious triumvirate.
Dawson's comments strike at the heart of the nature of the trio's expression of anger.
“Somebody’s got to say something. We’re all too apathetic in this country; we need to be a bit more like France.
“We’re not here for a jape, we’re here to bring a serious problem to people’s attention.”
Shortly after the bricks were put up, two police officers arrived to ask the men to remove their protest though not before a photo opportunity with the local press.
As Dawson points out, this kind of direct action is usually anathema to the majority of Britons who still regard the stiff upper-lip as the dignified way of dealing with problems.
When it comes to the subject of banks and bosses' pay though, even the rage of a middle England normally full of hot-air and bravado is being translated into concerted action.
Whether you agree with the views of a few property developers obviously out to make a quick buck themselves, the feelings evident are clear. The British Bankers' Association stressed that "The UK’s banks have established a taskforce to report to the government on exactly this issue – addressing how banks can further help small businesses through the recovery."
For the time being at least, this might not be enough. People want decisive action, not more bluster.
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, 8 September 2010
Dirty, Stinking Bournemouth
It's the Council, the pubs, the clubs, the take-aways, the cheap booze, those lascivious hens, those haughty stags. Everyone's pointing the finger of blame at all and sundry apart from themselves when it comes to the subject of Bournemouth's messy streets following another hedonistic weekend on the south coast.
Council cabinet member David Smith has made his feelings known on the state of Bournemouth's streets followings evenings of revelry, describing them as resembling a "pigsty".
He told a meeting: “You’d be appalled if you saw Bournemouth every morning; we have to go out and pick up the litter left behind by the night-time economy.”
Disgraced former Leader of the Council and porn aficionado Stephen MacLoughlin ironically added that the town had lost its once sterling reputation.
He told the Daily Echo that "people are not proud of Bournemouth anymore", a comment that has been pounced upon by the baying masses of Echo internet respondents still seething from the fall-out following 'Porngate'.
No doubt most of those slighted by MacLoughlin would probably never admit to having a quick look at the errant copy of Nuts magazine accidently moved to the classic car section of Sainsbury's.
So, where does the blame lie? The obvious answer is we must share the responsibility of keeping our town clean and act collectively. It might also help if we were to be empowered by local and central government to enact appropriate rule changes to curb the nasty side of effects of 24-hour drinking legislation.
Fines for the mindless act of inebriated littering would no doubt be difficult to enforce, especially with limited police manpower to target isolated offenders in the throng of a Saturday night.
Ensuring clubs have the power (and also the inclination) to have a sensible last entry time could be one positive step forward.
I'm a man about town so I don't wish to sound too reactionary at the risk of being hypocritical. I've stumbled into night clubs at 5am to get that one last drink. But even I am wondering if that's such a good thing and whether I'd really miss that kind of 'luxury', In the past, I think my brain and liver have asked the same question too with a similar outcome.
That fine bastion of corporate responsibility, McDonald's, has been sounded out as an example to follow. The 'McDonald's Solution', as I like to call it, refers to the Bournemouth town centre branch and its approach to littering outside its frontage. If it's in their vicinity, provided it doesn't cross the force field across the road to Roddis House, their workers will clean it up.
But why should Dallas Chicken clean up mess brought along by Joe Benson or Sharon Hedges if they've accumulated polystyrene containers from Hot Diggidy Dog and carelessly dropped them on the street corner?
The answer: because we're all in this together. Until all parties responsible muster the collective spirit of common sense and civic togetherness, we're all going to suffer the wider repercussions that local and national legislation have wrought. Combined with increasing mind-numbing idiocy and abandon of personal responsibility for our actions, the consequences of failing to face up to this and other problems affecting our town will only lead to further decline.
Just put the damn chip packet in the bin, eh? That is, if you can find one.
Council cabinet member David Smith has made his feelings known on the state of Bournemouth's streets followings evenings of revelry, describing them as resembling a "pigsty".
He told a meeting: “You’d be appalled if you saw Bournemouth every morning; we have to go out and pick up the litter left behind by the night-time economy.”
Disgraced former Leader of the Council and porn aficionado Stephen MacLoughlin ironically added that the town had lost its once sterling reputation.
He told the Daily Echo that "people are not proud of Bournemouth anymore", a comment that has been pounced upon by the baying masses of Echo internet respondents still seething from the fall-out following 'Porngate'.
No doubt most of those slighted by MacLoughlin would probably never admit to having a quick look at the errant copy of Nuts magazine accidently moved to the classic car section of Sainsbury's.
So, where does the blame lie? The obvious answer is we must share the responsibility of keeping our town clean and act collectively. It might also help if we were to be empowered by local and central government to enact appropriate rule changes to curb the nasty side of effects of 24-hour drinking legislation.
Fines for the mindless act of inebriated littering would no doubt be difficult to enforce, especially with limited police manpower to target isolated offenders in the throng of a Saturday night.
Ensuring clubs have the power (and also the inclination) to have a sensible last entry time could be one positive step forward.
I'm a man about town so I don't wish to sound too reactionary at the risk of being hypocritical. I've stumbled into night clubs at 5am to get that one last drink. But even I am wondering if that's such a good thing and whether I'd really miss that kind of 'luxury', In the past, I think my brain and liver have asked the same question too with a similar outcome.
That fine bastion of corporate responsibility, McDonald's, has been sounded out as an example to follow. The 'McDonald's Solution', as I like to call it, refers to the Bournemouth town centre branch and its approach to littering outside its frontage. If it's in their vicinity, provided it doesn't cross the force field across the road to Roddis House, their workers will clean it up.
But why should Dallas Chicken clean up mess brought along by Joe Benson or Sharon Hedges if they've accumulated polystyrene containers from Hot Diggidy Dog and carelessly dropped them on the street corner?
The answer: because we're all in this together. Until all parties responsible muster the collective spirit of common sense and civic togetherness, we're all going to suffer the wider repercussions that local and national legislation have wrought. Combined with increasing mind-numbing idiocy and abandon of personal responsibility for our actions, the consequences of failing to face up to this and other problems affecting our town will only lead to further decline.
Just put the damn chip packet in the bin, eh? That is, if you can find one.
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Air We Go Again!
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!
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!
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.
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