Three starters and 6 new squad members is 40% of the current squad (on the assumption they were over the age of 21).
That’s a hell of a turn over
Couple tha with the high number of signings In the last three windows, it’s no wonder Duff makes comments about it not feeling like the old Wycombe the other week.
I just find it incredible people are saying “we only need three” players when they are actually saying “we only need to change 40% of the squad”
Regarding Vidigal, as it was a short term contract so, for me anyway, it feels more like a loan:
An opportunity to get himself in the shop window to sign next year -
Whether that’s with us or someone else remains to be seen - but a longer commitment by both him and us in the summer would feel more like a new signing than a resigning. But I appreciate that is more a personal thing
Yep, the turnover wasnt the issue, and I still dont think we let go of any that really would have made us stronger.
But the manager didnt have much of an idea, was it Stickport, when he went mad with no right back.
Confirmation that CBM will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.
https://x.com/wwfcofficial/status/2042246471894900985
Probably for the best we won’t be in the play offs with our injury list.
“Out for the season” or missing three weeks? Let’s turn this into good news, send him on holiday now and he can come back fresh in pre-season.
Six-to-eight weeks according to Michael Duff. He’s done his MCL.
Sounds like there are other doubts for the trip to the Kirklees Stadium.
Good news that he should be fit for pre-season. Don’t think we’ve been rocked by anything contrary to the BFP headline.
I know James Richings is on paternity leave but does the Bucks Free Press really have no alternative to replace him other than a Reading FC reporter who thinks we are “on about 59 points”?
Genuinely I would not be disappointed if we field a team of Scowen, Leahy, Henderson, Mullins, Skura and six youth teamers on Saturday.
Agree with this, though I think you’re overrating Anders and Casey a little - I don’t think either are aggressive enough at either end of the pitch. Anders should be scoring for fun from corners, Casey is a wonderfully hard bastard but doesn’t tend to throw himself into the melee the way that last year’s centre backs always did. For next season, those two should be considered our back up pairing and we need desperately to sign some first choice players with a tiny bit of fight in them.
I’d also put Grimmer in the list. He’s been great this season in a team full of players who’d rather not get their shorts dirty.
100% agree with this. It’s all about opinions, but I genuinely struggle to understand anyone suggesting Anders and Casey are at the level of any of the three we had last season. In whatever style of play.
We knew Bradley was a physical beast, but he could pass decently enough. But his sheer ability in both boxes was a huge element of our play.
When we get corners these days, there’s very little expectation, it’s mostly hope.
I dare say when we signed Fink, most people thought 6ft 5, he’ll be a monster physically, if not having the goal record. Unfortunately, he seems more the Berbatov mould, without obviously the exceptional touch.
I don’t think it was Stickport …
Interesting, you’ve never made this point before
They certainly stick it to us most times we play them unfortunately.
Except that top of the mountain performance of Bloommania - that ridiculous 5-0 away.
Even the generally downbeat on the gasroom were in raptures that day.
I’ve had recent doubts on Duff but today’s interview with Sam Avery a real breath of fresh air and given me confidence he’s the right man for next season.
I haven’t seen the interview, has he actually given up on reaching the play offs ? Its a difficult position we are in now but I would have thought he would still be pushing for a place given the mathematical situation isn’t defined as yet - Football is Football - you do not give up until it’s proven impossible ! - if our coach has called it a day this season, I would be extremely disappointed, this Wycombe - we do the Impossible !!
Absolutely fascinating interview. Perhaps my favourite of the season. Never been more confident in Duff. He seems to see our football exactly how I see it.
Have to give credit to Sam Avery. He’s very astute. He asks really well considered questions. He’s clearly struck up a personal bond with Duff, as the boss is willing to give such detailed honest assessments.
Whilst I have many thoughts after listening, the overarching one is ‘how on earth did Rice employ this guy’. They couldn’t be more chalk and cheese.
If they give Duff the keys to what he needs in terms of players he wants then I think we’ll be flying next season.
Highly recommend all listen to the interview on BBC Sounds.
Can I go back and edit and pretend I had read before posting?
If Dan is true to form, I suspect he’ll offer some reassuring words, turn off his phone and then find someone else to deliver the bad news.
Certainly one of the better interviews from him especially talking about the mentality side of things and picking up on things like how the players react to the ref not giving a goal (obvious reference to Saturday) or “if the manager makes the wrong subsitutions - you still have to find a way to win”.
Its nice that there was that self reflection that he may have made poor decisions himself but, the harsh reality of football is that its still down to those 11 on the pitch to dig in a get a result.
Going back to the reaction to a goal not being given thing, i do also think there is a certain amount of players being lead by the manager and how he acts/reacts. He has, and perhaps for many a good reason, got himself booked and/or sent off for reacting to referees decisions, so perhaps he too needs to reflect on how he influences the players when it comes to dealing with reffering decisions.
Now, I’m not saying he needs to be Mr Placid on the side line like Dodds was, but I think theres a better balance.