All the news stories from February 2005
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WYCOMBE 1 NOTTS COUNTY 2
(Saturday 26th February 2005)
Wanderers' hit and miss season continued as they slumped to their sixth home League defeat of the campaign when 20th placed Notts County went away with a 2-1 victory at Adams Park. Wanderers trend of conceding first came in the 13th minute when a corner from the right by Stefan Oakes found an unmarked Kelvin Wilson at the far post who headed past Frank Talia. In characteristic manner Wycombe were level within 30 seconds of the restart when Ian Stonebridge converted from a narrow angle on the left after he beat County 'keeper Saul Deeney to a 50/50 ball. Wycombe's best spell followed but the second period saw the visitors control the majority of the play culminating with a wonder strike from Oakes in the 71st minute after Gus Uhlenbeek had conceeded a free-kick that was quickly taken by County. Incredibly, even after this defeat, Wycombe are still only two points from the play-off zone but the gap to 6th place has opened up to five points and the gap to 5th place is ten points.
 Wycombe 1 Notts County 2 - match report and reaction |
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FRIENDLY REARRANGED
(Friday 25th February 2005)
The Club have rearranged the cancelled friendly with Luton Town for next Tuesday (1st March). Former Wanderers' Centre of Excellence player Michael Malcolm and 39 year old former England international Rob Lee were both due to play in the original match that was called off due to heavy snow. Both players hope to feature in the new date at Kenilworth Road which is open to the public and kicks-off at 1pm. John Gorman is reported to be considering signing Lee on a match-to-match basis but will want to see him in a game situation first. |
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FRANK OFFERED NEW DEAL
(Friday 25th February 2005)
Frank Talia is set to sign a new contract with The Wanderers according to reports in the local press. The 32 year old has been ever present for Wanderers this season. It's also understood that John Gorman is looking to sign a third 'keeper in addition to Talia's understudy Steve Williams. The reasoning for this is to provide cover for potential problems caused by the transfer window system to be brought in for the 2005/6 campaign. |
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TRUST ANNOUNCE REP
(Thursday 24th February 2005)
Wycombe Wanderers Supporters' Trust have announced Keith Blagborough as
its interim Director on the Board of Wycombe Wanderers Football Club plc. Commenting on his appointment, Blagborough said " I am very happy to accept this interim appointment as a Director of the Football Club. It is important that this post is filled immediately so that the voice of supporters is strengthened in the Boardroom. I am looking forward to making a positive contribution to the future success of Wycombe Wanderers." An AGM will be arranged to formally elect a board of directors to manage the Trust and to also formally appoint one of these directors to take up the role of director on the Football Club board. Read the full statement via www.wwst.org |
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MANSFIELD 1 WYCOMBE 4
(Tuesday 22nd February 2005)
Wanderers scored three times in a League game for the first time in nearly eleven months as they came from behind to beat Mansfield Town 4-1 at a snow covered Field Mill. Going in goalless at half-time there was little indication of what was to come and after Richard Barker had fired the home side in front on 54 minutes things looked awkward for Wycombe. However, Danny Senda's cross from the right on 58 minutes saw Alex Neil handball and Steve Claridge power home the resulting spot kick. Three minutes later Wycombe were ahead when Guppy crossed and Ian Stonebridge swept the ball in at the second attempt. Wycombe scored twice in the dying minutes to register their eight away win of the campaign and keep the play-off chase on course.
Mansfield 1 Wycombe 4 - Match report and reaction |
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YOUNGSTER RETURNS
(Monday 21st February 2005)
Former Wanderers' Centre of Excellence player Michael Malcolm has returned to the Club on trial and was due to play in a reserve match at Luton Town on Wednesday afternoon according to reports from the Club. COTN revealed last week that the Spurs reserve team striker was being tracked by John Gorman and he was set to join Rob Lee in a mixed experience squad to travel to Kenilworth Road. The game was called off on Wednesday morning due to heavy snow the previous evening. |
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SUPPORTERS' TRUST PURCHASE SHARES
(Sunday 20th February 2005)
Wycombe Wanderers Supporters' Trust have confirmed the purchase of £100,000 worth of shares in the Football Club plc in a partly paid form. An official press release was issued on Sunday. Trust Chairman Francis Glenister commented "On behalf of the Supporters Trust and the fans that we represent, I say thank you to everyone involved. I hope that many more fans will join the Trust, including all who have delayed whilst waiting to see if we would be successful in achieving the goal of the required share purchase." Read the full statement via www.wwst.org |
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WYCOMBE 1 DARLINGTON 1
(Saturday 19th February 2005)
Wycombe came from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Darlington at Adams Park on Saturday afternoon. Wanderers dominated proceedings early on but fell behind on 33 minutes when Clyde Wijnhard sent a back header inside Frank Talia's right-hand post. Wycombe hit back within two minutes and levelled when Ian Stonebridge's run from midfield ended with a shot that came back off the crossbar and into the path of Steve Claridge who made no mistake finishing with a close range header for his second goal of the week. It was Wycombe who went closest to winning the game in the second period when Gus Uhlenbeek's ball from the right bye-line on 69 minutes saw Claridge direct in a header that Sam Russell in the Darlo goal did well to push around his left-hand upright. The result keeps Wycombe in tenth place in the table ahead of Tuesday's trip to Mansfield.
Wycombe 1 Darlington 1 - Match report and reaction |
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FSF CALL TO SAVE FA CUP
(Saturday 19th February 2005)
The Football Supporters Federation have launched a campaign with a view to saving the heritage and status of the FA Cup. The move comes after many supporters expressed concern over the FA's proposal of moving the 2005/6 Final to a Wednesday evening as well as doing away with potential replays in the 5th and 6th round. The FA state this is necessary in order to give a clear month preparation time before any possible World Cup involvement for England, however the FSF believes the FA is in breach of its own customer charter having not properly consulted supporters prior to considering any such decisions. The FSF have responded with an online petition and associated campaign.
Visit FSF.org.uk for more info |
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ROGER FOUND NOT GUILTY
(Friday 18th February 2005)
As expected an FA disciplinary hearing on Friday morning upheld the claim of Roger Johnson's wrongful dismissal for violent conduct in the game with Scunthorpe United. Video evidence favoured Johnson with boss John Gorman branding Steve Torpey's action in the incident as an "absolute disgrace". The descision means that Johnson avoids an automatic three match ban that would have commenced with Saturday's meeting with Darlington. The story comes in the same week that the former Youth Teamer was handed the Captain's armband by John Gorman. Johnson commented to the BFP "Torpey has cheated and the video has shown the facts." He now wants to lead the team to promotion, adding "I want to be the captain in the play-off final at Cardiff. That is what dreams are made of and if we can kick on there's no reason why we can't do it." |
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SUPPORTERS' TRUST UPDATE
(Friday 18th February 2005)
Wycombe Wanderers Supporters' Trust are set to claim a place on the Football Club Board as the deadline for the restricted share issue passed on Friday 18th February. An official statement from the Trust is expected next week to confirm the arrangements. COTN looks at the situation prior to the announcement.
Read more - Supporters' Trust update |
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RESERVES 0-0 WITH SPURS
(Wednesday 16th February 2005)
A Wanderers Reserve side drew 0-0 with Spurs on Wednesday afternoon in a low-key friendly at the North London club's training ground at Chigwell. A relatively young Wycombe side, coached by Steve Brown, included Mark Philo who continued his come back from injury. Wycombe were also giving a trial to Barton Rovers striker Paul Barnes. The 23 year old is being tracked by a number of Football League clubs having bagged 39 goals in 36 appearances this season for the Southern League club. However, he failed to impress in this game. Other triallists in the Wycombe side were Beaconsfield SYCOB central defender Liam Patrick and Team Bath 'keeper Anthony Pecora. The latter two are both understood to have asked back for further games. It was the second trial game for Pecora who was released in the summer by Aston Villa. Meanwhile, former Wanderers Centre of Excellence striker Michael Malcolm, a regular for the Spurs 2nd XI is being kept tabs on by John Gorman. The 19 year old left Wycombe for Spurs in March 2000 and has since brought in £50,000 of appearance related fees to Wycombe as part of that deal. |
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VIDEO APPEAL FOR ROGER
(Wednesday 16th February 2005)
As predicted earlier, Wanderers will use video evidence to appeal against Roger Johnson's red card in Tuesday evening's encounter with Scunthorpe United. The Club had until 12 noon today to lodge an appeal and pay the £350 administration fee to the FA. The appeal, which will be based on video evidence and written evidence only, has been made because the Club are confident of winning the appeal and seeing the fee returned. If the appeal is unsuccessful then Johnson would begin his three match ban starting with Saturday's home game with Darlington. |
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WYCOMBE 2 SCUNTHORPE 1
(Tuesday 15th February 2005)
Steve Claridge's first goal for Wycombe set up an exciting 2-1 victory over second placed Scunthorpe United at Adams Park on Tuesday evening. The veteran striker converted a Nathan Tyson cross on 13 minutes and it was Tyson who doubled the lead three minutes before the break after Gus Uhlenbeek had provided from the right of midfield. Tyson's mixed evening ended moments later when he was injured and replaced at the break by Jonny Dixon. Wanderers continued to have the better of the play in the second-half but were dealt a blow in the 75th minute when Roger Johnson was red carded folowing an aeriel challenge with Steve Torpey. The visitors pulled a goal back on 87 minutes when Matthew Sparrow fired in a low shot from the left channel but Wanderers hung on for a thoroughly deserved victory and are now only two points from the play-off zone.
Wycombe 2 Scunthorpe 1 - Match report and reaction |
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FANS UNITED DAY
(Monday 14th February 2005)
Wanderers' League game at Cambridge United on Saturday 19th March has been designated a 'Fans United' day by the United Supporters' Trust. They are inviting fans from all over the country to attend the game with the aim of helping to raise the £500,000 needed to keep the Club in business. The Club sold its ground in November 2004 for £1.9m with a view to clearing debts and to provide working funds. Just two months later the money has run out due to what is described as "gross financial misjudgement". It provides a stark warning for other clubs in similar situations. More info via cambridgefansunited.org |
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RUSHDEN 1 WYCOMBE 2
(Saturday 12th February 2005)
A stoppage time strike from Nathan Tyson completed a smash and grab raid on Saturday as Wanderers registered their seventh away victory of the season. The victims this time were Rushden & Diamonds who, after an uneventful first half, had taken the lead in the 50th minute when Graham Allen headed home a corner. It was Matt Bloomfield, returning from injury, who got Wycombe back into the game with the goal of the season to date when he fired home from 25 yards from Steve Claridge's lay off on 74 minutes. Both sides had chances to steal the game towards the end but it was Wycombe who claimed all three points when Senda sent in a free-kick that Johnson, Stonebridge and then Claridge flicked on for Tyson to convert from close range and put Wycombe back within striking distance of the play-off zone.
Rushden 1 Wycombe 2 - Match report and reaction |
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FREE GAME INITIATIVE
(Saturday 12th February 2005)
The Club have announced to Season Ticket Holders of a 'Free Game initiative against Chester City on Saturday 12th March. Entrance to the game will be free to all (subject to availability). Wanderers are looking to follow Brentford's example in 2001 when they achieved a full stadium from a similar campaign, saying, "We wish to create such an atmosphere what all who attend will eant to come back and support the Club time and time again." As compensation for Season Ticket Holders they will be offered a £5 off voucher for next season's Season Ticket or a chance to bring a guest free of charge to any of the remaining home league fixtures this season. Both offers will be available on production of voucher E from your Season Ticket booklet. |
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SALES EXECUTIVE EMPLOYED
(Saturday 12th February 2005)
Wanderers have announced the appointment of another addition to their Sales & Marketing team. Chris Makepeace will be employed under the title of 'Sales Executive' and report to Ian Davies who already goes under the lavish description of 'Corporate Business Development Manager'. The 30 year old comes from Princes Risborough and previously worked with the other WWFC at Wolverhampton Wanderers. |
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YOUTHS BEGIN MERIT GAMES
(Saturday 12th February 2005)
The Wanderers Under 18's began their Football League Youth Alliance Merit match campaign on Saturday with a 1-0 home defeat to Northampton Town at Molins Sports Ground. Gary Smith's side finished bottom of their table in the South East Conference and are therefore playing in the third division Merit group alongside Newport County, Southend United, Swansea City, Hereford United, Gillingham, Cirencester and Cheltenham Town. Despite the poor form in the League, the team are still in the League Cup and face Swindon Town on March 12th in the Quarter-Finals. Saturday's game saw the visitors grab their wiiner in the 33rd minute when a low cross from the right was slotted home by Cobblers captain Paul Danaher.
Youth Team info 2004/2005 |
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CLARIDGE & PETCH SIGN
(Thursday 10th February 2005)
As expected Steve Claridge and David Perpetuini have signed permanent deals with The Wanderers with both players agreeing terms until the end of the current season. The Claridge deal sees the further loan possibilities opened up to two with John Gorman making no secret he is looking for another striker. Earlier in the week the Club reported that talks to bring in former Aston Villa and Celtic striker Tommy Johnson fell through after the 34 year unsurprisingly opted to join Sheffield United two divisions above Wycombe. Johnson had spent the previous two and half years at Gillingham including a spell earlier this season under John Gorman. Former Newcastle United captain Robert Lee has also been training with Wycombe this week ahead of Saturday's visit to 22nd place Rushden & Diamonds. Lee was released by Oldham Athletic earlier this season having made just one appearance following a move from West Ham. |
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WASPS CALL FOR TALKS
(Wednesday 9th February 2005)
The unfolding saga of London Wasps' relationship with Wycombe Wandererers will begin a new chapter this month as the two parties meet to decide on the future of the rugby Club at Adams Park. Consipiracy theories suggesting equity stakes in the ground, all seater stadiums and even control of the Club have all been touted in recent weeks. Read more - special feature |
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RESERVES BEAT WATFORD
(Tuesday 8th February 2005)
First half goals from Ian Stonebridge (10 mins) and Mark Philo (23 mins) saw a Wanderers Reserve side beat Watford 2-0 in a friendly played on Tuesday afternoon at Molins Sports Ground. The game gave John Gorman another chance to look at his fringe squad members and youths teamers as well as another view of former Watford player David Perpetuini. Wanderers also fielded a triallist in goal as second choice 'keeper Steve Williams is sidelined with an injury. Anthony Pecora, who is currently playing for Team Bath, took the place between the sticks.
Wycombe line-up: Pecora, Silk, Nethercott, Martin, Perpetuini, Fox (sub Kamara), Ball (sub Ahmed), Bloomfield, Philo (sub Gregory), Stonebridge, Anya (sub Ngongou). |
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INJURY UPDATES
(Tuesday 8th February 2005)
Initial news of Joe Burnell's injury is better than expected. The midfielder pulled up with a hamstring injury during Saturday's defeat to Boston but is expected to recover to be in the squad for next Saturday's game at Rushden. News also today of fellow midfielder Matt Bloomfield who hopes to return in the friendly with Watford having been sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered in a reserve friendly at Oxford on 18th January. Meanwhile, Craig Faulconbridge's knee operation has been reported as being a success but he is still likely to be sidelined for six months. The problem was a form of arthritis.
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GORMAN LOOKS FOR LOANS
(Monday 7th February 2005)
John Gorman said after Saturday's home defeat to Boston that he could well be using up his remaining loans in the near future and that a a striker was top of his wanted list. He said to the press "I'm striving to get someone in. I've got some irons in the fire and we will see what happens." The Wycombe boss also said he was looking for another defender to cover for injuries. One loan place is currently available but a further would be freed up if, as expected, Steve Claridge joins on a permanent basis. |
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WYCOMBE 1 BOSTON UNITED 2
(Saturday 5th February 2005)
Another brace from Northern Ireland international Andy Kirk saw Wycombe slump to their fifth home League defeat of the season - going down 2-1 to Boston United. The defeat sees Wycombe drop to 16th in the table with the next game on Saturday away to 22nd place Rushden and Diamonds.
Wycombe 1 Boston United 2 - Report and reaction |
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TRUST MEMBERSHIP PUSH
(Friday 4th February 2005)
The Wycombe Wanderers Supporters' Trust is making a membership push ahead of the deadline to claim a place on the plc Board. The Board place is guaranteed if £100,000 of shares are partly paid for by 18th February 2005. Fund raising in the short time that the Trust has existed has already raised close to £20,000 and the Trust have provisionally arranged for an interest free loan to meet the shortfall towards the £50,000 requirement to take up the share option. Trust volunteers will now be seeking out new members while also looking for ideas to help move the organisation forward. A cheque for £300 was paid to tsunami relief via the Disaster Emergency Committee following a Trust sign-up incentive scheme in January while the steps towards encouraging new membership will begin with a stronger presence on matchdays and updated information via the Trust's dedicated website at www.wwst.org |
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CLARIDGE TO JOIN ON FREE
(Thursday 3rd February 2005)
Reports from Brentford Manager Martin Allen are suggesting that Steve Claridge will join Wycombe on a free transfer after it was agreed that his contract would be cancelled by the 'League One' side. Allen said on The Bees official website that he initially acted quickly to sign Claridge but the move never worked out for the player. Claridge's initial one month loan spell with Wycombe expires on 15th February but John Gorman indicated almost from the start of the deal that he would like to keep him longer. If a permanent deal is confirmed it would increase by one the 'short term' loans available to Wycombe for the remainder of the season to two. Wycombe have since reported that a permament will be finalised after the loan has been completed on 15th February. |
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TRANSFER WINDOW COMING
(Wednesday 2nd February 2005)
The Football League will not be pursuing legal action against the decision by FIFA and UEFA to insist on the 'transfer window' system being implemented throughout professional football in the UK. The Football League had gained dispensation following its introduction in the Premier League three years ago but as from the start of the 2005/6 season transfer activity for any professional player (including loans) will be limited to the close-season until 31st August and then for the month of January only. The ruling will also effect non-League clubs who make any payments to players. The Football League has formed a working party to consider the implications for its member clubs and the matter will also be discussed at a meeting of all clubs in March. |
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YOUNGSTERS BEAT SLOUGH
(Tuesday 1st February 2005)
A youthful Wanderers side eased through to the Semi-Final of the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup on Tuesday evening with a 3-0 victory over Slough Town at Adams Park. The visitors started the brighter side but a cross from the right from Sonny Ball in the 22nd minute was flicked on by Ikechi Anya for Ian Stonebridge to side foot home at the far post for the opening goal. Ten minutes later Anya made it 2-0 when he tucked in another low cross from right. Stonebridge could have completed at least a hat-trick with a series of close efforts before a last minute push on substitute Wesley Douglas enabled Russell Martin to seal the win from the penalty spot. Wycombe will travel to MK 'Franchise' in the Semi-Final after they beat Maidenhead United 1-0 at York Road in a tie also played on Tuesday. The other quarter-finals placed Chesham United at home to Windsor & Eton and Bracknell Town at home to Aylesbury United. The semi-final ties have to be played before Friday 5th April. Line-up: Flower, Silk, Bunting (sub 72 Savage), Martin, Cadmore, Gregory, Ball, Fox, Stonebridge (sub 86 Douglas), Philo (sub 75 Kamara), Anya - subs not used: Grier, Ngongou - Att: 400 approx. |
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COBBLERS GAME MOVED
(Tuesday 1st February 2005)
Wanderers' home game with Northampton Town scheduled for the day of the England v Northern Ireland World Cup qualifier on Saturday 26th March has been brought forward to Friday 25th March with a 7.45pm kick-off. In a statement on the Wanderers official website, Manager John Gorman commented "I understand that there is some sensitivity about playing a match on this day but our religious belief is that 3pm is the time of rememberance on Good Friday. We hope by playing at 7.45pm that we recognise the feelings of the religious fans that we have and want their support in this important game" The game has been designated a 'Quid a Kid' day for matchday tickets bought in advance. |
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