All the news stories from September 2003
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SANCHEZ SHOCK DEPARTURE
(Tuesday 30th September 2003)
Within minutes of the defeat at Tranmere, Wanderers' Board of Directors issued the following statement via the official website. "Wycombe Wanderers announce that they have today parted company with their manager, Lawrie Sanchez. The search for a replacement will start immediately. Interim arrangements will be included in a more detailed press statement to be issued within the next 24 hours." Media frenzy, conspiracy theories and replacement rumours to follow here, there and everywhere. |
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TRANMERE 2 WYCOMBE 1
(Tuesday 30th September 2003)
It was a tragic own goal by Danny Senda just eight minutes from time that cost Wanderers the chance of stealing a point a more at Prenton Park on Tuesday evening. Less than an hour after the final whistle the Club issued a statement on the official site that Lawrie Sanchez had 'departed'.
 Tranmere 2 Wycombe 1 - Match report
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YOUTHS v AUSSIE COLLEGE
(Tuesday 29th September 2003)
Wanderers' Under 17 side took on a touring representative side from John Paul College, Brisbane on Tuesday evening at Molins Sports Ground. Wanderers' youngsters had the better of the first half which ended goalless but the introduction of more experienced Australian and Korean prospects from the Professional Soccer Academy saw the visitors run out 5-2 winners. |
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LADIES EDGED OUT IN CUP
(Saturday 28th September 2003)
Wycombe Wanderers Ladies Team were narrowly edged out of the Women's FA Cup on Sunday by Luton Town Belles. Karyn Atkinson gave Wanderers an early lead but the visitors hit back to lead 3-1. Jasmine Brown scored late on from a quickly taken free-kick but Wanderers couldn't find the all important equaliser.
Wanderers' Ladies - 2003/2004 info
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PORT VALE 1 WYCOMBE 1
(Saturday 27th September 2003)
Charlie Mapes scored his third goal for the Wanderers as a workman like team performance earned a deserved draw away to League leaders Port Vale. Mapes' goal came in the 63rd minute after Stephen McPhee had given Vale the lead on the stroke of half-time. Vale 1 Wycombe 1 - match report
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YOUTH TEAM UPDATE
(Saturday 27th September 2003)
The U19's were beaten 4-2 at Colchester on Saturday morning in a hard fought game against the League leaders. Rob Tungatt gave the Wanderers the lead in the 29th minute but the home side equalised from the spot in first half stoppage time following a handball. The U's then took the lead on 75 minutes only for Matty Warner to level from a free kick a minute later. But it was Colchester who took all three points with further goals in the 80th and 85th minutes. Meanwhile, the U17's drew 2-2 at home to Colchester with James Faulkner scoring cracking goals from either flank. Youth Team info 2003/2004 |
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SANCHEZ - I'M NO QUITTER
(Friday 26th September 2003)
Lawrie Sanchez is adamant that he will not be resigning from his position at the Club. He was quoted in the press as saying ”I won’t be quitting. I don’t ask my players to quit and I won’t be quitting. It is not a scenario” The Wycombe boss also mentioned the dreaded 'R' word again. ”This club isn’t going to get relegated under me I can tell you that. We will fight, we will battle and we will claw our way out. We are in a bad position after nine games but we have got 37 games to pull it around” |
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STRIKER SEARCH
(Friday 26th September 2003)
Lawrie Sanchez says he is on the look out for another centre-forward on loan. The Wycombe Manager has already seen loanees Simon Patterson and Iffy Onuora fail to live up to expections but has not given up the search. He commented to the Bucks Free Press ”I’ve been on the phone everyday. We need a centre forward. We need one or two faces in the squad."
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BELL SIGNS UP
(Friday 26th September 2003)
Striker Andy Bell has signed a three month contract with the Wanderers after impressing Manager Lawrie Sanchez in his debut appearances for the First Team. The 19 year old former Blackburn Rovers trainee scored twice on his Football League debut against Oldham, a club he earlier had a trial with. |
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LEAGUE EGM OUTCOME
(Thursday 25th September 2003)
Football League Clubs voted that member Clubs going into administration after the start of the 2004/5 season will be docked ten points. The decision was made at an EGM held in Oxford. The meeting also saw the ratification of 'parachute' payments for clubs relegated from Div 1 or 2 and the publication of agents' fees. Wanderers' Chairman Ivor Beeks is understood to have returned temporarily from an extended break in Portugal to attend the meeting where it was also decided upon a new Management team specifically for First Division clubs. |
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RESERVES 0 PALACE 0
(Wednesday 24th September 2003)
Wanderers' Reserves drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace on Wednesday afternoon at Adams Park in the Pontin's Holiday Combination. In a fairly uneventful game Wanderers included former Chelsea trainee Scott Cousins at left-back but his game was cut short after 26 minutes when he injured himself during a tackle. Peter Hinks also made his third appearance on trial.
Line-up: Talia, Dell, Cousins (sub 26 Dixon), Oliver, Hole, Ryan, Cook, Mapes (sub 74 Tungatt), Philo, Harris, Hinks - subs not used: Warner, Gott |
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CLUB AGM NOTIFIED
(Wednesday 24th September 2003)
Members of Wycombe Wanderers Football Club Limited have been notified of this year's AGM which will take place on Monday 20th October. The related accounts show a net trading loss for of £389,000 for the 2002/3 season compared to £455,000 the previous year. Turnover for the period was up fractionally to £4.6m despite match reciepts being down by around £300,000. Financial report and comment 2002/3 |
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WYCOMBE 0 VILLA 5
(Tuesday 23rd September 2003)
Wycombe were thrashed 5-0 by Aston Villa in Tuesday evening's Carling Cup clash at Adams Park. A defiant Lawrie Sanchez said after the game "We’ve got a lot of work to do but this club won’t be relegated under me, I can tell you that.”
Wycombe 0 Aston Villa 5 - match report
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SANCHEZ APOLOGISES
(Tuesday 23rf September 2003)
Lawrie Sanchez has apologised for his gestures towards Wycombe fans at the start of the second-half of the defeat to Oldham. The Wycombe boss cupped his ear towards the Valley End in response to booing and then shrugged his shoulders. Speaking in a press conference on Monday, Sanchez said “It was a silly childish gesture and I wish I hadn’t done it. It’s not nice being booed by your own fans but I can fully understand their frustration. Everyone was frustrated by Saturday’s performance, no-one more so than me” |
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RUMOUR MILL BACK ON
(Monday 22nd September 2003)
The rumour machine was back up and running again with news that Reading were holding a press conference on Monday at 4pm. However, it turned out to be the annoucement of Nick Hammond as 'Director of Football' and the new Manager's position is not expected to announced until later in the week. Wycombe Manager Lawrie Sanchez was once connected with the post at the Madjeski Stadium.
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WYCOMBE 2 OLDHAM 5
(Saturday 20th September 2003)
Lawrie Sanchez refused to talk to the press for the third week running as his side collapsed 5-2 against financially challenged Oldham. Wanderers were three goals down inside 22 minutes and although debutant Andy Bell pulled a goal back three minutes after the break, the visitors added two more either side of another Bell goal to run out clear winners.
Wycombe 2 Oldham 5 - Match report
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YOUTH TEAM UPDATE
(Saturday 20th September 2003)
The U19's came back from 2-0 down to win 5-4 against Southend United on Saturday morning at Molins Sports Ground. After going two goals adrift inside 15 minutes Rob Tungatt pulled a goal back before Nathaniel Griffiths levelled after 33 minutes. The visitors regained the lead four minutes later but Mark Philo scored a great individual goal shortly before the break to tie the match at 3-3. United regained the lead eight minutes into the second-half but Griffiths again on 67 minutes and a winning headed goal by Matt Heggie on 70 minutes saw the U19's gain their first win of the season.
Youth Team info 2003/2004 |
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SIMPEMBA LOANED OUT
(Friday 19th September 2003)
Ian Simpemba has been loaned out to Woking for a month to help fund the loan of Guy Branston. However, Lawrie Sanchez says that the former Wanderers Youth Teamer still features in his plans and is being loaned out to gain more First Team experience. Simpemba had a three month loan spell at Woking last season. Ian Simpemba - Player spotlight
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WASPS TO RETURN TO QPR?
(Friday 19th September 2003)
QPR Chief Executive David Davies is predicting that London Wasps will ditch Wycombe for a return to Loftus Road next season. He was quoted in the Bucks Free Press as saying “I expect them to come back and I’m assuming they will do”. Wasps interupted an eight year deal at Rangers to accomodate Fulham but the Cottagers are returning home at the end of the season and reports suggest that Wasps would have to pay compensation to Rangers if new tenants can not be found. |
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SCHOLAR LOANED TO DUCKS
(Friday 19th September 2003)
Wanderers' 17 year old 2nd year scholar Leon Gordon has been loaned out to Aylesbury United on a work experience scheme. Leon, who has a 21 year old brother at The Ducks, will hopefully gain some First Team experience from the deal.
2nd Year Scholar Profiles - 2003/4
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DEFENDER SIGNED
(Thursday 18th September 2003)
Lawrie Sanchez has stepped straight back into the loan market to bring in 6'1" Rotherham United central defender Guy Branston. The 24 year old was made available after he fell out of favour with Millers boss Ronnie Moore and the deal at Wycombe could become permanent. The former Leicester City trainee has made over 100 appearances for United since he signed in November 1999 and he also played on loan at Colchester United during their play-off winning season in 1997/98. |
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ONUORA RETURNS EARLY
(Thursday 18th September 2003)
On loan striker Iffy Onuora has returned to Sheffield United after failing to score in six outings for the Wanderers. His loan spell was due to end after this Saturday's game with Oldham but having been substituted at half-time against Colchester the writing was on the wall for the ex-Gillingham favourite. It's understood that Lawrie Sanchez will not be pursuing any more loan striker signings at present and is likely to give the squad members who have returned from injury a chance up front. |
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RESERVES LOSE IN FRIENDLY
(Wednesday 17th September 2003)
Wanderers' Reserves took on Oxford United on Wednesday afternoon in a friendly match at Adams Park. Andy Bell gave Wycombe the lead in the 23rd minute from the penalty spot but the visitors, including former Wanderer Paul McCarthy, equalised on 65 minutes and then scored twice in the closing five minutes through Darren Watson to run out 3-1 winners.
Line-up: Gott, Dell (sub 56 Warner), Brown, Philo, Thomson, Simpemba, Roberts, Ryan (sub 63 Kelly), Bell, Dixon (sub HT Hinks), Cook |
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WYCOMBE 1 COLCHESTER 2
(Tuesday 16th September 2003)
Wanderers hit another low with a 2-1 home defeat to Colchester United and finishing the game with just nine players after Stuart Roberts and Roger Johnson were red-carded.
Wycombe 1 Colchester 2 - Match report
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250 UP FOR SANCHEZ
(Tuesday 16th September 2003)
Lawrie Sanchez took charge of his 250th competitive game as Wycombe Manager in the Division Two game with Colchester United at Adams Park on Tuesday 16th September 2003. See link for special feature and stats.
Lawrie Sanchez - 250 not out at Wycombe
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QPR 0 WYCOMBE 0
(Saturday 13th September 2003)
After the nightmare at Rushden the previous weekend, Wanderers will be slightly the happier side after ending a run a three consecutive defeats with a gritty performance at Loftus Road. QPR 0 Wycombe 0 - Match report
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YOUTH TEAM UPDATE
(Saturday 13th September 2003)
The U19's drew with Leyton Orient 2-2 at Molins Sports Ground on Saturday morning. Wanderers were a goal behind before Matty Warner equalised from a penalty although at the same time Billy Harding was sent off for what was thought to be comments to the referee. Stuart Hole then gave Wycombe the lead before the visitors equalised with a second-half penalty. The U17's lost 4-3 at Brighton. Youth Team info 2003/2004 |
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CAMBRIDGE IN LDV
(Saturday 13th September 2003)
Wycombe were drawn at home to Cambridge United in the First Round of the LDV Vans Trophy when the draw was made on Saturday morning. Northampton Town and Swansea City were the clubs given byes in the Southern section of the draw. The game will take place at Adams Park on Tuesday 14th October. Cambridge United - Quick Guide
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PATTERSON LOAN CUT SHORT
(Friday 12th September 2003)
Simon Patterson has been 'recalled' by Watford after completing just over a month of his agreed three month deal according to official reports from Wycombe. The 6'4" striker scored twice in five apearances for the Wanderers but injured his knee in the lead up to the home game with Sheffield Wednesday and has not played since. It's since understood that Wanderers believe the injury will not clear up before the end of the loan deal and have invoked an agreement to return the player to Watford for rehabilitation. No replacement is being sought. |
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SANCHEZ IS HAPPY
(Friday 12th September 2003)
Lawrie Sanchez is saying very little over the speculation linking him to the now vacant Manager's post at Reading. He told the Bucks Free Press "I am the manager of this football club until such time as the chairman tells me otherwise and I’m happy with that situation." Meanwhile Wanderers' midfielder Steve Brown says that he would not begrudge the Manager trying to better himself at Reading, adding "He’s an ex-player there and you might see more of his managerial skills blossom” |
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RESERVES LOSE TO GILLS
(Wednesday 10th September 2003)
Wanderers Reserves went down 2-1 to Gillingham at Adams Park on Wednesday afternoon in an uninspiring encounter. The visitors opened the scoring on 25 minutes through Rod Wallace but Gavin Holligan equalised just before the break with a bullet header following a Stuart Roberts corner. Gills had the edge in the second-half and scored the winner on 55 minutes through Jones Awuah. Wanderers included triallist Peter Hinks but he had a quiet game. Line-up: Talia (sub HT Williams), Dell, Brown, Simpemba, Thomson
Roberts (sub 80 Harding), Ryan, Philo, Cook, Bell, Holligan (sub HT Hinks) Reserves info 2003-2004 |
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ROYAL RUMOUR RELOADED
(Wednesday 10th September 2003)
The rumour mill is set too overload with the news that Reading Manager Alan Pardew has resigned in order to open talks with West Ham over the vacant Manager's role at Upton Park. Wanderers' boss Lawrie Sanchez started his professional career with The Royals and lives quite near to their ground too. |
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SMILLIE JOINS OLD BOYS
(Wednesday 10th September 2003)
Former Wanderers' Youth Teamer Jack Smillie is the latest player to join the Wycombe 'old boys' at Windsor & Eton. The 19 year old right-back made his debut as substitute in The Royalists 1-0 victory over Bromley on Tuesday - the winning goal coming from Wanderers' legend Dave Carroll. |
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NO COMMUNICATION
(Tuesday 9th September 2003)
Wanderers' Chairman Ivor Beeks has rubbished press reports connecting Lawrie Sanchez with the possible vacant manager's role at Reading. He told the local press "I haven't received any communication from Reading about our Manager and it hasn't even been discussed." Royals boss Alan Pardew was denied talks with West Ham for a second time earlier this week. |
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NOTTS GIVEN MORE TIME
(Monday 8th September 2003)
As expected, The Football League committee, including Wanderers Chairman Ivor Beeks, voted to give Notts County more time in their efforts to come up with a survival package. County will be given until
9th December with the favourite outcome a consortium including a former Director along with County's Supporters' Trust having a major say in the running of the club. Oldham Athletic, who only went into administration in August, will have their financial situation assessed again on 13th October but may get longer according to a League spokesman. |
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SCOTTY JOINS ROYALISTS
(Monday 8th September 2003)
Former Wanderers' striker Keith Scott has joined the array of ex-Wanderers at Windsor and Eton.
The 36 year old has moved to The Royalists after a brief spell at Dagenham & Redbridge where he was immediately loaned to Tamworth. He joins up with former team-mates that include Dave Carroll, Jason Cousins and Royalist Manager Dennis Greene. Keith Scott - spotlight |
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LADIES THROUGH IN CUP
(Sunday 7th September 2003)
Wycombe Wanderers Ladies team went through to the 2nd Qualifying Round of the Women's FA Cup with an impressive 4-2 victory over Clapton Orient at Adams Park on Sunday afternoon. See link for report and pictures.
Wycombe 4 Clapton 2 - Ladies Team report
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RUSHDEN 2 WYCOMBE 0
(Saturday 6th September 2003)
Wanderers had a day to forget at Rushden on Saturday, going down 2-0 after being forced to play with an outfield player in goal for 86 minutes after Frank Talia was sent off. To cap it all Chris Vinnicombe was sent off in the 84th minute for a second bookable offence. Both players will receive a one match ban when Wycombe play Oldham on Saturday 20th September.
Rushden 2 Wycombe 0 - Match report
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RUMOUR MACHINE ON
(Saturday 6th September 2003)
The press are set to have a field day with the rumour machine connecting Lawrie Sanchez with the possibly vacant manager's role at Reading. Royals boss Alan Pardew is being strongly linked with the hot seat at West Ham and despite denials from Reading he could be appointed as early Monday. Reports in The Independent newspaper on Saturday have also suggested that Reading have already had 'secret' talk with Sanchez who is a former Royals player and still lives in the Reading area. |
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BELL TAKEN ON TRIAL
(Friday 5th September 2003)
Former Blackburn Rovers and England Youth Teamer Andy Bell has been taken on month's trial by Wycombe. The 19 year old striker has scored four goals while playing for Wanderers' Reserve side and is being given an extended time at Wycombe after trials at Bournemouth and Oldham Athletic. |
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SEASON TICKET SALES NEWS
(Thursday 4th September 2003)
While Wanderers have been hit with a fall in Season Ticket sales for the 2003/4 season, rugby tenants London Wasps have noticed a massive upsurge in sales. The rugby side have reported sales of over 3,500 for the coming season, an increase of 50% compared to same time in their debut season at Adams Park. Meanwhile Wanderers' financial gurus are coming to terms with a marketing strategy that has seen Season Ticket sales fall by 500 to around the 3,000 mark. It's the first time in 13 years at Adams Park that sales have dropped from the previous season. |
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SEP GETS U20 CAP
(Wednesday 3rd September 2003)
Ian Simpemba played from the start for the Republic of Ireland's Under 20 side as they beat the Czech Republic 3-0 in a friendly match at Dalymount Park on Wednesday evening. Simpemba was substituted after 86 minutes but will be hoping to retain his place ahead of the U20 World Cup to be held in the United Arab Emirates in November and December. Ireland's goals against the Czech's came from Stephen Elliott, Conor Gethins and Kevin Doyle. |
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RHINO BACK FOR RESERVES
(Wednesday 3rd September 2003)
Keith Ryan returned with a goal for the reserves in a 3-2 victory at Southend United. 'Rhino' had missed the opening weeks of the season due to a hernia operation but got on the scoresheet in the 53rd minute with a header to bringthe scores level at 2-2. Earlier in the game United had opened the scoring after 8 minutes only for Stuart Roberts to level two minutes later. Then after conceding again just after the break, Ryan's goal followed by a header by Gavin Holligan around the hour mark saw Wanderers claim victory. Line-up: Williams, Senda, Brown, Thomson, Hole, Bulman, Roberts, Ryan, Cook, Dixon, Bell subs: Holligan, Philo, Warner, Gott Reserves info 2003-2004
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WYCOMBE 1 SHEFF WED 2
(Monday 1st September 2003)
It was another of those historic occasions at Adams Park on Monday 1st September. This time it was because Sheffield Wednesday were making their first ever visit to Buckinghamshire for a competitive fixture. See link for match details.
Wycombe 1 Sheff Wed 2 - Match report
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