All the news stories from April 2004
 |
'FIT AND PROPER' TEST
(Friday 30th April 2004)
Football League Club's have agreed in principle to introduce a 'fit and proper' test for Club Directors. The decision was reached at a meeting at Walsall on Thursday and is expected to voted through at the League's summer AGM. The exact details of this test have yet to be published by the League but are thought to be more lenient than the recomendations of the Government's Football Task Force report in 1999. |
 |
MEMBERS TO MEET AGAIN
(Wednesday 28th April 2004)
The Wanderers Board have called Football Club members to a further meeting to discuss the proposed restructuring. The meeting will take place on Tuesday 18th May in the Vere Suite (7pm for a 7.30pm start). A detailed statement from the Club was released on the official website and comments "Members will be asked to buy into the proposals ahead of an Extraordinary General Meeting in July. Clearly all will need time to consider the proposals but we shall not proceed unless we are convinced that we are carrying the majority of the membership with us."
|
|
WANDERERS IN POLAND
(Tuesday 27th April 2004)
On loan Aston Villa 'keeper Wayne Henderson featured for the Republic of Ireland U21 team as they came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 to Poland in a friendly in Grudziadz on Tuesday evening. The Poles led 1-0 at the break through a 21st minute goal from Pawel Brozek and his brother Piotr added a second in the 53rd minute. Henderson made a good block on 66 minutes and it proved a turning point as from the next attack Manchester City striker Stephen Elliott netted to make it 2-1. Ireland continued to press and in the 90th minute Blackburn defender John Fitzgerald struck home a rebound following a free-kick. Ian Simpemba remained an unused substitute. Both players will return to play for Wycombe versus Wrexham on 1st May. |
 |
SIMPEMBA EIRE CALL UP
(Monday 26th April 2004)
Ian Simpemba earned a late call-up to the Republic of Ireland U21 squad to face Poland
in a friendly match in Grudziadz on Tuesday afternoon. Five of the original squad withdrew after the weekend games and coach Don Givens was quick to draft in the former Wanderers Youth Teamer for his first involvement with the U21 side, although he wasn't included in the starting XI. |
|
PRESS ON CONSTITUTION
(Monday 26th April 2004)
An article appeared in The Independent newspaper on Saturday 24th April commenting on the proposed changes to the constitution of Wycombe Wanderers Football Club. The piece was written and researched by David Conn, a renowned journalist specialising in finances and crisis in football.
 External Link - David Conn article in The Independent
|
 |
HENDERSON DEBUT STATS
(Sunday 25th April 2004)
The game at Brentford saw Wayne Henderson became the 39th different player to be used by The Wanderers this season in the Football League. The match also marked the Football League debut for the 20 year old, making him the 12th player to be given that opportunity under Wycombe this season. The others are; Steve Williams, Simon Patterson, Charlie Mapes, Billy Harding, Steve Dell, Andy Bell, Steven Taylor, Luke Moore, Andy Reilly, Matt Bloomfield and Mark Philo. Meanwhile, Henderson has travelled to Poland with the Republic of Ireland U21 squad for friendly match in Grudziadz on Tuesday (27th April). He will then return to appear for Wycombe against Wrexham next Saturday. |
 |
BOMBER IRISH PROBLEM
(Sunday 25th April 2004)
Richard Harris's move to Eircom League First Division side Finn Harps may have hit a snag after Harps Manager Noel King resigned of Sunday (25th April) because "He could not give his full commitment to the job for personal reasons and the travelling to and from Dublin was taking its effects on him.". Harris, who has left Wycombe by mutual consent, had apparently agreed a one month loan with Finn Harps and was due to sign on Tuesday (27th April). Player profile | |
 |
BRENTFORD 1 WYCOMBE 1
(Saturday 24th April 2004)
Wanderers followers came away from Griffin Park disappointed their side had not taken three points from the encounter with relegation threatened Brentford. Nathan Tyson gave Wanderers the lead in the 54th minute but Brentford equalised on 72 minutes when Matt Harrold's shot was deflected in by Ian Simpemba. Brentford 1 Wycombe 1 - Match report | |
 |
500 LEAGUE LANDMARK
(Saturday 24th April 2004)
Wycombe Wanderers reach a major landmark in the Division Two meeting with Brentford at Griffin Park on Saturday 24th April 2004. It will be the Wanderers 500th Football League game since they made their debut back in August 1993 at Carlisle United.
500 League game landmark - special feature
|
 |
SUPPORTERS' TRUST
(Friday 23rd April 2004)
Chairboys on the Net has compiled a special report from the Supporters' Trust 'Open Meeting' on Monday 19th April. Supporters voted by a majority to form a Trust but there was opposition from some supporters and concerns from Supporters Direct. Supporters' Trust Open Meeting - special report | |
 |
NEW DEAL FOR CAWLEY
(Friday 23rd April 2004)
Peter Cawley is set to sign a new two-year deal to stay at Wycombe as Assistant Manager to Tony Adams according to a report in the Bucks Free Press. Cawley, who is currently fitness coach and reserve team manager with The Wanderers, commented "I think there are exciting times ahead for this club. Everyone is disappointed to have been relegated but I think it is a question of one step backwards to take two forward." | |
|
BOMBER AWAY TO IRELAND
(Friday 23rd April 2004)
Confirmation that that Richard Harris has left The Wanderers by mutual consent and has agreed a deal to join Eircom League First Division side Finn Harps, not Derry City as originally thought. Harris had been playing on loan at Ryman League Premier side Maidenhead United for the past month. The 23 year old striker originally joined Wycombe in March 2002 and made 42 apps (25 as sub) and scored 8 times. Player profile | |
|
CONSTITUTION DEBATE
(Thursday 22nd April 2004)
Wycombe Wanderers' Board of Directors met on Thursday (22nd April) to hear a presentation from their professional advisors of the proposed new constitution for the Football Club. Wanderers' Financial Director Rod Tomlin calls the new structure "pioneering" but talk of the change has been criticised by Supporters Direct, the public funded organisation designed to give supporters more say in the game.
Constitution debate - special feature
|
|
RESERVES' FINAL DEFEAT
(Wednesday 21st April 2004)
Wanderers' eventually caved in and lost 4-1 to Cambridge United in their final Pontin's Holiday Combination fixture of the season and perhaps the foreseeable future at a wet Adams Park on Wednesday afternoon. Beaconsfield SYCOB 'keeper Carl Tasker appeared in goal again for Wycombe but failed to impress, while Adam Flynn from the Liverpool Youth Academy had a similar game in the centre of defence. A new face up front was youngster Danny Morgan from Wimbledon who showed signs with a number of neat touches and near misses in the opening stages. However, it was the visitors who opened the scoring on 27 minutes when John Turner side footed past Tasker. Jonny Dixon equalised on 70 minutes for Wanderers with a 20 yard effort that took a slight deflection but The U's hit back with three goals in the final eight minutes with a brace from Paul Atkins and a powerful header from Tom Beech. Wycombe: Tasker, Hole, Gradwell (sub 59 Gregory), Flynn, Reilly, Grier, Mapes (sub HT Gordon), Morgan, Fox, Bulman, Philo (sub 57 Fox) - sub not used Flower | |
 |
BROWNIE TESTIMONIAL
(Tuesday 20th April 2004)
An excellent turnout of over 200 enjoyed a special event in The Vere Suite on Tuesday evening celebrating Steve Brown's ten years with Wycombe Wanderers. 'Brownie' chatted to Alan Hutchinson about his favourite moments, players and managers during his time at Wycombe, as well as throwing in a bit of exclusive gossip. A highlight was seeing for the first time Lawrie Sanchez's teamtalk prior to the FA Cup Semi-Final with Liverpool in 2001. 'Brownie' also revealed he would play his last home game for Wycombe versus Wrexham on Saturday 1st May but said he may still continue his playing career elsewhere. |
 |
'TED' LEAVES FOR BORO
(Tuesday 20th April 2004)
Wanderers' defender Mark Rogers has joined Stevenage Borough on a permanent basis. The Conference side have come to an agreement to take over the Canadian's contract following a two month loan spell earlier in the season. Rogers joined Wycombe in 1999 and had made 169 First Team apperances, scoring 7 times. Mark Rogers - Player Profile | |
|
YES TO SUPPORTERS' TRUST
(Monday 19th April 2004)
Wanderers supporters attending the proposed Supporters' Trust 'Open Meeting' on Monday 19th April voted by a majority in favour of its formation. The working party were mandated to register a trust accordingly and seek assistance from the public funded 'Supporters Direct' group. Concerns were raised over the timing of a Trust launch with respect to the proposals by the Football Club of a major constitutional change. However, following an open and constructive debate the vote was carried, 58 for, 15 against and 11 abstensions. www.wwst.org | |
|
KEEPER CRISIS CONTINUES
(Monday 19th April 2004)
Wanderers were dealt another goalkeeping crisis on Monday morning when Wimbledon recalled Lee Worgan following an injury to Scott Bevan in their weekend game with Bradford City. However, Tony Adams has used his contacts to bring in 20 year old Aston Villa reserve 'keeper Wayne Henderson. The Dubliner appeared for Ireland in the FIFA Under-20 World Championships in December 2003 and also won a FA Youth Cup winners medal with Villa in 2002. In March he was on loan at Conference side Tamworth but he has yet to make the Villa First Team. It's likely he will stay with Wycombe until the end of the season. | |
|
SUPPORTERS' OPEN MEETING
(Monday 19th April 2004)
The group of supporters proposing the formation of a Supporters' Trust connected to Wycombe Wanderers issued some further comments ahead of the 'Open Meeting' that took place on Monday 19th April 2004. See the link more information.
Supporters' Trust Open Meeting - read more | |
|
EX-GUNNER SCOUTING FOR TA
(Sunday 18th April 2004)
Tony Adams has brought in former Arsenal team-mate Lee Dixon to assist in a revamped scouting system at Wycombe. Dixon spent 14 years at Highbury, making over 500 appearances and was also capped 22 times for England. Adams commented after the Swindon game to BBC Three Counties Radio "I've got a team of scouts now that I've got a lot of faith in and player acquisition is going to be the making or breaking of me." | |
|
WYCOMBE 0 SWINDON 3
(Saturday 17th April 2004)
Wanderers went into Saturday's meeting against promotion chasing Swindon Town with just pride to play for and came out with very little as the visitors strolled to a 3-0 victory. See link for more details. Wycombe 0 Swindon Town 3 - Match report | |
 |
U19's LOSE TO COBBLERS
(Saturday 17th April 2004)
Wanderers' Under 19's side lost to a stoppage goal against Northampton Town in their penultimate Merit Division Three Isotonic Youth Alliance game on Saturday morning at Molins Sports Ground. Greg N'Goy twice put the visitors ahead but Rob Tungatt equalising on both occasions for Wycombe. A 90th minute scrambled effort by Paul Danaher saw The Cobblers grab a 3-2 victory. The U19's final game of the season is at Cirencester Town on Saturday 24th April. Youth info 2003-4 | |
 |
NEW ISSUE - ONE ONE
(Saturday 17th April 2004)
Issue 21 of the One-One fanzine was released to the unsuspecting public prior to the home game with Swindon. The 24 page 'relegation special' was pegged as usual at only 50p. Issue Guide to updated shortly. One-One info | |
 |
PITCHED FOR AWARD
(Friday 16th April 2004)
Wanderers' pitch is in a short list of three for the award of Division Two Pitch of the Season 2003/4. The Adams Park surface is up against The County Ground, Swindon and Victoria Park, Hartlepool for the prize and if successful would be in contention for Pitch of the Season in the entire Football League. The award is derived through marks given by opposing Managers and then an inspection by a Football League official. The 'desso' surface is now two years old but was ruled out of being nominated last season as it was less than 12 months old. |
|
BOARD TO DISCUSS FUTURE
(Friday 16th April 2004)
Chairboys on the Net has learnt that The Wanderers Board will meet next Thursday (22nd April) to vote on the final proposals to scrap the current members based constitution and replace it with one based around private investment. The Board have been taking advice from Accoutants Baker Tilley who have prepared a proposed new company structure. A further meeting with Club members will be called in due course with an EGM pencilled in for June or July depending on further feedback. |
 |
EX-LOANEE IN YOUTH FINAL
(Thursday 15th April 2004)
There was disappointment for Luke Moore on Thursday evening when he featured in Aston Villa's 3-0 home defeat to Middlesbrough in the 1st Leg of the FA Youth Cup Final. Moore, who scored 4 times in 6 appearances while on loan at Wycombe earlier this season, appeared for Villa when they won the Youth Cup in 2002 against an Everton side featuring Wayne Rooney. This time around Villa now face a mountain to climb when the return takes place at The Riverside on Monday 19th April. | |
|
ELEVEN FUTURE STARS
(Thursday 15th April 2004)
The Club have confirmed eleven new players in the Wanderers Youth Team intake for the 2004-5 season. The unprecedented number comes at a time when many club's are slashing Youth Team budgets or even closing down their Youth policies. The new faces were introduced to supporters for the first time prior to the home meeting with Tranmere on Monday (12th April).
Youth Team intake 2004/5 - read and see more | |
 |
HILLSBOROUGH ANNIVERSARY
(Thursday 15th April 2004)
The 15th April 2004 marks the 15th anniversary of the 'Hillsborough Tragedy' - a day when 96 football fans died at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. We remember today those who lost their lives and for the bereaved family and friends who continue to fight for justice. Tribute | |
|
RESERVES BEATEN
(Wednesday 14th April 2004)
A mainly young and inexperienced Wanderers' Reserves side were beaten 4-0 by Brighton & Hove Albion at Worthing on Wednesday evening in their penultimate Pontin's Holiday Combination fixture of the season. Beaconsfield SYCOB 'keeper Carl Tasker was included in the starting line-up while midfielder Jermaine Roache from the Southampton academy featured for the second time. Albion, who included First Teamers John Piercy, Chris McPhee, Kerry Mayo and Michel Kuipers, were too strong throughout for The Wanderers to cope with. Wycombe line-up: Tasker, Rogers, Hole, Cadmore, Reilly, Roache, Mapes, Brown (sub HT Grier), Fox, Philo, Dixon - subs: Gordon, Savage, Gradwell, Flower | |
|
SUPPORTERS' TRUST IDEA
(Monday 12th April 2004)
A group of Wanderers supporters have released details of an open meeting to discuss the possible creation of a Supporters Trust for Wycombe Wanderers Football Club. The meeting is planned for Monday 19th April in the Vere Suite at Adams Park, starting at 7.30pm. A leaflet was distributed at the home game versus Tranmere on Monday (12th April) and more information is available at www.wwst.org COTN archive | |
|
WANDERERS RELEGATED
(Monday 12th April 2004)
Wanderers will play in Division Three next season after Easter Monday's 2-1 home defeat to Tranmere Rovers left Wycombe chasing a maximum points total of 46 for the season. Wycombe (24th - 34 points) can catch Brentford (20th - 46 points) and Oldham (19th - 46 points). However, Brentford play Grimsby Town (22nd - 44 points), while Oldham play Chesterfield (21st - 44 points) on Saturday 1st May, leaving a situation where no scenario of results will see four clubs finish below Wycombe. |
|
WYCOMBE 1 TRANMERE 2
(Monday 12th April 2004)
Wanderers inevitable relegation from Division Two was confirmed after losing 2-1 at home to Tranmere Rovers on Easter Monday. Wycombe were two goals adrift at the break and only a late goal by Roger Johnson put some respectability on the scoreline.
Wycombe 1 Tranmere 2 - Match report |
 |
ANOTHER 'KEEPER SIGNED
(Monday 12th April 2004)
Goalkeeper Lee Worgan was signed on loan prior to Easter Monday's home clash with Tranmere Rovers. Wanderers applied to the Football League for special dispensation to sign the 20 year old former Wimbledon trainee after Steve Williams was injured in the 2-1 defeat at Plymouth on Saturday, leaving Wycombe with no other fit professional 'keeper at the Club. |
 |
YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU
(Monday 12th April 2004)
'Your Club Needs You' is the message to the fans of Wycombe Wanderers in the brochure promoting Season Ticket and other Matchday offers being released as the 2003/4 draws to a close. The glossy 'Blues News' brochure includes messages from both Tony Adams and Club Chairman Ivor Beeks. Season Tickets, which have been kept at 2003/4 prices, will go on sale from 12th April at the 'Super Early Bird' prices. Read more | |
|
PLYMOUTH 2 WYCOMBE 1
(Saturday 10th April 2004)
Wanderers surrendered a 1-0 lead before finally going down 2-1 at League leaders Plymouth Argyle on Saturday. Nathan Tyson had given Wanderers a 5th minute advantage but Graham Coughlan equalised on 39 minutes and Mickey Evans forced home an 80th minute winner during an incident where 'keeper Steve Williams was injured. Plymouth 2 Wycombe 1 - Match report |
|
YT SPONSORS RENEW DEAL
(Wednesday 7th April 2004)
The Club say they are delighted to announce an agreement with Walters Group to sponsor the Wanderers Youth Team for a further four seasons. The High Wycombe based company have sponsored the Youth Team for the past eight seasons and Walters Group Director, Chris Walters, will sign the new four season contract on the pitch prior to the home game with Tranmere Rovers on Holiday Monday (12th April) - kick-off 3pm.
| |
|
RESERVES 0-0 AT BRENTFORD
(Tuesday 6th April 2004)
Wanderers' Reserves drew 0-0 with Brentford at Griffin Park on Tuesday evening in a Pontin's Holiday Combination fixture. The game saw Tony Adams concentrate on looking at several younger members of the Wanderers' squad including new Youth Team scholars Wesley Douglas and Tom Cadmore. Jermaine Roache, a right sided midfielder on trial from the Southampton Youth Accademy, also appeared, while goalkeeper Lee Worgan put in another steady performance. Wycombe line-up: Worgon, Douglas (sub Grier), Hole, Cadmore, Reilly, Roache, Mapes, Brown, Philo, Dixon ( sub Fox), Savage - subs not used: Gordon, Thornton, Christon | |
 |
NEW CONTRACT FOR SENDA
(Tuesday 6th April 2004)
After contract talks last week, Danny Senda is set to sign a new deal with The Wanderers lasting until June 2006. Senda, who is 23 later this month, commented to the Bucks Free Press "I'm delighted. The manager didn't fancy me as a right back. I wasn't in his plans and I thought I would be looking for a new club over the summer. But he's put me in midfield now and I'm absolutely loving it. This is a start of a new chapter for me"
Danny Senda - updated Player profile | |
 |
EX-WANDERER IN CUP FINAL
(Sunday 4th April 2004)
Congratulations are due to former Wanderers defender Matt Lawrence who played a major part in taking Millwall to their first ever FA Cup Final as The Lions overcame Sunderland 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford. Lawrence left Wycombe in March 2000 for Millwall in a £250,000 deal having spent two previous spells at Wycombe, making a total of 98 appearances. | |
|
WYCOMBE 2 PORT VALE 1
(Saturday 3rd April 2004)
In the performance of the season to date, Wanderers came from a goal down to beat 6th placed Port Vale at Adams Park. Darren Currie scored both of Wycombe's goals as back to back victories were completed for the first time since January 2003.
Wycombe 2 Port Vale 1 - Match report |
 |
NETHERCOTT U-TURN
(Saturday 3rd April 2004)
News came in just before Saturday's meeting with Port Vale that Stuart Nethercott had agreed a permanent deal with Wycombe for at least until the end of the current season. It was originally thought that the defender would return to Millwall but Tony Adams has now persuaded the 31 year old to stay with the Wanderers after his three month loan spell came to an end.
Stuart Nethercott - new Player profile | |
 |
TA CONCERNED OVER PITCH
(Friday 2nd April 2004)
Tony Adams has expressed his concern over the state of the pitch at Adams Park and has suggested playing Reserve matches at Wanderers training ground in Booker. The Wycombe boss commented to the Bucks Free Press "We've got a fantastic training ground that needs to be utilised. It's unlikely we could do it for next season but if we could do it by next year, that would be fantastic." Adams believes the 60 plus games a season, including those from tenants London Wasps, is too much and has arranged recent reserve friendlies away from home to protect the two year old 'Desso' surface. | |
|
PRE-SEASON GAMES UPDATE
(Friday 2nd April 2004)
These are the confirmed pre-season fixtures to date. Friday 9th July Beaconsfield SYCOB (away),
Saturday 17th July Dorchester Town (away) and Saturday 24th July Weymouth (away). Also on Saturday 31st July will be Steve Brown's Testimonial game at Adams Park with the opposition pencilled in as Arsenal. The scheduled home game with Watford on Saturday 24th July has now been cancelled and replaced by the Weymouth game which was originally on Wednesday 28th July. | |
 |
YOUTH BOSS CONFIRMED
(Thursday 1st April 2004)
The Club have officially announced Gary Smith as the new Youth Team Manager to replace the departed Michael Forsyth. The former Wycombe player returns to the Club after learning his coaching trade with Wimbledon. The news was revealed by Chairboys on the Net two weeks ago but Tony Adams commented to the Bucks Free Press this week "Gary is going to be excellent for this football club. He's got a way of communicating with the kids and he knows my style and how I want to play and he's going to emulate that throughout the club." 34 year old Smith will take up his role from Monday (5th April). |
 |
FSF CAMPAIGN
As part of their 'Time for Fans to Have a Say' campaign, The Football Supporters Federation (FSF) is calling on supporters to contact their local MP and ask them to sign an Early Day Motion noting "that football is now a multi-million pound industry but that the supporters that sustain the game are not treated as significant
stakeholders". The motion, tabled by Alan Green MP, calls for an "establishment
of appropriate consultative arrangements so that fans' views can be sought."
Visit the FSF website for more details
| |
 |
FOOTBALL FANS CENSUS
The Football Fans Census has launched further new surveys. The latest questions centre around fans thoughts on 'Transfer and Agents', the new offside 'clarification' and 'Wealth redistribution' in the game. The website has also released results from the club rivalries survey, with some interesting stats relating to Wycombe. Download in PDF Visit www.footballfanscensus.com
|
Previous month |||
Latest news from chairboys.co.uk
|
| Search
Chairboys on the Net |
|
|
|
LATEST NEWS
All there is to say and know about Wycombe Wanderers on the Internet