All the news stories from May 2004
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MANSFIELD BACK AGAIN
(Monday 31st May 2004)
Mansfield Town will be back at Wycombe next season after they lost to Huddersfield Town via a penalty shoot-out in the Division Three play-off final at The Millennium Stadium on Monday. The Stags beat Wycombe in the FA Cup last season but Wanderers will now get the chance of revenge at League level. |
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ANOTHER CAP FOR REILLY
(Saturday 29th May 2004)
Andy Reilly started again for the Scottish Under 19 side in their final UEFA Youth 2nd qualifying stage match on Saturday evening against hosts Austria. However, there was defeat again for the Scots as they went down 5-0 after seeing Dundee United's Steve Bell and Celtic's Charles Mulgrew red carded. Reilly was replaced on 63 minutes Charles Adam. Despite the win for Austria, it was Poland who qualified for the finals in July. |
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WANDERERS BID FOR IFIL
(Friday 28th May 2004)
Wanderers have bid a "significant five-figure fee" for Watford's highly rated central defender Jerel Ifil according to the Watford Observer. Apparently Watford have agreed to the deal but the former Hornets trainee is still thinking it over. "He knows of the offer but his agent feels he can do better," said manager Ray Lewington. The 21 year old played on loan at Swindon Town for part of last season but broke into the Watford First Team on a regular basis on his return to Vicarage Road. |
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MR BEEKS v MR WRIGHT
(Friday 28th May 2004)
National press comments reported on COTN earlier in the week have prompted a war of words via the local press between the Chairmen of London Wasps and Wycombe Wanderers. Wasps owner Chris Wright told the BFP he wants to know within six months whether the capacity of Adams Park can be increased, adding "I would be prepared to work out a situation where Wasps build the extra capacity on some basis." However, Wanderers' Chairman Ivor Beeks was unhappy that Wright made his thoughts through the media and not "with me and my board", and responded "It's not on the agenda for Wasps to have a stake in the ownership of the ground. That's not possible."
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COUNCIL CONFIRM APPROACH
(Friday 28th May 2004)
Wycombe District Council have confirmed that they have been in "exploratory talks" with Wycombe Wanderers and Wasps with a view to increasing the capacity of Adams Park. A WDC spokesperson told the Bucks Free Press "At this stage there are planning and health and safety issues that need to be resolved about access and egress to the ground." An open meeting with local authorities, club officials and local residents is due to take place at Adams Park on Tuedsay 8th June, starting 7.30pm. |
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STEVE BROWN TESTIMONIAL
(Friday 28th May 2004)
Steve Brown's testimonial cricket match took place on Friday 28th May at High Wycombe Cricket Club with Brownies' XI victorious against a Wycombe Warriors XI. In front of a decent crowd, the home side made 161 all out before Martin Taylor and Steve Williams starred in a batting performance that saw 164 runs made with the loss of just four wickets. |
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REILLY GETS START
(Thursday 27th May 2004)
Andy Reilly made his first start for the Scottish Under 19 side in their second UEFA Youth 2nd qualifying stage match on Thursday evening in Austria against Poland. However, the Wanderers youngster saw his side throw away a two goal lead before going down 3-2. Goals from Gary Irvine and Gary McKenzie put the Scots in control but the Poles hit back with three goals within 16 second-half minutes. Reilly was replaced on 75 minutes by Glasgow Rangers' Charles Adam. The Scots conclude with a game with hosts Austria on Saturday (29 May). |
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THE PLAN THIS TIME IS....
(Thursday 27th May 2004)
Chairboys on the Net has been following in detail the latest proposed changes to the Club's constitution. Here we bring you the second part of the report of the meeting on 18th May. It looks at the bare bones of the three year business plan that the Board hope will attract investment and bring their latest vision to reality.
 Members meeting report - part 2 |
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'KEEPER DILEMMA
(Thursday 27th May 2004)
Tony Adams' option of trying to persuade Aston Villa's Wayne Henderson to sign on loan for next season may come into effect after Alec Chamberlain took up the offer of a new one year contract with Watford. COTN understands that Adams was hoping to bring in the 39 year old as first choice 'keeper ahead of Steve Williams and Frank Talia but the offer of a ninth season at Vicarage Road was too good to turn down for Chamberlain. |
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REILLY WAITS FOR ACTION
(Tuesday 25th May 2004)
Andy Reilly was an unused substitute for the Scottish Under 19 side in their opening UEFA Youth 2nd qualifying stage match on Tuesday evening in Austria. The Scots went down 3-2 to Finland in Gleisdorf and Reilly and his team mates will now be looking to recover against Poland on Thursday (27 May) in Hartberg before concluding against hosts Austria on Saturday (29 May). The group winners go through to the finals in Switzerland in July. |
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THE WRIGHT STUFF
(Tuesday 25th May 2004)
According to a report in the Daily Mirror by Alex Spink, London Wasps' owner Chris Wright says he is prepared to spend money on increasing the capacity at Adams Park and will "seriously consider" returning Wanderers' tenants to Loftus Road at the end of next season if a solution cannot be found. Wright is quoted as saying "I am prepared to spend £2m to build a new stand and increase the capacity to over 12,000." At present the capacity at Wycombe is restricted to 10,000 due to a planning obligation attached to the expansion of the Hillbotton Road end in 2001. |
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DYCHE TAKES TIME
(Monday 24th May 2004)
Wycombe transfer target Sean Dyche is still thinking over a new one year deal he has been offered by his present club. The 32 year old Watford defender told their local media "It's nice to be wanted, I've been happy at Watford and am delighted that the manager Ray Lewington has asked me to stay. But I'm going to take a short break and think about what is best for me." |
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EX-WANDERER IN CUP FINAL
(Saturday 22nd May 2004)
Congratulations to former Wanderers defender Matt Lawrence who captained Millwall in their first ever FA Cup Final when they took on Manchester United at Cardiff on Saturday. The Lions were on the wrong end of a 3-0 defeat but Lawrence can hold his head high after a gutsy performance in the centre of defence against some of the world's best players. | |
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SIGNINGS SOON?
(Friday 21st May 2004)
Tony Adams is travelling down from taking his UEFA 'A' license badge in Scotland this weekend with a view to making his first signings for the 2004/5 season. The Wycombe boss will hold talks with six players and Club Chairman Ivor Beeks enthused at the recent meeting "We hope to be signing one or two players in the near future, some of which are quite exciting." |
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PRESS WAGE CLAIMS
(Friday 21st May 2004)
The Bucks Free Press claims to be exclusively revealing this week that some professional players at Wycombe will be earning £240 per week basic salary next season at Adams Park. They claim this would be topped up by £200 per First Team appearance or £100 as an appearing substitute. Salaries would also be linked to possible promotion or relgation, with a 20% rise or fall respectively. However, it's quite clear that these type of salaries will only apply to some of the squad. Chairboys on the Net can reveal that the players wage bill for next season is being set at just over £1m, giving an average annual income for players of close to £50,000. The wage bill last season was around £1.5m. |
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PLAYER STATS 2003/4
(Thursday 20th May 2004)
Along with Barnsley, Wanderers used the most different players throughout all three divisions of the Football League during the 2003/4 season. Stuart Hole became the 40th player used when he appeared as substitute at Peterborough on the final day of the season. The Wanderers Youth Teamer, who has since been released, was also the 13th player to given their Football League debut while at Wycombe this season. Interactive stats 2003/4 |
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ONE MORE FRIENDLY
(Wednesday 19th May 2004)
COTN can confirm that a a second home pre-season friendly has been added. Premiership Charlton Athletic will visit Adams Park on Wednesday 28th July with a 7.45pm kick-off. Wanderers have arranged the game to help generate revenue ahead of the new season, however, the game may be postponed if Charlton qualify for the UEFA Cup via the Fair Play League. The friendly at Aylesbury arranged for the same day will be rescheduled to Tuesday 27th July. Ticket prices for this and the Portsmouth home friendly on Tuesday 20th July have still to be released. |
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MEMBERS HEAR PLANS
(Tuesday 18th May 2004)
Wanderers Members heard details on Tuesday evening of the proposed reconstructure of the Club's constitution. The Board are paying in the region of £70,000 for accountancy experts and sports lawyers to help their case and a presentation was made detailing the new structure of the Club which included room for existing members and incorporated certain 'safeguards'. A confidential 'three year business plan' will be distributed to potential investors which the Board hope will attract in the region of £1m of new money into the Club. The finalised proposals will be voted on at an EGM on 12th July. Special report - Part 1 |
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TALIA IN ACCIDENT
(Tuesday 18th May 2004)
Wanderers' Official website has reported that Frank Talia injured his foot while mowing his lawn in bare feet. The Australian goalkeeper slipped and lost part of a toe when the mower ran over his foot. He had surgery at the Royal Berkshire Hospital and the news is that the injury is not as serious as it could have been and that he could still be fit for pre-season training in July. Talia has since stated that he was wearing training shoes during the incident, which prevented a worse injury. |
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TA WANTS JOCKY BACK
(Tuesday 18th May 2004)
Jermaine McSporran has confirmed that Tony Adams has spoken to him about a possible return to Adams Park. The 27 year old told the Midweek BFP "He said he wants me back as a right sided midfielder which is nice to hear, but I will see how it goes." McSporran says he has been in discussion with recently promoted Doncaster Rovers and has other clubs to talk to.
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TARGETS ON HOLD
(Monday 17th May 2004)
Two more of Tony Adams' transfer targets are on hold after they were offered new deals with their existing Club. Watford's 32 year old defender Sean Dyche and his goalkeeping teammate Alec Chamberlain are both considering one year offers to stay at Vicarge Road but it's reported that Manager Ray Lewington is cutting wages back by as much as 66%. The Watford boss commented "If they feel they can get more elsewhere then they are welcome to go, but I won’t wait too long and miss the boat because the best players will be taken straight away." |
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HODGES NO TO WYCOMBE
(Sunday 16th May 2004)
Plymouth Argyle midfielder Lee Hodges has turned down a 'lucrative' offer to sign for Wycombe according to the Plymouth Evening Herald. Hodges, who is married with two children, talked the deal over with his wife and said "Wycombe came up with a really good offer and it made us think. We had to think about it long and hard because of the financial reasons, but we decided to stay. At my age, you aren't expecting to get stuff like that." The 30 year old, who played on loan at Wycombe during the 1993/94 season, has since signed a two year deal at Home Park. |
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SHREWSBURY BACK UP
(Sunday 16th May 2004)
Wanderers will face Shrewsbury Town next season in Division Three after they overcame Aldershot Town in the Conference Play-Off final at Stoke City's Britannia Stadium on Sunday via a penalty shoot-out. The Shrews return to the Football League just one season after being relegated from Division Three. | |
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TA COMPLETES CLEAR-OUT
(Friday 14th May 2004)
News of Tony Adams' player clearout at Wycombe is now out in the open.
The Club published a retained list on Friday morning at 8.30am while the Bucks Free Press also confirmed the COTN prediction that Dannie Bulman, Charlie Mapes, Scott Marshall, Michael Simpson and Chris Vinnicombe are all heading out after they were called in to attend a face to face meeting with the Manager. However, there are deals on the table for Ian Simpemba, Steve Williams and Stuart Nethercott. read more |
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SADDLERS RELEASE JOCKY
(Friday 14th May 2004)
Former Wanderer Jermaine McSporran completed a disappointing end to the season with the news that he would not be retained by new Walsall Manager Paul Merson. Jocky moved to The Saddlers on transfer deadline day but made just two starts as the midlands side were relegated to Division Two on goal difference. Despite his move to Walsall, Jocky still won the Official Supporters' Association Player of the Season award at Wycombe and media talk has suggested a possible move back to the Club who gave him his League debut. However, this seems unlikely bearing in mind the current upheavals at Adams Park. |
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TRAINING GROUND WORK
(Thursday 13th May 2004)
The Club are currently undertaking improvement work to the Training Ground facility at Booker with a view to using this for Youth Team and possibly low key reserve fixtures. It's understood that the bulk of the work involves re-establishing changing and washing facilities to the required standard. At present Youth Team fixtures are played at Molins Sports Ground in Monks Risborough where the Club pay a rental charge for its use. |
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EX-WANDERERS AT WOKING
(Thursday 13th May 2004)
News of two ex-Wanderers at Woking. Luke Oliver has signed a new one year deal with The Cardinals following his move to the Conference side in February. However, on his way out is Ben Townsend who leaves following a 16 month spell where he made close to 50 appearances. Townsend, now 22, appeared for the Wanderers in the FA Cup Semi-Final in April 2001. |
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SCOTTISH CALL FOR REILLY
(Wednesday 12th May 2004)
Wanderers Scholar Andy Reilly has now been confirmed as included in the Scottish Under 19 squad to travel to Austria to compete in the UEFA Youth qualifying matches later this month. Scotland will take on Finland (25 May), Poland (27 May) and Austria (29 May). The group winners go through to the finals in Switzerland in July. Reilly has already appeared briefly for the Scottish U21 side and this trip should provide more valuable experience under the guidance of coach Ross Mathie. |
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LEAGUE REBRANDING
(Wednesday 12th May 2004)
The Football League are currently finalising proposals for a rebranding exercise for next season to tie in with new sponsors Coca-Cola. Reports in the national press this week suggest that a proposal is already in place for name changes across the three divisions but any decision would still have to passed by member clubs at the League's AGM on 12 June. In the meantime, contrary to other reports, League officials say they are consulting with supporter focus groups on these and other issues. |
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STOCKLEY STICKS WITH U's
(Wednesday 12th May 2004)
Speculation that Colchester United defender Sam Stockley had lined up a move to Wycombe were snuffed out this week when the 26 year old signed a new deal with the U's. However, Stockley did admit that the transfer rumours were not without foundation, commenting to their official website, “It is true that there was some interest from Wycombe and I could have secured a deal there but the only reason I would have followed that path would be because of my personal situation with my little boy but I don’t want to go into that.” |
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EX-WANDERER NEWS
(Tuesday 11th May 2004)
Contract news of two ex-Wanderers arrived on Tuesday (11th May). Stuart Roberts has been released by Swansea City after failing to impress new boss Kenny Jackett. The Llanelli born player rejoined The Swans in February 2004 after an unhappy spell at Wycombe. Meanwhile, defender Paul McCarthy has turned down the offer of a new contract at Oxford United. Macca joined The U's from Wycombe towards the end of the 2002/3. |
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CURRIE FIRST IN THE CULL
(Tuesday 11th May 2004)
There was little surprise on Tuesday morning as The Midweek reported that Darren Currie had left Wanderers by mutual consent. The Club had an option to keep the 29 year old but Tony Adams decided that even with a 20% wage reduction it was it time for the ex-Barnet man to leave. Currie said "I have had three very enjoyable years here and I hope that one day I will be able to return to the club again in some capacity or other.” Blackpool, Oldham and Barnsley have already shown an interest in taking up his services.
Darren Currie - Player profile |
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DEALS FOR WILLO AND SEP
(Tuesday 11th May 2004)
The Midweek reports that Goalkeeper Steve Williams and defender Ian Simpemba have each been offered new one year deals but on 20% reduced terms due to Wycombe's relegation to Division Three. Both players are former Wanderers Youth Teamers and have just turned 21 years old. Williams, who missed the closing weeks of the season due to a dislocated finger, commented “It is a big relief. I have supported this club since I used to watch them on the terraces at Loakes Park”. |
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RUMOUR MILL HOTS UP
(Monday 10th May 2004)
With the season over for the Wanderers, the transfer rumour mill is set to switch into overload. Colchester United defender Sam Stockley has already denied talk that he has signed a pre-contract agreement to come to Wycombe next season. He told the Essex Evening Gazette "It's pie in the sky. I haven't signed a deal with anyone yet. I can't discuss my current contractual situation with Colchester United as it's unprofessional and club policy not to do so."
The 26 year old joined The U's from Oxford United in the early part of the 2002/3 season and has been a regular ever since. He previously spent five seasons with Barnet. |
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PLAYER DECISION TIME
(Monday 10th May 2004)
Tony Adams will begin meetings with his squad this week to determine who will be involved in his plans for next season. Dannie Bulman, Darren Currie, Charlie Mapes, Scott Marshall, Ian Simpemba, Michael Simpson, Chris Vinnicombe and Steve Williams are all out of contract in June and will be waiting a decision. Lewis Cook, Richard Harris and Andy Thomson have already been told they will not be kept on. The Wycombe boss told BBC Three Counties Radio "By the end of the week everything will be revealed. I pretty much know the way I'm going to take this club forward and I'm really excited about next year." |
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PRE-SEASON UPDATE
(Monday 10th May 2004)
The Club have now confirmed the home friendly against Portsmouth on Tuesday 20th July, kick-off 7.45pm. It will mean that the squad will return temporarily from their week long training camp in Exmouth to play in a game that Tony Adams agreed to in the hope of generating valuable funds.
Wanderers will be on the road for their other friendlies, travelling to Beaconsfield SYCOB (Fri 9th July), Chesham United (Wed 14th July), Dorchester Town (Sat 17th July), Weymouth (Sat 24th July) and Aylesbury United (Wed 28th July). Entrance prices are to be decided. |
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PETERBORO 1 WYCOMBE 1
(Saturday 8th May 2004)
Wanderers concluded their ten year spell in the Second Division with a last gasp draw at Peterborough United on Saturday. Nathan Tyson smashed in a stoppage time goal to earn a point. The game also marked the final competitive appearance in a Wycombe shirt for Steve Brown and their were amazing scenes after the final whistle as the travelling fans stayed behind chanting for 30 minutes until Brown and the rest of the squad emerged. Peterborough 1 Wycombe 1 - Match report | |
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PLAYER HUNT
(Friday 7th May 2004)
The Oxford Mail reported that Wycombe, Oxford United and Yeovil Town are monitoring the progress of Slough Town striker Ian Hodges. He has netted 35 goals this season for The Rebels having joined from Hayes the previous year. The Bristol born 21 year old has already appeared for The U's reserves side. Oxford boss Graham Rix also wants to sign ex-Wimbledon trainee Danny Morgan who scored a hat-trick for their Reserve side following a one game trial with Wycombe in April. |
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SEASON TICKET DEADLINE
(Friday 7th May 2004)
The deadline to buy Season Tickets at the 'Super Early Bird' rate was Friday 7th May but existing seat Season Ticket holders have until Friday 28th May to reclaim their seat, with 'Early Bird' rates available to all until Friday 18th June. As of Thursday (6th May), the Club reported they had already sold 1,500 Season Tickets.
Your Club needs you - Season Ticket feature |
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CONSTITUTION DEBATE MIX-UP
(Thursday 6th May 2004)
The Club have fallen into a PR mix-up ahead of the Members' meeting scheduled to to take place on Tuesday 18th May. Manager Tony Adams joined the debate via the Bucks Free Press on Friday 30th April, while a day later Financial Director Rod Tomlin praised Adams for not getting involved. See link for full story. Constitution debate latest - read more
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ATTENDANCE DROP
(Thursday 6th May 2004)
Football League attendances at Adams Park during the 2003/4 season dropped by around 11% compared to the the previous season. The final home average of 5,291 generated an estimated £1m in gate receipts, around £150,000 down on the previous season when the average was just under 6,000. The drop in revenue was offset by payment for three live TV appearance totalling £90,000. In 2001/2 Wycombe's League attendances averaged 6,703 while in 2000/01 they were 5,575. In all cases the official gate includes Season Ticket Holders who do not attend. |
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DIV 2 AND 3 PROPOSAL
(Wednesday 5th May 2004)
Wycombe could be affected by a proposal to reduce the number of relegation and promotion places between the Second and Third Division from four to three. The idea was put forward at a Football League meeting earlier this year and it's now understand it will be formally proposed by a Second Division club at the League's AGM in June. The arguement for the change is to standardise movement between all Divisions in the Football League and to and and from the Premiership. The Football Supporters Federation is calling on supporters to contact them with their views which will then be passed onto the Football authorities. |
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CONFERENCE PLAY-OFFS
(Tuesday 4th May 2004)
With an eye on Wanderers' opponents for next season, Aldershot Town and Shrewsbury Town will contest the Conference Play-off Final for the right to play in Division Three next season along with Champions Chester City. Both sides overcame their opponents via a penalty shoot out in the semi-final second-legs played on Bank Holiday Monday. Shrewsbury eliminated Barnet, while Aldershot stunned Hereford United who had finished the season a staggering 21 points ahead of The Shots in the final Conference table and 17 points clear of third placed Shrewsbury. The Final will take place at Stoke City on Sunday 16th May, kick-off 1pm. Carlisle United and York City were both confirmed as relegated to the Conference with one week of the Football League fixtures remaining. | |
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CHESHAM WIN B&B
(Tuesday 4th May 2004)
Chesham United beat Bracknell Town 4-1 to lift the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup Final at Adams Park on Bank Holiday Monday. Chesham were two goals up inside the opening 12 minutes through Paul Aldridge and John Lawford but Adam Crittenden reduced the deficit before the break. United eventually sealed victory thanks to a Nathan Bowden-Haase effort and an own-goal. Former Wanderers Youth Team scholar James 'Growler' Rogers appeared as a substitute for Bracknell. | |
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ADMINISTRATION THREAT
(Monday 3rd May 2004)
With Club members being notified of the latest round of talks regarding the proposed constitutional changes, chairboys.co.uk takes a look at the key quotes sent to members and published in various media, including the threat of putting the Club into administration. Constitution debate latest - read more
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CONTRACT DECISIONS SOON
(Monday 3rd May 2004)
Monday 10th May is the date being reported that Tony Adams will announce his final decision on whether his soon to be out of contract players will be kept on. However, Adams has said that 28th May will be the final deadline for his decision on all squad members and the team will be brought in for a three day week of training following the game at Peterborough on 8th May. | |
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TA TO BRING IN OWN TEAM
(Monday 3rd May 2004)
Tony Adams will continue building his backroom staff team over the close season following the departure of Club Physio's Dave Jones and Terry Evans. Chairboys on the Net understands that the Wycombe boss will bring in a new Physio and Physiologist to complement Peter Cawley's new position of Assistant Manager and the arrival of Gary Smith as Youth Team Manager. | |
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WYCOMBE 1 WREXHAM 1
(Saturday 1st May 2004)
Wanderers ended the 2003/4 season with a now trademark draw. Club Player of the Season Roger Johnson fired Wycombe into the lead in the 79th minutes but Wrexham were level within seconds of the restart following a mix-up between Ian Simpemba and Wayne Henderson allowing Chris Llewellyn to score.
Wycombe 1 Wrexham 1 - Match report | |
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BROWNIE FAREWELL
(Saturday 1st May 2004)
Steve Brown played the final home game of his Wycombe career when he took the field as Captain against Wrexham on Saturday. However, the 37 year old who is Wanderers highest Football League appearance maker with over 450 First Team showings to his name, almost missed the game after a misunderstanding over the time of the pre-match meet up. Brown was initially going to retire from the playing side but is now putting out the feelers for another Club where he could end his lenghty playing career. Meanwhile, Brown's plans to play Arsenal or Celtic in a testimonial match have fallen through and he's now hoping one from Bolton, Birmingham, Aston Villa or Portsmouth will be able to help out. Player profile | |
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