All the news stories from April 2002
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LEE GOING TO CARDIFF
(Tuesday 30th April 2002)
Martyn Lee scored a vital penalty in the shoot-out that saw Cheltenham Town overcome Hartlepool and reach the 3rd Division Play-Off final at the Millennium Stadium Cardiff. The on-loan Wanderers midfielder came on as substitute in the 85th minute but confidently struck home his spot-kick. The final is against Rushden on Monday 6th May. |
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FAULCONBRIDGE LATEST
(Tuesday 30th April 2002)
Wycombe are in discussions with Wrexham to release Craig Faulconbridge from his contract with Wrexham. At present the striker would have to wait until 1st July before joining another club on a 'Bosman' but it's understood that Wycombe want the deal sorted out as soon as possible.
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TAYLOR QUITS BRIGHTON
(Monday 29th April 2002)
The news that Peter Taylor has quit as Brighton boss comes as bit of a shock. Apparently Taylor, who wasn't on a contract, was unhappy with his proposed player budget for next season in Division One.  Brighton and Hove Albion - Quick Guide
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FAULCONBRIDGE - ALL TALK?
(Sunday 28th April 2002)
The Craig Faulconbridge saga continues with the striker quoted in the Wrexham Evening Leader as saying "All the talk of me going here and there is only that - talk. My agent has his ear to the ground but at the moment he knows no more than I do about where I’ll end up". The same paper is also linking Wycombe with Wrexham's 29 year old forward Lee Jones. |
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WE WILL WIN THE WAR YET
(Saturday 27th April 2002)
Wanderers' Chief Executive Simon Monkman says he is confident that "we will win the war yet" when commenting on the battle with Wycombe District Council over the rugby planning saga at Adams Park. Wanderers will begin installing a new £500,000 pitch on 7th May and Monkman says "It's a risk but I think and know it's a risk worth taking" Full story via link
Wanderers CE goes to war over Wasps move
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TICKET PRICES FOR 2002/3
(Friday 26th April 2002)
Wanderers fans will have to bear match admission prices rises across the board for the 2002/3 season. The Club announced the prices for 2002/3 on Friday and Season Tickets will go on sale from Saturday 18th May. New season starts 10th August.
Ticket info 2002/3 and comparison to last season |
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HARRIS SIGNS FOR A YEAR
(Friday 26th April 2002)
Former Crystal Palace striker Richard Harris has signed a one year deal with Wycombe after passing his medical. The 21 year old was offered the deal on Monday and quickly grabbed the opportunity to stay with The Wanderers. He said "I can't wait for next season to start".
Richard Harris - Player profile
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SWINDON TAKE EMBLEN
(Friday 26th April 2002)
Swindon Town are giving a trial to former Wanderer Paul Emblen. The goalscoring hero from Lincoln played for Town Reserves in their 2-1 defeat to Brentford but didn't get on the scoresheet. Paul Emblen - Player profile
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TRIALLISTS ASKED BACK
(Friday 26th April 2002)
Triallists Damian Spencer and Vinnie John have been asked back to feature in Wanderers' pre-season programme after impressing Lawrie Sanchez in their brief appearances for the Reserves at the end of the 2001/2 season. |
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LADIES TEAM EDGED OUT
(Thursday 25th April 2002)
Wycombe Wanderers Ladies were edged out by two goals to one in their crucial Adams Park encounter against Stocklake in the Women's Regional Southern - Northern Division on Thursday evening. See link for report and pictures.
Wanderers' Ladies edged out in crucial game
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TOUGH TO LET COUZ GO
(Thursday 25th April 2002)
Lawrie Sanchez has paid tribute to Jason Cousins following the decision not to renew his contract for the 2002/3 season. Sanchez also said "It's the toughest decision I've had to make in my time as Manager here." See link for full story.
Sanchez pays tribute to departed Cousins |
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OZZIE GOES TO BORO
(Thursday 25th April 2002)
Wanderers Reserve 'keeper Mark Osborn has gone on loan to Farnborough Town after the Conference side were given special permission from the FA following an injury crisis. Meanwhile, Martyn Lee's loan spell at Cheltenham Town has been extended to include their play-off matches. |
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HERE WE GO AGAIN
(Thursday 25th April 2002)
The rumour and speculation bandwagon is about to kick in again with the news that Wimbledon have sacked Manager Terry Burton. Apparently there's a few ex-Dons at Adams Park they could be interested in. Yeah, yeah, we've heard it all before. |
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NO MONEY FOR TRANSFERS
(Thursday 25th April 2002)
Lawrie Sanchez says he doesn't expect to get another transfer budget during his time at Wycombe Wanderers. Speaking at the fans forum Sanchez said "The only way that transfer funds will be available is for fans to club together and give the money to the 'friends of Wycombe Wanderers'" See link for full story.
No transfer fund for Sanchez at Wycombe
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CASTLEDINE PAID OFF
(Thursday 25th April 2002)
Stewart Castledine has left Wycombe by 'mutual consent'. It's understood that the former Wimbledon man has been paid off for a percentage of the remainder of his contract which ran until May 2003.
Stewart Castledine - Player profile
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LADIES TEAM UPDATE
(Thursday 25th April 2002)
Wycombe Wanderers Ladies FC will be playing at Adams Park in a crucial game in the Women's Regional Southern - Northern Division. Victory against Stocklake would see Wanderers take the title. The match will kick-off at 7.30pm and entry is FREE. See link for more details and preview.
Wanderers' Ladies to play crucial game at Adams Park
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WE WILL WIN THE WAR YET
(Wednesday 24th April 2002)
Wanderers' Chief Executive Simon Monkman says he is confident that "we will win the war yet" when commenting on the battle with Wycombe District Council over the rugby planning saga at Adams Park. Wanderers will begin installing a new £500,000 pitch on 7th May and Monkman says "It's a risk but I think and know it's a risk worth taking" Full story to follow. |
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SCOREBOARD TURNED OFF
(Wednesday 24th April 2002)
Wanderers have sent their £35,000 scoreboard back to the manufacturers after the original spec 'didn't quite come up to expectation'. A replacement is now being chased with a higher resolution. Delivery expected 'some time in the next year or so'. |
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CE WANTS REGULAR FORUMS
(Tuesday 23rd April 2002)
Wanderers' new Chief Executive Simon Monkman has said he hopes to arrange regular forums following the success of his first venture in front of a packed Vere Suite audience on Tuesday evening. See link for full story.
Chief Executive to improve communications
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ITV DIGITAL FOR SALE
(Monday 22nd April 2002)
ITV Digital Administrators Deloitte & Touche have said that 'are now in discussions with the ITC about an accelerated process leading to a sale as a going concern'. Football League officials are still adamant that they will pursue all monies owed to them by taking legal action against owners Carlton and Granada. They are also calling for the Government to review a £2 billion
rebate in the event that these companies abandon ITV Digital. |
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YOUTHS LOSE FINAL GAME
(Monday 22nd April 2002)
Wanderers Under 19 Youth Team went down 2-1 at Luton Town in their final game of the 2001/2 season. The Hatters scored the winner in the second-half after a Lewis Cook goal had taken the teams in level at the break. Wycombe had Ryan Parsons sent-off. Wanderers Youth Team - info 2001/2002
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FAULCON SET TO SIGN?
(Monday 22nd April 2002)
The latest news on the Craig Faulconbridge to Wycombe saga is that the Wrexham striker has provisionally agreed a deal with Wycombe and could be on his way to Adams Park before the end of the month. See link for full story.
Wrexham striker set to sign for Wycombe
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COUZ AND BAIRD RELEASED
(Monday 22nd April 2002)
The news that Jason Cousins and Andy Baird have been released by the Club has now been officially confirmed. Chairboys on the Net reported in March that the players were unlikely to get new contracts. Original story |
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YOUTH TEAM WIN AGAIN
(Saturday 20th April 2002)
A Mark Philo goal early in the second-half was enough to see the Wanderers Under 19 Youth Team overcome Portsmouth in their penultimate Youth Alliance Merit Division Two fixture of the season. Wanderers Youth Team - info 2001/2002
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SWINDON 1 WYCOMBE 1
(Saturday 20th April 2002)
Wycombe brought the curtain down on the 2001/2 season with a 1-1 draw at The County Ground. Sean Devine gave Wycombe the lead on the stroke of half-time but Matthew Heywood levelled the scores ten minutes into the second-half. Wycombe finish 11th in the Division Two table with 64 points.
Swindon 1 Wycombe 1 - Report and pictures
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NEW RESERVE BOSS
(Friday 19th April 2002)
Lawrie Sanchez has returned to his 'old school' again to appoint former Wimbledon team-mate Peter Cawley as Reserve Team boss from the start of the 2002/3 campaign. He will also help with First Team fitness. See link for full story.
Wanderers appoint new Reserve Team boss
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CONTRACT NEWS
(Friday 19th April 2002)
Ian Simpemba and Steve Williams have both been offered new one year deals with Wycombe. 'Keeper Williams has already signed while Simpemba is said to be thinking over the offer. Defender Marc Leach has been released.
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RESERVES FINISH ON HIGH
(Thursday 18th April 2002)
The Reserves finished their Avon Insurance Combination season on a high with a 4-1 victory over Millwall at Adams Park. Ian Simpemba opened the scoring early on before triallist Damian Spencer scored a hat-trick. Wycombe also included triallists Vinnie John (Bishops Stortford) and Kevin Charley (Atherstone) for the first time. Wycombe 4 Millwall 1 - Reserves report
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SANCHEZ HAS A DIG
(Wednesday 17th April 2002)
Lawrie Sanchez has hit back at critics claiming that Wycombe missed out on signing Chesham United defender Fitz Hall. Hall was spotted by Oldham and played against Wycombe last Saturday but Sanchez told the Oldham Evening Chronicle "He might turn out to be a good centre-half, but he came up against a proper centre-forward today and Andy Rammell gave him a torrid time. It's longevity which counts, not a few games." |
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RESERVES LOSE AT LUTON
(Tuesday 16th April 2002)
Wanderers' Reserves lost 2-0 at Luton Town on Tuesday afternoon in their penultimate Avon Insurance Combination game of the season. The goals came from Chris Dillon (25 mins) and Andrew Fontiadis (29 mins). Wanderers included six foot Bristol City striker Damian Spencer as a triallist.
Wycombe Line-up: Osborn, Henshall, Sloma, Townsend, Simpemba (sub 80 Leach), Dixon (sub 80 Harding), Roberts, Castledine, Emblen, Spencer, Cook (Lynott 80) - subs not used: Parsons, Smillie |
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CLUB GO FOR PLANNING APP
(Tuesday 16th April 2002)
It's understood the Club are to make a full planning application to enable rugby to be played at Adams Park. The Club originally tried to shortcut the system by assuming that the existing conditions would cover 'rugby' as well as 'football'. Any decision would come eight weeks after the application but Wasps could still be taking residence by their season start in September. |
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ITV DIGITAL - ANOTHER WEEK
(Monday 15th April 2002)
ITV Digital Administrators Deloitte & Touche will spend another week before deciding whether to send them into liquidation. The deadline has been extended after the administrators were unhappy that certain information had been leaked to the national media. ITV Digital have come up with a compromise package but this has been rubbished by Football League officials.
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YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS
(Monday 15th April 2002)
Wanderers have confirmed they will be taking on eight new scholars into their Youth system for 2002/3. See the link below for the names and the first pictures on the net of the new intake.
Wanderers take on eight new scholars
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WYCOMBE 2 OLDHAM 1
(Saturday 13th April 2002)
Wanderers won their final home of the season by 2 goals to 1 against Oldham Athletic. First half goals from Sean Devine and Steve Brown (penalty) were enough to contain the visitors who made it close with a late penalty from Allan Smart.
Wycombe 2 Oldham 1 - Match report and pics
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YOUTH TEAM AWARD
(Saturday 13th April 2002)
2nd Year Scholar Ryan Parsons won the Youth Team Player of the Season award after a solid season in the left back position for both the Under 19's and Reserve side.
Wanderers Youth Team - 2nd Year Scholar profiles
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1st YEAR SCHOLAR AWARD
(Saturday 13th April 2002)
Stuart Hole has won the Alan Henry Gillott Memorial Award for the Wanderers 1st Year Scholar of the Season 2001/2. 18 year old Hole has been with Wycombe since 1997 and has established himself this season in the centre of defence.
Wanderers Youth Team - 1st Year Scholar profiles
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BIG WIN FOR YOUTH TEAM
(Saturday 13th April 2002)
Wanderers Under 19 Youth Team scored an emphatic 7-1 victory over Rushden and Diamonds in their final home Youth Alliance Merit Division Two fixture of the season. Mark Philo, Jack Smillie (2), Stuart Hole and Jonny Dixon (3) were the players on target after the visitors had taken an early lead.
Wanderers Youth Team - info 2001/2002
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NEW KIT ON SHOW
(Saturday 13th April 2002)
Wycombe will wear their newly sponsorsed kit for the final two games of this season. The new home shirt will be worn for the home match with Oldham on Saturday (13th April) while the game at Swindon on Saturday 20th April will see the debut of a new yellow dominated 'away' kit to replace the orange design. |
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WASPS WILL COME SAYS CE
(Friday 12th April 2002)
Wanderers Chief Executive Simon Monkman has given given the go ahead to install a new 'Desso' pitch and has arrogantly stated that Wasps Rugby will play at Adams Park despite uncertainty over the whole deal. He told the Bucks Free Press "Wasps will come here. It might not be this year but we're still number one choice and if they go somewhere else for a year so be it. We will be ready to welcome them the following year" |
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PLAYER FUND LAUNCHED
(Thursday 11th April 2002)
Wanderers' new sponsors, Integrity Software, are the main catalysts behind a novel money raising scheme aimed at generating funds to be used directly for player transfers, signing on fees and possibly wages. The scheme has been launched as the "Friends of Wycombe Wanderers". See link for story.
Wanderers launch player fund raising scheme
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SPONSORS ANNOUNCED
(Thursday 11th April 2002)
Wanderers' officially announced a new sponsor deal with Integrity Software at a press conference on Thursday (11th April). The new three year deal will be worth around £300,000 to the Club but will also see the launch of a money raising venture instigated by the sponsors. See link for more details.
Wanderers announce new sponsors
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JOCKY INJURY BLOW
(Thursday 11th April 2002)
Jermaine McSporran has been dealt another massive injury blow after suffering cruciate ligament damage to his right knee during training. 'Jocky' suffered a similar injury to his left knee in December 2000 and the latest set-back will keep him sidelined until the end of the year and possibly longer.
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IRISH THRO' TO FINALS
(Wednesday 10th April 2002)
Wanderers Youth Teamer Ian Simpemba was an unplayed sub as The Irish Under 19 side qualified for the finals of the European Championships. In front of a sell-out 7,500 crowd in Cork, the Irish drew 0-0 will Holland to go through 2-1 on aggregate.
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RESERVES LOSE AT CITY
(Wednesday 10th April 2002)
Wanderers' Reserves went down 2-0 at Bristol City on Wednesday afternoon in the Avon Insurance Combination. Former on loan Wanderers striker Steve Jones opened the scoring a minute after the break and Craig Woodman added another five minutes later. Wycombe Line-up: Osborn, Henshall, Cousins, Townsend, Sloma, Roberts, Castledine, Ryan, Emblen, Baird, Dixon - subs: Cook, Lynott, Parsons, Leach, Smillie |
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TRIALLISTS DON'T IMPRESS
(Wednesday 10th April 2002)
The Reserves fielded two relatively unknown triallists as they went down 2-0 to Bristol City. The new faces were Scott Henshall, a 25-year-old Australian right-back and Samuel Sloma, a 19-year-old left-back from Wimbledon. However, both players failed to impress and may not get another chance. |
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COUNCIL DID CONSULT CLUB
(Wednesday 10th April 2002)
The leader of Wycombe District Council has hit back at critics who suggested that the Council did not support Wycombe's ideas to bring Rugby to Adams Park and that there was no consultation prior to the Council meeting. See link for full story.
Council asked Club to submit planning permission
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DEADLINE FOR TV DEAL
(Wednesday 10th April 2002)
Football League Club's will hear on Monday (15th April) the future of ITV Digital. It's likely that Administrators Deloitte & Touche will put the company into liquidation but the Football League say they are ready to open a £500m legal action, including damages and costs, against ITV Digital backers Carlton and Granada. The £178.5m owed represents less than 10% of the recent £2 billion rise in the value of these companies due to ITV Digital being placed into administration. |
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ONE YEAR AGO
(Monday 8th April 2002)
Expect to see the cliche "a year's a long time in football" to be rolled out this week. Was it really one year ago we played Liverpool? Take a nostalgia trip via the link below.
From the Archives - Wycombe v Liverpool 2001
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BRIGHTON PROMOTED
(Sunday 7th April 2002)
Brighton were promoted to Division One on Sunday after Reading's 2-2 draw at Tranmere. The Royal's travel to Brentford on the final day of the season and therefore only one of that duo can finish in the top two along with Brighton. Meanwhile, at the bottom on the table Cambridge United and Wrexham are relegated and look likely to be joined by Bournemouth and Bury. |
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FULHAM WIN LADIES FINAL
(Sunday 7th April 2002)
Fulham Ladies proved too strong for Birmingham City in the final of AXA sponsored Womens FA Premier League Cup. held on Sunday at Adams Park. In front of a crowd of 1,512 Fulham ran-out 7-1 winners. See link for report and pics.
Fulham Ladies win final at Adams Park
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COBBLERS 4 WYCOMBE 1
(Saturday 6th April 2002)
Wycombe capitulated to an embarrassing 4-1 defeat at relegation threatened Northampton Town on Saturday after leading 1-0 at the break through a Gavin Holligan goal. Wanderers drop to 12th place in the table and the second half the season has turned very sour indeed.
Northampton Town 4 Wycombe 1 - Full match report
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NEW KIT ON SHOW
(Saturday 6th April 2002)
Wycombe will wear their newly sponsorsed kit for the final two games of this season. The new home shirt will be worn for the home match with Oldham on Saturday 13th April while the game at Swindon on Saturday 20th April will see the debut of a new yellow dominated 'away' kit to replace the orange design. |
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YOUTH TEAM WIN
(Friday 5th April 2002)
Wanderers Under 19 Youth Team beat Cardiff City 3-0 on Friday in their fifth Football League Youth Alliance merit match. The game at Molins Sports Ground saw John-Paul Kelly strike home twice within the opening 15 minutes before Billy Harding added a second midway through the second-half following a Jonny Dixon cross.
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TAYLOR SIGNS NEW DEAL
(Friday 5th April 2002)
As reported earlier it's now been confirmed that Martin Taylor has signed a new deal with Wycombe following discussions with Lawrie Sanchez. The 35 year has signed a two year contract that will tie him to Wycombe until the end of the 2003/4 season.
Martin Taylor - Player spotlight
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PITCH GAMBLE FOR WASPS?
(Friday 5th April 2002)
Wanderers Chief Executive Simon Monkman says that that the decision of Wycombe District Council to rule out rugby at Adams Park under the current planning conditions has made him even more determined to bring Wasps Rugby Club to Adams Park. The Club may now take the gamble and install a 'Desso' pitch before the result of the appeal. See link for full story. Wanderers to take pitch gamble for Wasps
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NO MORE JUNGLE DRUMS
(Friday 5th April 2002)
The Club are set to ditch the taped 'jungle drums' played before corners at Adams Park following complaints from opposing fans and directors. The contrived noise has been a regular embarrassment for many Wycombe fans since it was introduced by Lawrie Sanchez two years ago and won't be missed.
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RESERVES LOSE AT TOWN
(Wednesday 3rd April 2002)
Wanderers' Reserves went down 4-2 at Cheltenham Town in the Avon Insurance Combination. Stuart Roberts opened the scoring on 27 minutes but the home side equalised three minutes later through Martin Devaney. Jason White scored a second-half hat-trick for The Robins before Jermaine McSporran pulled a late goal back. Line-up: Osborn, Leach, Parsons (sub 60 Smillie), Simpemba, Cousins, Ryan, Roberts, Emblen, Baird, McSporran, Castledine (sub 72 Lynott) - subs not used: Dixon, Gott |
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IRISH CALL AGAIN FOR IAN
(Wednesday 3rd April 2002)
Ian Simpemba has been called up for the Republic of Ireland squad to face Holland at Turners Cross, Cork on Wednesday 10th April in the 2nd Leg of the UEFA Championship qualifier. The Irish lead 2-1 from the 1st Leg. The winners go through to the finals in Norway.
Ian Simpemba - Player spotlight
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LEAGUE MEET OVER TV DEAL
(Tuesday 2nd April 2002)
Division One Chairman and the Football League Board met on Tuesday to discuss a way forward on the dispute with ITV Digital. Wanderers took an advance payment of £445,000 from the deal but would still be owed £240,000 under the present contract which is due to run until the end of the 2003/4 season.
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WYCOMBE 2 TRANMERE 1
(Monday 1st April 2002)
An Andy Rammell header on 29 minutes and a Steve Brown penalty in the 50th minute set Wycombe on their way to a 2-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers at Adams Park on Easter Monday. Wycombe 2 Tranmere 1 - Match report and pics
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VINNI TAKES OWWSA AWARD
(Monday 1st April 2002)
Chris Vinnicombe has been rewarded for his consistency this season by being voted the Player of the Season 2001/2 by the members of the Official Wycombe Wanderers Supporters Association. Chris Vinnicombe - Player spotlight
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WWISC AWARD FOR TAYLOR
(Monday 1st April 2002)
'Mr Reliable' Martin Taylor has been voted Player of the Season 2001/2 by the members of the Wycombe Wanderers Independent Supporters Club. Fans are now waiting on whether Taylor will sign a new contract with Wycombe.
Martin Taylor - Player spotlight
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