Wycombe Wanderers - February 2004 News from Chairboys on the Net

LATEST NEWS
MATCH REPORTS
ARCHIVE INDEX
HOME

February 2004 News Archive

All the news stories from February 2004

WYCOMBE 3 HARTLEPOOL 4
(Saturday 28th February 2004)
Wanderers scored three great goals but still managed to lose as they conceded four times against the first time visitors to Adams Park. Ian Simpemba, Jermaine McSporran and Nathan Tyson netted for Wycombe but it wasn't enough.

Wycombe 3 Hartlepool 4 - Match report

INJURY BLOW FOR TALIA
(Saturday 28th February 2004)
Wanderers will be pushed to go looking for another goalkeeper after Frank Talia pulled a hamstring in training which could force him to miss the rest of the season. This will be a bitter blow to the Aussie 'keeper who seemed to be back in favour after returning to the side versus Barnsley. Tony Adams commented after the Hartlepool game "We need another 'keeper, as simple as that. Frank is going to be out for a long period. 'Willo' is here but I didn't even have one for the bench because the Youth Team 'keeper Tom Gott is injured as well."

COCA COLA TO SPONSOR FL
(Thursday 26th February 2004)
Coca Cola are set to be revealed as the new sponsors of the Football League after the details were finalised in a telephone meeting of the Football League Board late on Thursday afternoon. The soft drink giants will replace Nationwide who have sponsored the League for the past eight years. Wanderers Chairman Ivor Beeks said the deal was a "fantastic arrangement" and added "This is a big step forward... you will see huge change in the promotion of the Football League and I think Coca Cola is going to be a big asset to that."

TWO IN TEAM OF WEEK
(Thursday 26th February 2004)
Both Roger Johnson and Michael Simpson were named in the Nationwide Division Two Team of the Week following their solid performances in the 0-0 draw at Barnsley. 'Simo' celebrates his 30th birthday this Saturday and has now played over 300 times for the Wanderers while Johnson is ten years his junior and has now reached the 50 First Team appearance mark.

COOK NEXT TO LEAVE
(Thursday 26th February 2004)
Former Wanderers Youth Teamer Lewis Cook has been told by Tony Adams that he will not see his contract renewed at the end of the season. The 20 year old had been on loan at Weymouth earlier in February but it's understood that a move to Maidenhead United could be on the cards for the remainder of this season.

Lewis Cook - profile

FANS FORUM WELL ATTENDED
(Thursday 26th February 2004)
The first Fans Forum since the appointment of Tony Adams was attended by around 200 Wanderers supporters in the Vere Suite on Thursday evening. Alan Hutchinson took charge and introduced a speech from Club Chairman Ivor Beeks, presentations by Dave Evans and Colin Barnes from the Community and Youth set-up before handing the floor to Tony Adams. The Wycombe boss fielded a number of questions from the floor, ranging from playing tatics to potential new striker signings. On the latter it was a case of 'watch this space'.

BROWNIE TESTIMONIAL NEWS
(Thursday 26th February 2004)
Steve Brown has set a provisional date of 31st July for his testimonial match and says he hopes that Tony Adams will arrange for the Arsenal First Team to do the honours as opposition. There are also still a few places left for Brownie's Testimonial Dinner on Monday 8th March where Tony Adams will be guest speaker. See external link below for more info.

Steve Brown's website - www.stevebrown30.co.uk

FORSYTH SHOWN THE DOOR
(Thursday 26th February 2004)
The Club have confirmed the departure of Youth Team Manager Michael Forsyth who has become the victim of the restructuring of the Youth set-up at the Club. A statement from the Club fails to elaborate on the reasons behind the departure but indicates that a replacement will be sought after.

Michael Forsyth to leave - read more

NO AP CAPACITY INCREASE
(Thursday 26th February 2004)
London Wasps' short term wishes to increase the legal capacity of Adams Park has been turned down on safety grounds. Wanderers' Safety Officer Richard Stanford revealed the news at the recent Travel Plan meeting, stating it was not practical to accomodate the suggested extra 1,300 people into the stadium as well as providing suitable egress for their game on Sunday 11th April. Also, in response to a recent article in the Bucks Free Press, the Club denied that they were in talks with land owners regarding building an additional road to the stadium.

BELL AND DELL TO LEAVE
(Thursday 26th February 2004)
Short term contract players Andy Bell and Steve Dell are both set to leave the Club. Bell's contract expires at the weekend and he has already joined York City on a week's trial and was due to play for their reserve side on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Dell has returned from a two month loan spell at Eastbourne Borough and it's understood that his contract will not be extended when it runs out on 8th March. Both players were signed by Lawrie Sanchez at the start of the 2003/4 campaign.
Player Profiles

Andy Bell Steve Dell

FLYNN STRIKES AGAIN
(Wednesday 25th February 2004)
Stuart Roberts' move back to Swansea has been made possible by a Manager who masterminded the downfall of an Arsenal side captained by Tony Adams and who was chased by the Wycombe board. Swans boss Brian Flynn was Manager at Wrexham when they beat the Gunners in the Third Round of the FA Cup in 1992 while in January 1999 Wrexham refused Wycombe permsission to talk to him about succeeding Neil Smillie. Flynn tried to sign Roberts earlier this season and said he was delighted to get him back at The Vetch on what will be a free transfer. He told the Llanelli Star ''He's not match fit yet, but he's got pace going forward and can play on either flank or down the middle. Predominantly I see him playing wide on the right.'"

RESERVES BEAT NORWICH
(Wednesday 25th February 2004)
Wanderers' Reserves recorded their second successive victory when they beat Norwich City 2-0 at Adams Park on Tuesday afternoon in the Pontin's Holiday Combination. Ian Simpemba headed Wanderers into the lead on 32 minutes following a Matt Bloomfield free-kick from the right of midfield. Mark Philo added a second on the hour mark with a fine individual effort from the left channel. Line-up: Williams, Beasant, Hole, Simpemba, Reilly, Gordon (sub 82 Griffiths), Mapes, Bloomfield, Fox, Philo (sub 82 Tungatt), Faulconbridge (sub HT Dixon) - subs not used: Flower, McClurg

ROBBO DEAL PERMANENT
(Wednesday 25th February 2004)
COTN understands that Stuart Roberts' return to his former Club Swansea City will be confirmed as permanent later this week. Robbo signed on loan terms on Tuedsay evening to enable him to play against Leyton Orient on the same evening but sources in Wales suggest the deal will be converted to a permanent signing, thus ending a two and a half year spell with the Wanderers.

Stuart Roberts - Profile

CLUB ISSUE FEEDBACK
(Wednesday 25th February 2004)
Football Club members have received feedback from the recent members' meetings that went under the heading "Building for the Future". A document sent to members contains an abridged transcript of the question and answer sessions from the three meetings along with a summary of the presentation made by Club officials. In the covering letter, Club Chairman Ivor Beeks comments "The debate will continue and it is very important to us all at the Club that members are kept well informed."

TED BACK AGAIN
(Wednesday 25th February 2004)
Mark Rogers has been recalled from his loan spell at Stevenage Borough in order to cover for the injured Scott Marshall and the one game suspension for Roger Johnson in this Saturday's crucial meeting with Hartlepool United. 'Ted' was in the second month of his loan period at Stevenage and originally returned to Wycombe only for Stevenage to call him back the same day.

ROBBO RETURNS TO WALES
(Tuesday 24th February 2004)
It's now been confirmed that Stuart Roberts has returned to his former Club Swansea City on a month's loan and came on as substitute in The Swans 2-1 victory over Leyton Orient at The Vetch on Tuesday evening. The Welshman signed for Wycombe in October 2001 for a fee just over �100,000 and is out of contract this summer.

Stuart Roberts - Profile

TRAVEL PLAN MEETING
(Tuesday 24th February 2004)
A Travel Plan meeting took place on Tuesday (24th February) at Adams Park where local residents and other interested parties got to hear and debate the latest updates from Football Club and Wycombe District Council officials. Controversially, there were no representatives from the local Police, Bucks County Council or London Wasps. Formal minutes will be published by WDC.

OLIVER JOINS WOKING
(Tuesday 24th February 2004)
Less than 24 hours after Woking denied they has signed former Wanderers' Youth Teamer Luke Oliver, Wycombe have officially announced that he has joined the Conference side 'by mutual consent' in a deal that runs until the end of the season. Oliver made four substitute appearances for the Wanderers' First Team having played for the Youth Team on a non-contract basis.

WOKING DENY OLIVER LINK
(Monday 23rd February 2004)
Conference side Woking have denied they are about to take over the contract of former Wanderers' Youth Teamer Luke Oliver. A report in last Friday's Surrey Advertiser claimed the 19 year old was being taken on after scoring a hat-trick for the Cards in a training match with Yeovil Town. Manager Glenn Cockerill confirmed on Monday that any speculation was "unfounded and premature." Oliver, who has been told by Tony Adams that he does not feature in his plans at Wycombe, has been looking for another club for the past month.

Luke Oliver - Profile

BARNSLEY 0 WYCOMBE 0
(Saturday 21st February 2004)
Wanderers recorded their fifth successive League draw as they held Barnsley to a 0-0 stalemate at Oakwell on Saturday. Frank Talia returned in goal for the first time since November and kept Wanderers in the game with an excellent performance.

Barnsley 0 Wycombe 0 - Match report

THREE MOORE GOALS
(Friday 20th February 2004)
Luke Moore bagged a hat-trick for the Aston Villa Youth Team this week as they powered past Rotherham to reach the Quarter-Finals of the FA Youth Cup. The 17 year old, who scored a hat-trick while on loan at Wycombe earlier this year, has still to break into the Villa First Team but will looking to grab another winners medal in the FAYC having been a winner in 2002.

WW & LW TO MEET COUNCIL
(Thursday 19th February 2004)
Officials from both Wycombe Wanderers and London Wasps are due to meet with Wycombe District Council before the end of this month to thrash out problems relating to the tennancy agreement for the Rugby Union club. Wasps have immediate concerns over access/egress and in the longer term over capacity but COTN understands they are hoping for an ally on the Council to help with their cause to agree on plans for a new access road coupled with a stadium capacity increase.

COOK RETURNS
(Thursday 19th February 2004)
Former Wanderers Youth Teamer Lewis Cook has returned from his loan spell at Dr Marten Premier side Weymouth. Terras boss Steve Claridge told the Dorest Echo ""We took a bit of a gamble taking Lewis on loan and unfortunately it hasn't work out. Lewis made his debut at Dover and looked good in glimpses but unfortunately he has been too hit and miss since." 20 year old Cook will now try and earn a contract at Wycombe before his current deal ends in the summer. Claridge added "He's a nice lad who did his best but it's just a shame things didn't work out between us."

Lewis Cook - profile

SCOTTISH CAP FOR REILLY
(Wednesday 18th February 2004)
Wanderers' Second Year Scholar Andy Reilly won a Scottish Under 21 cap when he came on in the 83rd minute of the friendly against Hungary at Livingston on Wednesday. The 18 year old replaced Shaun Maloney who had put the Scots ahead through a 31st minute penalty. However, after a mass of second-half substitutions it was the visitors who ran out 2-1 winners with two goals in the final four minutes. The attendance was 1,894.

RESERVES BEAT THE SHOTS
(Wednesday 18th February 2004)
Jonny Dixon scored twice as Wanderers' Reserves beat Aldershot 3-1 at Adams Park on Wednesday afternoon in the Pontin's Holidays Combination. Wanderers went behind in the 22nd minute but equalised a minute before the break when Dixon converted following Stuart Roberts' cross from the right. Matt Bloomfield put Wycombe ahead in the 77th minute after he followed up triallist Alex Higgins shot from another Roberts cross. Dixon then confirmed victory with a delightful 85th minute chip. Tom Cadmore, Andy Savage and Wesley Doulglas were amongst the substitutes having signed 'Modern Apprenticeship' terms with the Wanderers for 2004/2005. Line-up: Talia (sub HT Williams), Mapes, Simpemba, Hole, Fox, Roberts (sub 82 Savage), McClurg (sub 70 Cadmore), Bloomfield, Higgins, Philo, Dixon - subs not used: Douglas, Tungatt

TAYLOR PRAISES WYCOMBE
(Tuesday 17th February 2004)
Former on loan defender Steven Taylor has thanked Wanderers fans following his call-up for the England Under 21 squad this week. He told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle "I think Wycombe Wanderers and the fans there have helped, I've been a bit more hungry since I've been back. I've realised I've got the chance to play first-team football." The Newcastle United player only turned 18 years old on 23rd January and was the youngest member in the team that went on to beat Holland 3-2 at Hull City on Tuesday (17th February). Taylor has already represented England at U16, U17 and U20 levels but has yet to make the First Team at St James Park.

U17's LOSE TO OXFORD
(Tuesday 17th February 2004)
Wanderers Under 17's went down 2-1 to Oxford United at Molins Sports Ground on Tuesday afternoon in the Umbro Isotonic Youth Alliance. Watched by First Team Manager Tony Adams and Assistant Peter Cawley, Wanderers found themselves a goal down in the opening minutes but eventually pulled level shortly into the second half through a headed goal by Tom Cadmore. However, The U's scored their winner moments later via a penalty given for a trip on a striker heading towards goal.

Youth Team info 2003/2004

YOUTH STRUCTURE UPDATE
(Tuesday 17th February 2004)
Wanderers are in the process of finalising a restructuring of its Youth Development programme. Youth Development Officer Colin Barnes has written recomendations with the objective to improve Wanderers ability to find local talent at a younger age. It's understood that Tony Adams is also behind the proposals and COTN has learnt that the Wycombe boss would prefer that the current Reserve Team structure was dropped to help shift emphasis towards youth and to save valuable funds.

Youth Development update - read more

BOARD STATEMENT
(Monday 16th February 2004)
The Wanderers' Board have issued a statement via the official website where it's stated "Providing we can protect the Club�s heritage, its future ownership and also the stadium by introducing a range of safeguards within any new constitution, we believe we should recommend constitutional change as a means to the right end." COTN understands that feedback from the recent meetings will be provided to members within the next two weeks and a further meeting will take place with a view to an EGM in May 2004.

Read statement on official website

BEVAN RETURNS TO SAINTS
(Monday 16th February 2004)
On loan 'keeper Scott Bevan has returned to Southampton after completing a one month loan deal. It was thought that Bevan would be given at least one more month but Wanderers wanted to keep a tighter grip on finances and it now looks like that Tony Adams will stick with regular squad members Frank Talia and Steve Williams for the remainder of the season.

LOAN NEWS UPDATE
(Monday 16th February 2004)
Confusion on Monday when it was officially reported that Mark Rogers had returned from his loan spell at Stevenage Borough only for the news to be ammended later in the day to a one month extension on the deal. Meanwhile, it's reported that Richard Harris has returned to the Club following a two month loan spell at Woking while moving in the opposite direction is Gavin Holligan who has moved to Ryman League highflyers Hornchurch who are managed by ex-Wanderer George Borg.

SUSPENSION UPDATE
(Monday 16th February 2004)
Roger Johnson's yellow card against Luton Town took him to five stand alone yellow cards this season and as a result he will a serve a one match ban when Hartlepool Town visit Adams Park on Saturday 28th February. Bookings after the last weekend in February do not count towards suspensions.

WYCOMBE 0 LUTON TOWN 0
(Saturday 14th February 2004)
Wanderers failed in their attempt to beat Luton Town for the first time at Adams Park but it wasn't through the want of trying. Wanderers dominated for large periods of the game and nearly grabbed a sensational late winner when Jermaine McSporran could only slide Nathan Tyson's cross from the left over the Valley End crossbar with three minutes remaining.

Wycombe 0 Luton Town 0 - Match report

U19's START MERIT MATCHES
(Saturday 14th February 2004)
The Under 19's commenced their Youth Alliance merit matches at weekend with a 3-2 home defeat to Southend United. Michael Forsyth's side finished bottom of the South-East table this season and are playing against other basement sides from the adjoining regions in an eight match programme. Wanderers' goals against Southend both came through opportunist strikes from Nicky Beasant. On the same morning, also at Molins, the Under 17's went down 2-1 to Gillingham, with Andy Savage netting Wycombe's goal.

Youth Team info 2003/2004

TERRY GIBSON DEPARTS
(Friday 13th February 2004)
Chairboys on the Net understands that Wanderers have come to an agreement with shunned 'Assistant Manager' Terry Gibson over ther remainder of his contract and the former right-hand man to Lawrie Sanchez has now left the club on a permanent basis. Gibson has not been involved with First Team matchday duties since the departure of Sanchez at the end of September 2003 and was relegated back to Reserve team duties before having a spell away from work with a virus. As reported earlier, Gibson will reunite with Sanchez in a coaching capacity for Northern Ireland. This news has since been confirmed in an official statement by the Club released at 9am on Friday.

SANCHEZ & GIBBO REUNITED
(Thursday 12th February 2004)
It appears that Wanderers have agreed the temporary release of 'Assistant Manager' Terry Gibson to help his former boss Lawrie Sanchez at Northern Ireland. According to media reports this week, Gibson will join up with Sanchez in time for the friendly with Norway in Belfast on 18th February. Wanderers had been accused by Sunday People journalist Paul McCarthy of refusing to allow Gibson to work with his former boss.

RESERVES DEFEAT AT COLU
(Wednesday 11th February 2004)
Wanderers' Reserves went down 2-0 in a 'friendly' fixture for squad members at Colchester United on Wednesday afternoon. Jonny Dixon saw a goal disallowed early on but the home side went on to score twice before the break through Wayne Andrews and Paul Reid (a triallist from Bradford City) and Wanderers were unable to get back into the game.Line-up: Gott, Simpemba, Hole, Johnson, Warner, McClurg, Roberts, Mapes, Fox, Faulconbridge, Dixon - subs Bell, Flower, Tungatt, Gregory, Boland

CLUB MEET SUPPORTERS
(Wednesday 11th February 2004)
Club officials are meeting with representatives from both the Official Supporters' Association and the Independent Supporters' Club this week to talk through proposals on the 'reconstruction' of the Football Club. Talks will also take place within the next week with the proposers of a Supporters' Trust. It's understood that talks have already taken place with various sponsors of the Club and loan notes holders.

REPORTS RELEASED
(Wednesday 11th February 2004)
Separate reports released this week by the Independent Football Commission (IFC) and the 'All Party Parliamentary Football Group report' call for wide ranging measures to control the running of the game. The IFC report makes 37 recommendations, including issues relating to racism, customer charters, neighbourhood relations. A 'fit and proper' test for Club Directors is also called for which is backed up by the 'All Party' report titled "Football and its Finances" which concentrates on the governance of Clubs and calls for greater transparency on the financial reporting by clubs and its use of players agents.

All Party - Press Release

SCOTTISH CALL FOR REILLY
(Tuesday 10th February 2004)
Wanderers' Second Year Scholar Andy Reilly is set to be called up to join the Scotland Under 21 squad to prepare for a friendly against Hungary at Livingston on Wednesday 18th February (KO 5pm). The Scotland coaching staff inquired about the eligibility of the 18 year old earlier this year and with Reilly now featuring at First Team level for the Wanderers, he has now been given this chance to gain further experience.

TRIALLIST INFO
(Tuesday 10th February 2004)
Two Norwich City accademy players were amongst the triallists in Monday's friendly with Oxford United. Greg Crane and Damien Batt have both been told that they won't be offered professional contracts by Premiership bound Canaries and Tony Adams was first to jump in to take a look. The 19 year old's both play in defence with Batt specialising on the right side.

SECRET FRIENDLY VICTORY
(Monday 9th February 2004)
Wanderers played a 'secret' friendly on Monday afternoon at Iffley Road against Oxford United and came away with a 1-0 victory. Tony Adams lined up the match in order to take a look at more triallists and to also give Chris Vinnicombe a chance to regain match fitness. Wanderers goal came on the 70 minute mark when Brazillian Emerson (not the ex-Middlesbrough striker) volleyed past U's 'keeper Simon Cox. Line-up: Talia, Vinnicombe, Crane (Norwich), Batt (Norwich), Reginaldo, Higgins, Bloomfield, Philo, Lee, Brendon, Emmerson

ANOTHER YT TO DEPART
(Monday 9th February 2004)
It's been confirmed that Wanderers' Third Year Scholar Matty Warner will not be offered a pro contract at the end of the season and is now looking for another club. The 18 year old had been on a work experience scheme at Basingstoke Town earlier this season but on his return had been unable to break into the Wanderers' First Team squad. The left sided midfielder had been with the Wanderers since the age of 12 having progressed through the Centre of Excellence.

TONY A FATHER AGAIN
(Saturday 7th February 2004)
Tony Adams rushed off at the end of Saturday's draw with Brighton to attend the birth of his child by partner Poppy Teacher. News has since come in that the child is a 9lb boy who has been named Atticus William MacNaughton Adams. It is Adams' fourth child but his first with Poppy, a daughter of the Teacher whisky family. Congratulations to all concerned.

SEAGULLS SIT-IN
(Saturday 7th February 2004)
Brighton supporters staged a 20 minute sit-in after Saturday's game at Adams Park to highlight the need for plans for their proposed new stadium in Falmer to be approved by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. A local inspectors report has recommended that the plans are for the 22,000 all seater stadium are turned down.