All the news stories from March 2005
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WASPS GIVEN MORE TIME
(Thursday 31st March 2005)
COTN understands that London Wasps have been given an extended deadline by the RFU and Premier League Rugby to announce their intentions for next season. Wanderers had yet to hear from Wasps on the original deadline day of 31st March and the assumption is still the one year compromise deal reported earlier.
London Wasps Chief Executive David Davies had put additional spin on the ongoing 'will they, won't they' saga of their stay at Adams Park when he commented to The Times, “We are entering injury time in the talks. We have most things in place. But if not we will return to Loftus Road.” The deadline for a decision by Wasps is now thought to be their season end of 14th May while Wanderers are understood to have called an emergency Board meeting to discuss the situation. |
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TRAVEL PLAN MEETING
(Thursday 31st March 2005)
The latest Travel Plan meeting took place on Thursday evening in the Keen Lounge at Adams Park. Officials from Wycombe Wanderers, Thames Valley Police, Wycombe District Council and Bucks County Council were in attendance but representatives from London Wasps failed to show up and offered no apology. The Chair of the meeting expressed "deep concern" at their absence. The minutes of the meeting will be sent to attendees and published on the Wanderers official website. The next meeting was provisionally arranged for the end of July 2005. |
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RESERVES FACE MILLWALL
(Wednesday 30th March 2005)
Wanderers have arranged a 'Reserve' friendly against Millwall due to take place on Wednesday 6th April at Adams Park. Steve Brown will take charge of the Wycombe side and is likely to field a mixture of First Team squad players and Youth teamers. Kick-off is 2pm and entry is free. Meanwhile, two additional pre-season friendlies have been announced by the Club. They are at Basingstoke Town on Tuesday 26th July and at Oxford City on Tuesday 2nd August - both kick-off at 7.45pm. |
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WASPS LEAVING IT LATE
(Wednesday 30th March 2005)
A joint statement is expected shortly from Wycombe Wanderers and London Wasps announcing an extension to the rugby club's tennacy at Adams Park. Talks have been complicated by potential future capacity requirements for Premiership rugby union clubs and a contractual obligation for Wasps to return to Loftus Road. Wasps have until 31st March to inform the RFU of their intentions for next season and COTN understands that the Wycombe Board have left the ball firmly in the court of Wasps regarding the deal. All pointers now suggest a one year extension while talks continue on resolving the related issues. |
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TYSON WATCHED AGAIN
(Tuesday 29th March 2005)
Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce was amongst the crowd at Rochdale on Monday where the national media reported he was following the progress of Wanderers top scorer Nathan Tyson. Scouts have been tracking Tyson all season with West Brom understood to have been the closest to signing the former Reading trainee during the January transfer window but they backed out. Luton Town also made a couple of bids prior to deadline day but the offers were turned down by Wycombe. |
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ROCHDALE 1 WYCOMBE 1
(Monday 28th March 2005)
Wanderers fell further behind the play-off zone after a 1-1 draw at fellow promotion hopefuls Rochdale. Once again Wycombe had to come from behind having conceded a dubious 16th minute penalty given for a combination of handball against Danny Senda and a push by Mike Williamson on Gary Jones. Wanderers disputed the decision before Jones converted the spot-kick. Wycombe eventually drew level two minutes into the second-half when a through ball from Clint Easton found Nathan Tyson to the left of goal who then ran on before drilling an effort past Matthew Gilks in The Dale goal. Results elsewhere leave Wycombe six points off the play-off zone with six games remaining.
 Rochdale 1 Wycombe 1 - Match report and reaction |
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MORE TRAFFIC CONCERNS
(Monday 28th March 2005)
A second incident in as many games has raised concerns again of the safety of spectators as they leave Adams Park on matchdays. Shortly after the Northampton game on Good Friday a motorist appeared to deliberately drive at pedestrians walking down a crowded Hillbottom Road. According to eye-witness accounts to COTN, two people were literally knocked flying by the car with medics and police quickly called to deal with the incident. It's understood that the victims had a lucky escape from serious injuries. The incident follows a scene after the Chester 'free' game where officials from the visitors threatened and attacked stewards because of the Club's policy of holding back traffic in the ground in order to let the crowd disperse. Coincidentally the first Travel Plan meeting for nine months is due to take place this Thursday (31st March) in the Keen Lounge at Adams Park, starting at 7.30pm. Club, Council and Police reps are hoped to be in attendance at the 'open' meeting. |
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PERPETUINI WON'T RETURN
(Sunday 27th March 2005)
David Perpetunini's reported deadline day loan move to Walsall has now been confirmed as permanent after the 'League One' side discovered they had already used up their maximum quota of eight loans this season. Embarassed club officials weighed up the possibilities and decided on a permanent deal as the best option. It means the former Watford player leaves Wycombe having only made two League appearances since joining from Gillingham in February. David Perpetuini - Player profile |
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PRICES PEGGED FOR 2005/6
(Saturday 26th March 2005)
The Club have announced advanced Season Ticket prices for the 2005/6 season, with the cost the same as last season as long as you buy before 23rd April 2005, two weeks earlier than last season's 'Super Early Bird' deadline. The promotion has been branded "Gorman's Goalden Gamble' and guarantees the price even if Wanderers are promoted. Adult prices range from £190 in the Valley Terrace to £270 for a seat in the centre block of the upper tier of the Woodlands Stand. Ticket price guide |
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WYCOMBE 0 NORTHAMPTON 1
(Friday 25th March 2005)
Wanderers' erratic home record continued on Good Friday evening as a Scott McGleish goal just before the break was enough to see visitors Northampton Town go away with all three points.
Wanderers' seventh home defeat of the season sees the gap to the play-off zone open up to four points with seven games remaining. The trip to Rochdale on Easter Monday now looks vital to keep the chances of promotion alive.
Wycombe 0 Northampton 1 - Match report and reaction |
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GORMAN - PRE-EASTER
(Friday 25th March 2005)
John Gorman was hoping to avoid a repeat of the poor form over the Christmas period prior to the Easter games with Northampton and Rochdale. He commented to the Bucks Free Press "We can't afford to do that again. Games are running out now. I think it will go down to the wire but we have got to make sure we keep picking up points." Gorman added "Every game is a big one now. We're still in a good position and this Easter we have got the chance to take some points off the teams around us." |
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FANZINE ON SALE FRIDAY
(Friday 25th March 2005)
The remaining 200 copies of the Cambridge United fanzine 'United Endeavour' were on sale at £1 each before the Good Friday game against Northampton Town. The Wycombe Wanderers Supporters' Trust Board bought 500 fanzines as a goodwill gesture and hope to recoup their money by selling them on the Wycombe supporters. Brian Atmore, the fans elected Director at Cambridge United, has publicly thanked Wycombe supporters for their participation in the 'Fans United' day and also praised the Wanderers' Trust Board for their generosity. He added "I sincerely hope that the fans of Wycombe back their Trust's efforts by purchasing individual copies." info - www.wwst.org |
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DEADLINE DAY NEWS
(Thursday 24th March 2005)
The Club have now confirmed the signing of former Southampton trainee Adrian Caceres on a non-contract basis from Aldershot Town. The 23 year old midfielder impressed John Gorman in a trial game last week and has joined on a 'free'. Wanderers' other activity on transfer deadline day saw David Perpetunini sign on loan for Walsall until the end of the season. The former Watford player had only made two League appearances for Wycombe since joining from Gillingham in February 2005. Meanwhile, reports on BBC 3 Counties Radio on Thursday morning indicated that Luton Town had tabled an increased bid for Wanderers striker Nathan Tyson. However, the offer was a token one as The Hatters later announced the signing of Stockport County and Northern Ireland striker Warren Feeney in a £150,000 deal. |
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FAVOUR FROM LAWRIE
(Tuesday 22nd March 2005)
Former Wanderers boss Lawrie Sanchez has pulled a favour on the Club after calling up Northampton Town striker Andy Kirk to the Northern Ireland squad to face England on Saturday. Kirk has already scored four times against Wycombe this season for Boston United before his recent move to The Cobblers in a £125,000 deal. The game on Good Friday kicks-off at 7.45pm at Adams Park while Sanchez, who signed a two year extension to his Northern Ireland Manager's contract this week, will pit his wits against England in a 3pm kick-off on Saturday at Old Trafford. |
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FINANCE REPORT 2004/5
(Tuesday 22nd March 2005)
The Club have given notice of the final AGM of what was previously known as Wycombe Wanderers Football Club Limited. The AGM is set for Wednesday 27th April 2005 in the Vere Suite at Adams Park. The attached Financial Reports for the 13 month period ending 30th June 2004 confirm net losses of £574,000 prior to the conversion to a plc. More on this news item |
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LEE JOINS THE OLD CLUB
(Tuesday 22nd March 2005)
At 39 years and 47 days Rob Lee became the second oldest player (not the oldest as previously reported) to debut and play for Wycombe in the Football League when he appeared as substitute in the game at Cambridge on Saturday. Ray Wilkins at marginally under 40 holds the record back in the 1996/97 season. Lee's fellow substitute at Cambridge Steve Claridge comes in third at a mere 38 and 11/12ths. Before that you have to go back to Cyrille Regis (aged 37 years) during the Martin O'Neill era. At the other end of the scale, earlier in the season, Youth Teamer Ikechi Anya became the youngster Wanderer to date to play in the Football League when he made his debut aged 16 years and 279 days. |
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NO MORE SIGNINGS?
(Monday 21st March 2005)
John Gorman has virtually ruled out any more signings ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline for the 2004/5 season. The Wycombe boss dismissed further new faces as he spoke to the media following Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Cambridge although reports since have indicated the possibility of former Southampton trainee Adrian Caceres being signed from Aldershot Town. The 23 year old midfielder is on a non-contract agreement with The Shots. Last week Gorman brought in Rob Lee and Palace reserve 'keeper Lance Cronin as cover to his play-off chasing squad who flew off on Sunday for a break in Spain. They will return on Wednesday to prepare for the clash with Northampton on Friday. |
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FANZINE SUCCESS
(Monday 21st March 2005)
Wycombe Wanderers Supporters' Trust reps sold close to 300 copies of the Cambridge United fanzine 'United Endeavour' at Saturday's 'Fans United' day at The Abbey Stadium. As previously reported The Wanderers Trust Board brought 500 fanzines in advance at a personal cost of £500. The goodwill gesture enabled the United Trust (CFU) to go ahead with an extended print-run for sale around the country. Meanwhile, the remaining 200 fanzines with the WWST will be on sale before the Good Friday game against Northampton Town and also via post. Details available via www.wwst.org
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CAMBRIDGE 2 WYCOMBE 1
(Saturday 19th March 2005)
Wanderers went down 2-1 in a disappointing display at basement club Cambridge United on Saturday at the 'Fans United' day. Tes Bramble fired the home side in front with 30 yard plus strike on 13 minutes but Gus Uhlenbeek levelled for Wycombe five minutes later. However, the home side regained the lead on 37 minutes through Iwan Roberts and Wanderers failed to created enough chances to warrant another equaliser. Wycombe are now 9th in the table and will return from their four day break in Spain to play 8th placed Northampton Town next Friday (25th March).
Cambridge Utd 2 Wycombe 1 - Match report and reaction |
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FANS UNITED DAY
(Saturday 19th March 2005)
Wanderers' League game at Cambridge United was a 'Fans United' day organised by the United Supporters' Trust (Cambridge Fans United). As part of this initiative a fanzine, United in Endeavour, has been produced to help raise funds. As an act of solidarity, the Board members of Wycombe Wanderers Supporters' Trust have purchased 500 of the £1 fanzines personally. They hope to recover this money by selling the fanzines on to supporters of Wycombe Wanderers during and after the game. A cheque for £500 was presented to Cambridge Fans United on the pitch at half time. WWST press statement
Also see cambridgefansunited.org for more info |
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WILLIAMSON WANTED
(Friday 18th March 2005)
Wanderers have made a written request to Southampton in attempt to secure Mike Williamson on a permanent deal. The 21 year old was signed by Tony Adams in the summer of 2004 on a season long deal from the Saints and despite being in and out of the side has also impressed new boss John Gorman. The former Sounthampton trainee is also keen in staying with The Wanderers, commenting to the Bucks Free Press, "I'm enjoying it at Wycombe and I want to sign here and settle down" The proposed deal from Wycombe is understood to be nominal cash offer with a sell-on clause for the Premiership club. |
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PLAYERS EARN SUN TRIP
(Friday 18th March 2005)
Wanderers First Team squad have earned a four day trip to the Spanish sun following their recent up-turn in form. A party of players and officials will fly out from Luton to Malaga on the Sunday after the game with Cambridge and return the following Wednesday ready for the Good Friday meeting with play-off challengers Northampton Town. The location of the training camp has since been confirmed as Marbella with the trip being funded by Wanderers Director Steve Hayes' company loans.co.uk. |
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KEEPER BROUGHT IN
(Thursday 17th March 2005)
John Gorman has moved to bring in another goalkeeper ahead of the impending transfer deadline. 19 year old Lance Cronin has been signed on loan from Crystal Palace until the end of the season and will be used as cover for potential injuries to Frank Talia and Steve Williams. He has come through the Palace Academy system and has been involved in the First Team squad with The Eagles but has yet to make an appearance. |
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ANOTHER YEAR FOR CLARIDGE
(Thursday 17th March 2005)
Steve Claridge says he is close to signing a deal with Wycombe for the 2005/6 season. The striker was talking to BBC Sport and commented "They are going to offer me another year so I don't see too many problems with us negotiating something. It shouldn't take too long because it will hardly be breaking any wage structure. We'll get something sorted in the next couple of weeks hopefully." Claridge went on to comment on his time at Wycombe Wanderers and praised boss John Gorman, commenting "You get a feeling for a club straight away and I've really enjoyed it since day one." He added "John Gorman has been fantastic. He trusts me implicitly, which he should do at 39."
Read the full interview via bbc.co.uk |
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ROB LEE TO SIGN
(Wednesday 16th March 2005)
As expected the Club have now confirmed that John Gorman will sign Rob Lee on match-to-match basis in time for the former Newcastle United captain to travel with the squad to Cambridge on Saturday. The 39 year old played 90 minutes for Wycombe in Wednesday's friendly with Viking Stavanger and the deal was confirmed later in the day. Rob Lee - Player profile |
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TRUST NEWS UPDATE
(Wednesday 16th March 2005)
For those who missed Issue 1 of The Founders' Trust Newsletter, a PDF version is now available for download from the extensively updated Wycombe Wanderers Supporters' Trust website. The updates include an updated FAQ section, joining information and photos on recent presentations and Trust sponsored players. Follow the links for the website and direct download respectively.
www.wwst.org Founders' Trust - Newsletter Issue 1
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MORE TRIALLISTS
(Wednesday 16th March 2005)
A Steve Claridge goal was enough for Wycombe to beat the travelling Viking Stavanger side in a 'behind closed doors' friendly on Wednesday afternoon at Bisham Abbey. John Gorman fielded a strong Wycombe line-up against the Norwegians but also introduced two triallists during the second-half. They were Fola Onibuje and Adrian Caceres. Onibuje is a 20 year old striker currently on the books of Barnsley but looking for more First Team opportunities elsewhere. Meanwhile, 23 year old Caceres is a midfielder who was formerly with Southampton, Hull and Yeovil before recently moving into the Conference with Aldershot Town. 6' 7" Nigerian Obinuje set up Claridge's goal midway through the second period. Rob Lee appeared again for Wycombe and Gorman will be hoping to tie up a short term deal before the end of the week. Squad used: Talia, Senda, Easton, Johnson, Nethercott, Uhlenbeek, Lee, Bloomfield, Stonebridge, Tyson, Claridge, Ball, Onibuje, Caceras, Byrne, Perpetuini, Williams, Martin, Fox |
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THROUGH TO B&B FINAL
(Tuesday 15th March 2005)
A Wanderers Reserve XI made it through to the final of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup for the first time in six years following a 2-1 victory over MK Dons at the National Hockey Stadium on Tuesday evening. All the goals came in the first half with the home side taking the lead on 7 minutes after David Perpetunini lost possession in midfield, allowing The Dons to worked the ball out to the right before Luke Wildy shot past Steve Williams in the Wycombe goal. Wanderers survived home pressure before equalising on 24 minutes when a free-kick from the edge of the box was converted by Sonny Ball after Mike Williamson had headed on. The winning goal came four minutes before the break when Jonny Dixon picked up a back pass and rounded the 'keeper before converting from a narrow angle. Dixon along with Ikechi Anya went close to increasing the margin in the second period before a late rally from The Dons set up a tense finish. However, it was Wanderers who held out for victory and will now take on either Aylesbury Utd or Chesham Utd (semi-final due to be played on Tuesday 5th April) in the final already arranged to be staged at Adams Park on Monday 2nd May. Line-up v MK: Williams, Martin, Ball, Fox, Cadmore, Williamson, Anya, Philo, Savage, Dixon, Perpetuini - subs not used: Douglas, Ngongou, Kamara, Gradwell, Grier |
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CHARTER PROMISES 2004/5
(Tuesday 15th March 2005)
An update of the progress of Wycombe Wanderers' Customer Charter is included within a Football League report published recently. The report gives feedback on the three 'promises' made to supporters for the 2003/4 campaign and lists a further three 'promises' for the current season. Full report via the link below.
Customer Charter promises for 2004/5 |
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LUTON TYSON BID REJECTED
(Tuesday 15th March 2005)
The Club have moved quickly to report that a bid from Luton Town for striker Nathan Tyson has been rejected. Hatters Chairman Bill Tomlins revealed the bid at a supporters meeting on Monday evening and again on local radio on Tuesday morning with news quickly spreading to Wycombe followers. The Club issued a statement through the official site on Tuesday afternoon dimissing the bid as being "nowhere near our valuation (and) the matter is now closed." The bid was understood to be in the order of £100,000. Nathan Tyson - Player profile |
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TRY AGAIN FOR LEE
(Tuesday 15th March 2005)
Rob Lee is set to play for Wanderers in a 'behind closed doors' friendly on Wednesday afternoon. Wycombe will take on Viking Stavanger in a match that COTN understands will be played at Bisham Abbey with a 12noon kick-off. The Norwegian side have former Wanderers Youth Team coach Gary Goodchild amongst their management set-up and are visiting England for a close-season training camp set up by Viking First Team coach Roy Hodgson. If Lee comes through the game successfully it's expected that John Gorman will sign him on a match-to-match basis in time for Saturday's League game at Cambridge United. |
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YOUTHS OUT OF CUP
(Saturday 12th March 2005)
Wanderers Under 18's went down 2-1 at Swindon Town on Saturday morning in the southern area semi-final of the Football League Youth Alliance Cup.
Wanderers led 1-0 until the 80th minute but conceded twice in the closing stages to crash out.
Swindon will now go on to face QPR for the right to play Burnley or Oldham Athletic in the Final. Meanwhile,
Gary Smith's side will now have to concentrate on Merit League action starting next Saturday (19th March) with a home game with Swansea City.
Youth Team info 2004/2005 |
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WYCOMBE 4 CHESTER 2
(Saturday 12th March 2005)
Three goals inside a blistering eight minute second-half spell sent Wycombe on their way to a 4-2 victory over Chester City in Saturday's 'free game' at Adams Park. Once again Wanderers had to come from behind after Michael Branch punished Ian Stonebridge's error before shooting a low shot past Frank Talia in the 25th minute. However, Wycombe levelled two minutes before the break through Nathan Tyson before the second half goal burst with Tyson, Gus Uhlenbeek and Roger Johnson on target. Chester scored a consolation goal through a Branch penalty with two minutes remaining. The result lifts Wycombe to 8th in the table.
Wycombe 4 Chester 2 - Match report and reaction |
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AWAY PREP FOR HOME MATCH
(Saturday 12th March 2005)
The Wycombe squad spent the Friday night prior to the Chester game in a hotel attempting to recreate the preperation that has seen nine away League victories clocked up this season. John Gorman commented to the Bucks Free Press "I'm not stupid enough to say this will make all the difference. I know it is all about what we do on the 90 minutes on the pitch but we are trying to give the lads every adavantage we can" Meanwhile, Gorman's efforts to sign Rob Lee on a match to match basis are on the back burner again after Lee picked up a minor injury in training. Talks will not resume until Monday at the earliest. |
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NO CLEAR OUT THIS SEASON
(Friday 11th March 2005)
John Gorman has told the Bucks Free Press that there will not be a mass player clear-out at the end of this season. He commented "We've got a lot of contracts to sort out and if I have my way, very few of them will be moving. I have had initial talks with some of them and I think they are happy to stay. There won't be any big exodus at the end of the season." From the First Team squad, Frank Talia, Gus Uhlenbeek, David Perpetuni, Mark Philo, Jonny Dixon, Matt Bloomfield, Craig Faulconbridge, Steve Williams and Steve Claridge are all out of contract this summer. Decisions also have to made on several players from the Youth system. Gorman added "I want to keep what we have got. We have got a good basis here and if we can add a few more as well I will be happy." |
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TRUSTS OUT AND ABOUT
(Friday 11th March 2005)
The Wycombe Wanderers Supporters' Trust and Founders' Trust plan to be out and about promoting their causes prior to Saturday's game with Chester City. The Founders' Trust will be distributing a four page newsletter explaining their progress to date and will also be giving away 2,000 500ml sports bottles to children. Meanwhile, the Supporters' Trust will be handing out membership details and collecting towards the final £50,000 of their share stake in the Football Club. Both Trusts will have representatives outside the ground, beside the Marquee on entry to the ground, by the turnstiles and outside the Vere Suite. |
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RHINO OFFERED NEW DEAL
(Friday 11th March 2005)
John Gorman has offered Keith Ryan an extension to his playing contract according to reports in the local press. However, Ryan will delay his decision until the summer in order to give him more time to consider his future direction with the Club. 34 year old Ryan is joint assistant alongside Steve Brown but has taken a backseat behind 'Brownie' on the coaching side due to his playing commitments. However, he wants to continue playing for as long as possible. Gorman commented to the Bucks Free Press "People questioned whether he could still get up and down the pitch but he answers that every week." The Wycombe boss added "He is our unsung hero. I don't think people appreciate just how good he is." Keith Ryan - Player Profile |
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QUARTERS AGAIN FOR 2005/6
(Thursday 10th March 2005)
COTN can reveal that the popular light and dark blue quartered design shirt will be retained in the new kit to be introduced for the 2005/6 season. The Club are currently finalising the exact design details but are considering a possible change in the colour of the shorts to light blue. It follows criticism aimed at the Club for unnecessarily using a change strip away from home. Suggestions to overcome this include registering alternative colour shorts to use with Wanderers' trademark quartered design shirt rather than changing the entire kit. The new 'change' kit design is also understood to be based around a quartered design. |
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AMATEUR CUP HERO DIES
(Wednesday 9th March 2005)
Arthur Greenwell, the last surviving member of Wanderers' Amateur Cup winning side of 1931 died this week in his mid 90's. Originally a player for Downley Albion, Greenwell played left-half for Wycombe for more than ten years before finishing his playing days with Marlow. He passed away after a spell in a residents' home in the Keep Hill area of High Wycombe. His chance in the 1931 Amateur Cup run came after Club Captain John Timberlake was injured in the quarter-final and sportingly declared himself unfit to play in the Final at Highbury on 11th April 1931. Wanderers beat Hayes in the Final thanks to a goal from Alf Britnell. 1931 Amateur Cup Final memories
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LOCAL TV AT GROUND
(Wednesday 9th March 2005)
BBC South East New are due to visit the Club on Thursday to record a feature on Wanderers' 'free game' initiative against Chester City on Saturday. Meanwhile, on Friday, ITV London Tonight will produce a similar piece with both due for screening on Friday evening. On Tuesday the SKY cameras were at the ground and training pitch putting together a news item that went out throughout Tuesday evening on their sports news service. |
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RESERVES 0-0 AT RUSHDEN
(Tuesday 8th March 2005)
A Wanderers 'Reserve' XI drew 0-0 in a friendly at Rushden and Diamonds training pitch on Tuesday afternoon. Wanderers included again former West Ham trainee Shaun Byrne and he is reported to have impressed Manager John Gorman. Other new names in the line-up were Liam Patrick, a young defender from Beaconsfield SYCOB, while Yugolsav triallist Popovic made a one off appearance having been introduced to the Club through an agent. Elsewhere, Steve Williams returned after a month out with injury while Mike Williamson made his first appearance since a heavy bout of flu forced him to be sidelined. Line-up: Williams, Patrick, Williamson, Popovic, Ball, Philo, Byrne, Martin, Perpetuini, Dixon, Savage |
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PRE-SEASON GAMES
(Tuesday 8th March 2005)
The Club have obtained verbal agreement with both Aston Villa and Wolves for pre-season friendlies at Adams Park. Aston Villa are due to visit on Friday 15th July, while Wolves make the trip to Buckinghamshire on Tuesday 19th July. Prior to these friendlies, Wanderers have been invited to attend the three team San-An Cup tournament on the island of Ibiza. They will play an Ibiza Select XI on Tuesday 5th July and Oldham Athletic on Thursday 7th July. The team will be at a training facility on the island during the week with the trip funded by a sports touring company. Since this news item was first published the friendlies with Villa and Wolves have been officially confirmed, with the Villa game possibily becoming Steve Brown's testimonial. |
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'FREE GAME' - 'SOLD OUT'
(Tuesday 8th March 2005)
All 'home' tickets have now been claimed for the 'Free Game' with Chester City this Saturday (12th March). Others wishing to attend the game can be added to a 'reserve list' if they contact the Club through the normal channels. Meanwhile, opponents Chester hope to bring around 750 supporters the game with the remainder of the away end being unused due to safety reasons. The visitors look to be keeping Manager Ian Rush for the time being. He had a Saturday morning meeting with City Chairman Stephen Vaughan and subsequently commented that he intended to see out the remaining two and half years on his contract. Rush added to the Chester Evening Leader "In football things do happen. Sometimes you have disagreements with your chairman and most chairmen are the same. At the end of the day our chairman owns the club and he’s entitled to do what he wants." |
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TYSON'S RECORD HAT-TRICK
(Saturday 5th March 2005)
Nathan Tyson's hat-trick at Lincoln on Saturday was the fastest for a Wycombe player since Wanderers joined the Football League in season 1993/94. Tyson's trio of goals was completed inside 28 first half minutes and knocks three minutes off the previous record held by Sean Devine when he bagged a second-half hat-trick against Reading in October 1999. It was also Tyson's first senior hat-trick and takes his League total for the season to 16 - joint 6th in the 'League Two' charts this season - seven behind leader Phil Jevons from Yeovil Yown. |
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LINCOLN 2 WYCOMBE 3
(Saturday 5th March 2005)
A first half hat-trick from Nathan Tyson set Wycombe on their way to their ninth away League victory of the season - this time winning 3-2 victory at Lincoln City. The home side dominated the opening stages but strikes from Tyson in the 12th, 30th and 40th minutes put Wycombe into what appeared to be an untouchable lead. However, City came back strongly at the start of the second period and scored on 63 and 67 minutes to set up a tense finish. Wanderers' away record of nine victories is now the most in a season since joining the Football League while the fourth consecutive win on the road is also a Football League record for Wycombe. Meanwhile, the three points at Lincoln puts Wycombe 9th in the table, two points off the play-off zone and with the 'free game' against Chester to look forward to next Saturday.
Lincoln 2 Wycombe 3 - Match report and reaction |
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WASPS TALKS FRUITFUL
(Friday 4th March 2005)
London Wasps' Chief Executive David Davies has described talks between his Club and Wycombe Wanderers as "fairly fruitful" with regards to extending the ground tennacy agreement at Adams Park. Davies was commenting to the rugby club's 'buzzline about the latest on negotiations but said that "nothing was definitive at the moment and there was ample opportunity for talks to fall apart." COTN understands that some radical proposals have been offered to the Wanderers plc Board with the rugby club pushing towards taking up a long term future in the Home Counties in order to advantage of cheaper land prices than their original West London base. Wasps say they are "relatively serious" about developing a 15,000 to 20,000 capacity ground in the area but are likely to want a heafty stake in the stadium ownership if Wanderers are involved. Davies concluded "It depends on whether we are wanted or not." The most likely outcome looks to be a short term extension to the deal with Wasps already promoting Season Tickets for the 2005/6 season at Adams Park. An official announcement is expected within the next ten days |
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LEE MOVE ON HOLD
(Friday 4th March 2005)
A car accident on the M25 prevented John Gorman signing Rob Lee in time for Saturday's trip to Lincoln according to reports in the local press. Lee was held up in traffic for hours and was unable to meet up to discuss terms with the Wycombe boss. Gorman now hopes to sign Lee on at least a match-to-match basis before next week's home meeting with Chester City. It's also reported that Gorman is looking to sign a couple more players as cover for the remainder of the season. Indications are he is on the look out for a defender and a striker. |
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NEW SHIRTS FOR 2005/6
(Friday 4th March 2005)
Wanderers could launch two new kits for the start of the 2005/6 season. The 'home' shirt will come to the end of its two year life cycle at the end of the current camapign and will be replaced with a yet to be revealed design. Wanderers' current third choice red kit is also planned to be ditched and replaced with a new colour scheme to sit alongside the one year old yellow kit.
According to the Club's own Customer Charter they 'undertake research on the design and number of new strips',
although it's unclear at this stage the level of consulatation with the various supporters' groups. The kit news comes after the Wanderers commercial team signed a four year deal with sportswear manufacturers ProStar while a two year extension to the First Team shirt sponsorship with loans.co.uk is close to being finalised. |
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RULES BENT FOR SILK RETURN
(Thursday 3rd March 2005)
COTN can reveal that Portsmouth obtained special Premiership approval to recall defender Gary Silk early from his season long loan deal to Wycombe. As reported earlier, under Football League rules a player under a 'long term' loan deal cannot be recalled by their Club unless they are to be transfered permanently to another Club. However, Pompey claimed the player did not feature in Wycombe's plans and received Premiership and FA backing to override the Football League rules. However, Silk will not be allowed to play First Team football at Pompey this season. |
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'FREE GAME' NEARS SELL-OUT
(Thursday 3rd March 2005)
COTN understands that all 'home' seat tickets have been claimed for the 'Free Game' with Chester City on Saturday 12th March while less than 150 terrace places remain.
The Club have upped the publicity in an attempt to achieve the 10,000 capacity and Wanderers' Director Steve Hayes has told the official website, "We'll be disappointed if we don't get a full house." He has also urged people not to waste their 'free ticket', adding "Everyone who has a ticket has filled in an application form so if they don't come we will know who's let the team down. It is important for those people that decide they're not going to use the tickets to return them so other people can have them." Meanwhile opponents Chester City look like they will have no Manager for the trip to Adams Park. City boss Ian Rush and assistant Mark Aizlewood look to be both heading out after Chairman Stephen Vaughan planned a pay-off for the duo following a poor run of results. |
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YOUTH TEAM NEWS
(Thursday 3rd March 2005)
It's that time of the year again when the Club have to make decisions on the future of Youth Team players. Second year midfield scholar Steven Gregory has been informed that he will be kept on for the final year but goalkeeper Stephen Flower will be released. Liam Grier, the other scholar from that year, has been injured for much of this season and a decision on his future at Wycombe has subsequently been delayed. Third Year Matty Fox also awaits if he will be retained on a pro contract. John Gorman, along with the Youth Team staff, will also have to decide on whether to retain non-contract players Kieron Gradwell, Sonny Ball, Tamba Ngongou and Rashid Kamara. The new apprentice intake for next season with include Centre of Excellence players Lewis Christon and Robert Rice. The highly rated Christon has been with the Wanderers for five years while Rice has been picked up from the Fulham Academy. Three other new apprentice places are also up for grabs. Youth Team info 2004/2005 |
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SILK RETURNS TO POMPEY
(Wednesday 2nd March 2005)
Surprise news today as Portsmouth defender Gary Silk has supposedly returned early from his season long loan deal to Wycombe. The 20 year old was signed by Tony Adams at the start of the 2004/5 campaign but has hardly featured since the arrival of John Gorman. The Wycombe Manager explained to the official website "I desperately wanted to keep Gary but we've got to look after his future. I know fans will wonder what's going on but at the end of the day he's Pompey's player, they're short of bodies and want him back. If I'm honest, the likelihood of me offering him a contract next year was minimal." Under Football League rules a player under a 'long term' loan deal cannot be recalled by their Club unless they are to be transfered permanently to another Club, although it appears in this case an agreement has been reached between the two sides where the player will complete the season in the Pompey reserve side. |
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TRAVEL PLAN MEETING
(Wednesday 2nd March 2005)
The 'Travel Plan' meeting scheduled for this Thursday (3rd March) has been cancelled because, according to the Wanderers official website, "Independant Chairman Tony Fookes felt that insufficient publicity had been given to the meeting." He now intends to improve publicity of the rescheduled date of Thursday 31st March. Discussions at the meeting are sure to centre around potential requests to increase the capacity of Adams Park following the ongoing comments in the media regarding the London Wasps tenancy agreement. Both Wanderers and Wasps have been muted on the latest progress although COTN understands that an initial meeting to discuss next season's arrangements has taken place between the two parties. The Sands Residents' Association have also opposed an application to hold a 'pop concert' at the stadium in June. A previous application in April 1996 was rejected as the local Council believed it would set a precedent on future events taking place. |
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RESERVES LOSE TO LUTON
(Tuesday 1st March 2005)
A Wanderers XI under the charge of Steve Brown went down 4-3 to Luton Town in Tuesday afternoon's friendly at The Hatters training ground in Newlands Road. As expected Wycombe included triallists Paul Williams (see earlier news item) plus Rob Lee, Michael Malcolm and former West Ham trainee Shaun Byrne. It was Malcolm and left sided defender Byrne who scored for Wycombe in an open first half that ended 3-3. Jonny Dixon claimed the other Wanderers goal. Luton scored their winner shortly after the restart. 24 year old Byrne made one brief appearance for Wycombe in pre-season against Beaconsfield but was forced off injured in that match. Previously he had made three appearances for The Hammers First Team (all from the bench) and also had short loan spells with Bristol Rovers and Swansea City but has not played competitive First Team foootball for nearly a year. Line-up: Pecora, Silk, Martin, Williams (sub Fox), Ball (sub Kamara), Lee (sub Ngongou), Byrne, Philo (sub Anya), Malcolm, Dixon |
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GUPPY OFF TO THE STATES
(Tuesday 1st March 2005)
Steve Guppy has left Wycombe to take up an offer of playing football in the USA for Washington based 'DC United'. The move had been on the cards ever since Guppy rejoined the Club in November 2004. The intention is that he will fly out early next week and will therefore not be available for Saturday's game at Lincoln City. The 35 year old made sixteen additional appearances for Wycombe following his return and his goal at Swansea was his first in more than ten years in a Wycombe shirt. Steve Guppy - Player profile |
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TRIALLIST IN FOR FRIENDLY
(Tuesday 1st March 2005)
Tuesday afternoon's friendly at Luton gave John Gorman the chance to view former Coventry City and Southampton defender Paul Williams in match action. The 33 year old was released by mutual consent from Stoke City earlier in February with a view to pursuing a football career in the USA. That deal appears to have fallen through for the time being and the six footer is looking to get back into First Team action for the first time this season having been plauged with injury since a move to Stoke in August 2003. He had previously progressed through the youth ranks at Derby County, making more than 200 appearance for The Rams before a move to Coventry City in August 1995 for a £750,000 fee. A six year spell with City ended in October 2001 when he moved on a free to Southampton where he made 37 Premiership starts. |
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