All the news stories from April 2003
 |
LEE DEPARTURE CONFIRMED
(Wednesday 30th April 2003)
Former Wanderers Youth Teamer Martyn Lee's departure from the Club has been confirmed with the surprising angle that he wasn't offered a new contract due to financial reasons. The 22 year old made just four League starts in the last two seasons and was always favourite to be released when his contract expired in May. Lee was hoping to play for Southend United Reserves on Wednesday as he strives to find another club to re-launch his career but arrangements fell through and he did not play.  Martyn Lee - Player spotlight
|
 |
£10K MORE FOR DEVINE
(Tuesday 29th April 2003)
With Sean Devine having passed the 20 appearance mark for Exeter City, Wanderers are now due another £10,000 installment on the deal that saw the striker join the Third Division club last December. However, Wanderers officials will now be hoping that the The Grecians avoid the drop to the Conference which would boost the Adams Park finances by a further £25,000. Exeter are battling it out with Swansea City to avoid joining Shrewsbury Town on the way down. |
 |
WYCOMBE 0 COLCHESTER 0
(Saturday 26th April 2003)
Wanderers drab season was summed up with a tired and lifeless display against Colchester at Adams Park on Saturday. The point gained from the goalless draw ensures Wycombe's safety in Division Two for another season. See link for report.
Wycombe 0 Colchester 0 - Match report
|
 |
EX-PLAYERS IN NEWS
(Saturday 26th April 2003)
Two former Wanderers players helped their clubs earn Conference survival at the weekend. Keith Scott's 66th minute goal for Leigh RMI was enough to beat already relegated Kettering Town 1-0 at Rockingham Road. Meanwhile, Ben Townsend scored for Woking as a 3-0 home victory over Telford United was enough for the Surrey side to beat the drop. |
 |
SIMO SCOOPS AWARDS
(Saturday 26th April 2003)
As expected Michael Simpson has scooped all the Player of the Season awards for 2002/3. The midfielder collected the Club award prior to the game with Colchester to go alongside the OWWSA and WWISC presentations. In the Club award Danny Senda came second and Frank Talia third.
Michael Simpson - Player spotlight
|
 |
YOUTHS DRAW FINAL GAME
(Saturday 26th April 2003)
The Wanderers' Under 19 Youth Team drew 1-1 with Portsmouth in their final game of the season on Saturday at Molins Sports Ground. Youth Team Player of Season Stuart Hole scored Wanderers goal on 62 minutes after Pompey had led from the 25th minute. See link for report and pictures.
Wycombe 1 Portmsouth 1 - Youth Team report |
 |
TAYLOR RETURNS
(Friday 25th April 2003)
Martin Taylor has returned from his loan spell at Barnsley following a back injury that will keep him sidelined until the start of next season. Wanderers Player of the Season for 2001/2 played three Division Two games for The Tykes but his injury has ruled out any permanent move north. Taylor has year of his contract to run at Wycombe but Lawrie Sanchez is keen to see him leave as it would potentially release funds for new players. |
 |
LEAGUE MEETING
(Thursday 24th April 2003)
Representatives from all 72 Football League clubs met at Leicester on Thursday 24th April and agreed to move forward on three major issues. Proposals were agreed that will see point deductions for clubs that enter into administration, a restructuring of the play-off system and wage capping. The wage capping will be introduced for Third Division clubs next season and for Division One and Two clubs in season 2004/5. All these changes would have to be officially sanctioned at the League AGM on 5th June. |
 |
PLAY-OFFS TO BE EXTENDED?
(Thursday 24th April 2003)
The proposal to change the play-offs was made by Crystal Palace Chief Executive Phil Alexander and would see the number of clubs involved in the play-offs extended from four to six. In Division Two this would see the 8th and 7th placed clubs travel to play the 5th and 6th placed clubs respectively in a one off game. The winners would then travel to the 3rd and 4th placed sides and these winners would meet in the Final. |
 |
SANCHEZ BEHIND PROPOSAL
(Thursday 24th April 2003)
Lawrie Sanchez is behind the play-off proposals, commenting "If the play offs come down to eighth it will give all those teams who are where we are the thought that they can extend the season longer and make it more interesting." The Wycombe boss is resting his hopes on youngsters but added "If we can be a bit more radical in what we do team wise, we’ve got thoughts on that, then I’m hopeful that this time next season, the season will still be alive for us and we will chasing that eighth place." |
 |
RESERVES THRASH COLU
(Wednesday 23rd April 2003)
Triallist Andy Bell scored a hat-trick as Wanderers Reserves beat Colchester United 5-0 at Adams Park in their final Avon Insurance Combination match of the season. Bell, a former England Youth international, is currently on Blackburn Rovers books was one of five triallists on show for Wycombe. See link for report. Wycombe 5 Colchester 0 - report and pictures |
|
PORT VALE 1 WYCOMBE 1
(Monday 21st April 2003)
A vital 57th minute headed goal by Richard Harris saw Wanderers take a point at Port Vale on Easter Monday that will virtually assure Division Two football again next season. Wycombe had fallen behind in the fifth minute but Vale had a player sent off on 24 minutes and Wanderers eventually took advantage. Port Vale 1 Wycombe 1 - Match report
|
 |
WEDNESDAY RELEGATED
(Monday 21st April 2003)
Wycombe will play Sheffield Wednesday for the first time ever next season after the former Premiership side were relegated from Division One on Easter Monday. Also relegated to Division Two are Grimsby Town with Brighton the favourites to join them. Northampton Town confirmed their relegation to Division Three after they lost 4-0 at Tranmere. Mansfield Town also look certain for the drop with other two places between Huddersfield, Cheltenham, Chesterfield and Barnsley. |
 |
NEW FACES FROM DIV 3
(Saturday 19th April 2003)
Rushden and Diamonds and Hartlepool both gained automatic promotion to Division Two following results on Saturday 19th April. Neither club have met Wycombe at First Team level before. Wrexham look the favourites to join them after just one season back in the Third Division. Meanwhile, the race for a play-off spot is still wide open. |
|
WYCOMBE 1 CHELTENHAM 1
(Saturday 19th April 2003)
Wanderers conceded yet another late goal as they drew 1-1 with relegation threatened Cheltenham Town on Saturday at Adams Park. Steve Brown gave Wycombe the lead in the 5th minute from the penalty spot but the visitors eventually equalised in the 88th minute through Tony Naylor. See like for full report.
Wycombe 1 Cheltenham 1 - Match report
|
|
STALEMATE FOR YOUTHS
(Friday 18th April 2003)
The Wanderers' Youth Team put in a solid display to draw 0-0 at Cardiff City on Good Friday afternoon. Both Stuart Hole and John-Paul Kelly returned after their injuries.
Team: Gott, Gradwell (sub 70 Kelly), Stockwell (sub 60 Hole), Reilly, Fox, Heggie, Grier (sub 80 Beasant), McClurg, Warner, Tungatt, Parrack
Youth Team info 2002/2003 |
 |
NEW KITS REVEALED
(Thursday 17th April 2003)
The new home and away kits for next season were unveiled at the Supporters Evening on Thursday 17th April. The Club are still seeking a sponsor for the first team kit and may split the sponsorship between home and away. It was also revealled that the Official Wycombe Wanderers Supporters Association will sponsor the Centre of Excellence kit and training wear.
New Kit pictures and Sponsorship feature
|
|
SUPPORTERS EVENING
(Thursday 17th April 2003)
An excellent turn-out of over 400 people attended the Supporters Evening on Thursday 17th April. There were presentations made by Alan Parry, Ivor Beeks, Rod Tomlin and Lawrie Sanchez before the usual forum style kicked-in. The new home and away kit for next season were also revealed. Report to follow. |
 |
TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY
(Thursday 17th April 2003)
17th April 2003 marks the 10 year anniversary of Wanderers officially winning promotion to the Football League. It also followed Wycombe reaching the FA Trophy Final for the second time in three seasons. See the link for our latest look back at 1992-93 1992-1993 retro - Trophy Semi special
|
|
RESERVES WIN AT BRISTOL
(Wednesday 16th April 2003)
Wanderers Reserves enjoyed a rare victory as they overcame a weak Bristol Rovers side 2-0 at Mangotsfield on Wednesday evening. Wycombe totally dominated the first half and went ahead on 8 minutes when Richard Harris headed Lewis Cook's corner against the bar and the rebound looked to be deflected home by a Rovers player although triallist Nick Williams claimed a touch. The second goal came on 28 minutes when David Hallet played in Cook whose cross from the bye-line was turned in by Martyn Lee. There was an injury scare for Wycombe on 20 minutes when Gavin Holligan was forced off with a suspected hamstring problem. Team: S.Williams, Simpemba, N.Williams (sub 61 Warner), Oliver, Murphy, Roberts (sub 61 Philo), Cook, Hallett, Lee, Holligan (sub 20 Griffiths), Harris - sub not used: Gott |
|
WATFORD LAD LOOKED AT
(Wednesday 16th April 2003)
Ex-Watford Academy defender Nick Williams was another triallist in the Reserve game against Bristol Rovers. The 20 year old is a former Welsh Under 19 international but has already been told he will be released by Watford at the end of the season after failing to break into their First Team. |
|
MURPHY ON TRIAL FROM QPR
(Wednesday 16th April 2003)
QPR left-back Danny Murphy turned out for the reserves on Wednesday. The 20 year old former QPR trainee has made 24 appearances for the Rangers First Team but was spotted by Wycombe while playing for their Reserves against Wanderers last month. Murphy, who is being released by Rangers at the end of the season had a solid first game in a Wycombe shirt. |
 |
WIGAN PROMOTED
(Tuesday 15th April 2003)
Wigan Athletic were promoted to Division One on Tuesday evening without kicking a ball. Second placed Crewe drew with Bristol City and with Crewe playing third placed Cardiff City on the final day of the season, Wigan are now guaranteed to finish either 1st or 2nd. Wigan Athletic - Quick Guide
|
 |
U'S TAKE A LOOK AT SMILLIE
(Tuesday 15th April 2003)
Released Wanderers Youth Teamer Jack Smillie is set to play a trial game for Colchester United on Wednesday. The 18 year old and son of former Wanderers Manager Neil also played for The U's in a specially arranged trial game the previous week where they looked at over 20 players from all over Europe. |
|
YOUTHS LOSE AT SWINDON
(Monday 14th April 2003)
The Wanderers' Youth Team went down to another narrow defeat on Monday, this time losing 2-1 at Swindon Town. In a game played at The County Ground it was Lee Parrack who scored Wanderers goals as he continued his comeback from injury.
Youth Team info 2002/2003 |
 |
BROWNIE TO MISS COLU
(Saturday 12th April 2003)
Steve Brown will be suspended for the home game with Colchester United on Saturday 26th April and the final game of the season at Plymouth after picking up his tenth yellow card of the season during the game at Tranmere. Meanwhile, Paul McCarthy, who scored for Oxford United on Saturday against Kidderminster, is also now due a two match ban after he reached the magic ten following a booking in the same game. |
|
TRANMERE 1 WYCOMBE 0
(Saturday 12th April 2003)
A headed stoppage time goal by Gary Jones saw Wanderers cruelly beaten at Prenton Park on Saturday. Wycombe fielded an unchanged line-up to the one that lost 4-0 to Cardiff in the week but included Richard Harris on the bench. See link for match report. Tranmere 1 Wycombe 0 - Match report |
|
YOUTHS LOSE TO ARGYLE
(Saturday 12th April 2003)
The Wanderers' Youth Team lost 1-0 to Plymouth Argyle at Molins Sports Ground on Saturday as they completed their sixth game of nine in "Merit Division One" of the Football League Youth Alliance. See link for match report.
Wycombe 0 Plymouth 1 - Youth Team report |
 |
SANCHEZ GAGGED
(Thursday 10th April 2003)
It's been revealed that Lawrie Sanchez has been fined £5,000 by the FA and told to refrain from making remarks to match officials. It follows an altercation with referee Paul Rejer during the home game with Wigan in February. The game was being openingly filmed for a Sky One documentry called "When Managers Go Mad". Sanchez was fuming after Danny Senda looked to have taken an elbow in the face. |
|
RESERVES LOSE AT CARDIFF
(Wednesday 9th April 2003)
Wanderers went down 2-0 in Wednesday afternoon's Avon Insurance Combination fixture at Cardiff City. Andy Campbell opened the scoring on 6 minutes and Fan Zhiyi added another on 15 minutes. Wycombe fielded four triallists. It was the second time out for Steve Dell and David Hallet, while the new faces were Neil Buxton at left back from Watford and midfielder Charlie Mapes from Berkhamsted. Striker Lee Parrack, a non-contract player with the Youth Team, also made his Reserve debut as he continues to aim to earn himself a contract.
Team: Williams, Dell, Simpemba, Oliver, Buxton, Roberts, Mapes, Hallett, Cook, Holligan, Parrack - Subs: Philo, Warner, Griffiths, Gott |
 |
TICKET INFO FOR 2003/4
(Wednesday 9th April 2003)
"Super Early Bird" Season Tickets are now on sale for the 2003/2004 campaign. The discounted prices are available until 9th May. See link for full list of Season Ticket and matchday prices for next season. Season ticket prices - 2003-2004 |
|
WYCOMBE 0 CARDIFF 4
(Tuesday 8th April 2003)
Wanderers ended up conceding four goals for the third consecutive game despite enjoying large spells of possession and going close on numerous occasions against big spending Cardiff City.
See link for match details.
Wycombe 0 Cardiff 4- Match report |
|
WYCOMBE 1 STOCKPORT 4
(Saturday 5th April 2003)
Wanderers crashed to a 4-1 defeat to Stockport County at Adams Park on Saturday and this after taking the lead through Michael Simpson in the 65th minute. See link for match report.
Wycombe 1 Stockport County 4 - Match report |
|
YOUTH TEAM UPDATE
(Saturday 5th April 2003)
The Wanderers' Youth Team recorded their first victory in "Merit Division One" of the Football League Youth Alliance on Saturday with a 2-0 success at Bristol Rovers. Both Wanderers goals came from striker Lee Parrack. |
|
RESERVES LOSE TO O's
(Wednesday 2nd April 2003)
The Reserves went down 2-0 to Leyton Orient on Wednesday afternoon at Adams Park. Both goals came in the first half with the second being an own goal from Wanderers centre-half Luke Oliver. The O's also had a man sent off in the first half before the remainder of the game remained goalless. Line-up: Gott, McClurg (sub HT Heggie), Vinnicombe (sub Griffiths 62), Simpemba, Oliver, Philo, Cook, Hallett, Harding, Bell, Warner - subs not used: Williams, Fox |
|
TWO MORE TRIALLISTS
(Wednesday 2nd April 2003)
Wanderers fielded two more triallists in Wednesday afternoon's Reserve game versus Leyton Orient. They were 20 year old Wimbledon midfielder David Hallett and 19 year old Blackburn Rovers striker Andrew Bell who has impressed in the past for the England Youth Team's at various levels. |
Click here for the latest news from chairboys.co.uk
|
|
LATEST NEWS
All there is to say and know about Wycombe Wanderers on the Internet