Can Wycombe still survive in their battle against League One relegation?

By Tony Alvarez

On Tuesday night Gary Waddock’s Wycombe Wanderers side succumbed 3-2 at their Adams home park to fellow strugglers Yeovil, this result was followed by a painful away defeat toWalsall. This leaves Wycombe 24th in the table thus in the relegation places, at this point they are five points adrift of Scunthorpe who hold the last position of safety but have three games in hand.

At this stage in the season with Wycombe’s form being so poor of late many are starting to doubt whether the squad has the ability to remain in League one. There run of form has been horrendous taking just nine points from their last 11 fixtures.

Tuesdays tie against Yeovil was billed as a must win fixture with even Wycombe’s goalkeeper Nicki Bull tweeting “Do or Die time again tonight at AP. No time to fear our situation but to embrace it, relish the challenge & realise its all in our hands!”

Are Wycombe strong enough to stay in League One?

By Tony Alvarez

Last night Wycombe Wanderers suffered their fourth defeat in the League in just 7 games after they fell to a 1-0 loss away to fellow strugglersYeovilTown.

 Gary Waddocks men have been a bit of a yoyo side over the past few seasons working their way back and forth between League One and League Two spending a year in each.

This time however the feeling from the fans and around the club was that they were ready they were strong enough and crucially knew what to expect from League One, unfortunately for them so far things haven’t turned out as they have expected.

Wycombe currently sit in the relegation zone with just 5 points from 7 games with their only win coming away at bottom side Leyton Orient.

With the above in mind I have to point out that although the Wanderers are in the relegation zone with just 5 points they have a game in hand on every other side in the bottom half of the table, a win in that game would take them to at least 17^th in the table, which then makes the start to the season look reasonable.

Of course it is way too early to say a club are doomed or destined for the drop but at present Wycombe do appear to be struggling with the standard of Football they are coming up against.

The problem for Wycombe in my opinion is that pretty much all of their squad are good League Two players and are all more than capable of playing in League One, the problem is that I don’t think they should all be playing in League One together.

No disrespect to any of the player but many would be good if they had some proven League One players around them with a knowledge of how to win games in that League.

At present the players are all familiar with League Two and what it takes to move up from their but unfortunately only know the feeling of relegation in League One.

This was the reason I was disappointed with what Waddock did in the transfer market, I have great respect for “the ginger Mourinho” but he signed players who he had worked with before but mainly players who were playing in League Two players such as Ben Harding, John Halls and Joel Grant to name a few.

Waddock has assembled the perfect blend of youthfulness and old heads however the number of players who have consistently played and proved themselves in League One are low.

Having said all of the above I predicted at the start of the season that Wycombe would stay up and I sand by that. I predicted 15^th place which I think is a little optimistic but I can certainly see them beating the drop.

In Nikki Bull they have one of the best keepers in the League inmy opinion and that could add some valuable points on the off days or when the side needs a match saving performance.

After Christmas when the players are all accustomed to the League and more “ready for battle” I think they will accumulate a healthy sum of points which will guide them to between 16^th-19^th place in the League.

What are your thoughts? Will Wycombe survive? Is my theory about the club having too many potential League One standard players together correct? Did Waddock bring in the right men when he had the chance? Leave a comment and l et us know your thoughts

Where can Colchester United expect to finish this season?

By Tony Alvarez

 At the start of the season I predicted Colchester United finishing 11th in League One this was based on last seasons performance specifically towards the end of the season, the clubs transfer activity in the summer and my knowledge of the ability of the players they have.

 However my view has some what changed, in just five games despite only picking up 7 points and currently lying in 11^th in League One on goal difference Colchester have impressed me and have shown the ability to kick on and exceed the 11^th place that I predicted and that they currently lie in.

 You could look at Colchester with 7 points having already lost twice this term and think it’s the same old story, a decent side but will always finish between 13^th-8^th but if you look at the teamsColchester have faced the results look a bit more respectable.

The two losses came to early promotion favourites Charlton Athletic and Huddersfield Town, although the defeat at home to the Addicks was a comfortable one the U’s were desperately unlucky away at last seasons play off finalists Huddersfield Town, Colchester lost out 3-2 and were desperately unlucky with a goal that got disallowed.

Its not a case of Colchester recording victories over the sides expected to struggle and losing to the sides expected to do well because on the first game of the season Colchester United humbled last seasons Championship side Preston North End at their Deepdale home.

The club may be a bit disappointed with the draw at home to League One new boys Wycombe Wanderers but the performance was not lacking even Wycombe’s goalkeeper Nikki Bull said “If that was a boxing match it would have been stopped after half hour but Footballs a funny sport” Colchester were dominant but if you don’t find the killer touch they your always going to be in danger at any level.

The clubs over fixture was yesterdays success overOldhamwith a comprehensive 4-1 win thanks to a Wordsworth brace including a strike within 17 seconds and goals from regular hit man Ian Henderson and Matt Heath.

The club have other positives as well as their generally impressive performances, the form of the above mentioned Wordsworth has been somewhat of a revelation, his ability has always been highly rated at the Weston Holmes Community Stadium but he has started off the campaign in outstanding form hitting three goals already this term.

FormerNorwichman Ian Henderson has picked up where he left off last season and has also netted three times in this league One campaign and once in the Carling Cup. The club will also be overjoyed by the goal return from striker Kayode Odejayi who despite struggling infront of goal last season has grabbed 2 league and one Carling cup goal so far.

One negative for the club has been their defensive form they have a tendency to leak goals, in the 6 games played so far including the Carling Cup fixture against Wycombe they have let in 12 goals.

Looking at this form I think the club will do better than the 11^th placed finish I originally predicted, of course this all depends on consistency which has been Colchester’s problem for a while now, it’s a running joke amongst some fans that on cold Tuesday nights they can be one of the worst sides inEngland. If Colchester can find this sort of form all season and Wordsworth, Henderson and Odejayi can keep performing at the level they currently are Colchester will be major challengers for the play offs come the end of the season.

What are your thoughts? Where will Colchester finish? Is their form as good as I am suggesting? Have Henderson, Wordsworth and Odejayi been as good as I make out? Is their any star names I have missed out for the U’s? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts

Who will win the battle for the final automatic promotion position in league 2?

By Tony Alvarez

 WithChesterfieldpromoted last week and Bury yesterday confirming they will be a League One side next season due to victory a 3-2 overChesterfieldit leaves one automatic promotion spot up for grabs

There are currently 5 sides for whom it is mathematically possible to gain automatic promotion these being: Wycombe,ShrewsburyTown, Accrington Stanley, Stevenage andGillingham. However realistically it will be a straight shoot out between current occupiers Wycombe Wanderers andShrewsburyTown.

Although the other clubs are mathematically still in the race Accrington are 5 points behind 3^rd placed Wycombe and Stevenage andGillingham are 6 points behind with just two fixtures remaining.

Wycombe leap frogged Shrewsbury in the table after yesterdays 2-0 victory over Crewe whilst Shrewsbury were held at home by Accrington Stanley giving the Buckinghamshire side with a 1 point advantage over their promotion rivals.

Although Wycombe’s fate is in their own hands Gary Waddock’s side have not got things easy next time out they travel to already promoted Bury who are only 2 points behind Chesterfield at the top of the table and will be fighting for the title, on paper the last day of the season gets easier as they host Southend who currently sit 11^th in the N power League 2 table.

 Shrewsbury’s final fixtures are somewhat easier, although the club will have one home game and one away the same as the rival they will initially travel to Cheltenhamwho lie 17^th in the league table before hosting Oxford United who occupy 12^th place in the league.

Although it doesn’t mean a single thing as it cannot possibly come down to a straight shoot out between the clubs, in the two fixtures between the clubs in the league this term the was nothing to separate the sides as they played out a 1-1 draw at Shrewsbury’s Greenhous Meadow stadium and a 2-2 draw at Wycombe’s Adams park.

Wycombe are unbeaten since mid March however there results have been littered with draws which has cost them a shot at the title. If the club are to draw either of their two games between now and the end of the season then I fear it will be a play off spot for them.

Shrewsbury have lost recently being humbled 3-0 at Aldershot but have picked up more points than Wycombe, confidence should not be a problem even though they drew yesterday it was against a good Accrington Stanley side who themselves are on a promotion push.

I personally thinkShrewsburywill take the maximum 6 points from their final two fixtures and it will be up to Wycombe to beat that, although they are more than capable of going to Bury and getting a result it will be difficult as Bury still have all to fight for themselves.

What do you think? Who will gain automatic promotion from League 2? Will Wycombe get a result out of Bury? Can Shrewsbury hold their nerve? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.

WIll Wycombe bounce back at the first attempt?

By Tony Alvarez

Following a terrible start in their return to league Two following last seasons relegation, Wycombe look like a changed side heading into the business end of the Football League season.

Wycombe started the season poorly with just one win in their first 8 games as the side struggled to re adjust to League Two football, in a time when chairmen have been quick to get rid of the managers at the first sign of danger, the people in charge at Wycombe kept faith in Gary Waddock and their faith is now being repaid.

Wycombe have had a drastic change in form and are now sitting in second place in the table 5 points clear of 3^rd place Rotherham who they beat 1-0 last time out.

In their last 7 league games the club has picked up 18 points only tasting defeat at the hands of fellow promotion chasing hopefuls Crewe Alexander.

Although fans and pundits alike will tell you that it has been a real team effort and you can’t criticize the contributions from the ever presents such as goal keeper Nikki Bull and winger Kevin Betsy, Wycombe’s star performers have been some what of a shock this season.

Andy Sandell who although a midfielder by trade tends to find himself playing as a left back has not only been solid in defence and tireless with his work rate but has also managed to chip in with seven goals already this campaign.

Another star man is the man who age seems to be unable to catch up to, 37 year old winger Gareth Ainsworth has started 26 games this season and came on as a substitute on two occasions, Ainsworth has chipped in with 6 goals this terms and despite his age he is still regarded as the quickest player at the club!

This coming from Wycombe midfielder Scott Davies in an exclusive interview I conducted with him earlier in the season to take a look click the link below, it includes a soccer AM style team mates. http://shoutsfromthestands.wordpress.com/2010/11/23/player-interview-reading-and-wycombes-scott-davies-also-includes-new-feature-team-mates/

Despite hearing the negative news that they will be without star striker Scott Rendell for at least the next two weeks, Wycombe are still in great shape to carry on their promotion push as they have been without Rendell for much of the season thus far anyway.

With everything pointing in the right direction for the club, with an experienced bunch of players many of whom won promotion out of league two a couple of seasons ago not many people would bet against them being there or there abouts come the end of the season.

Also in manager Gary Waddock the club have a great man manager and someone who seems to always get the best out of his sides, all these combined suggests there is a bright future in store for Wycombe Wanderers.

What do you think? Will Wycombe gain promotion at the first time of asking? How big a blow is the temporary loss of star striker Scott Rendell? Will Gareth Ainsworth ever age? Does anybody need to be added to the squad during the transfer window?

Leave your thoughts and let us know, also if you have Facebook could you click the link below and join Shouts From The Stands Facebook group.

Player Interview: Reading and Wycombe’s Scott Davies…Also includes new feature Team Mates

Scott Davies.. Reading midfielder on loan at Wycombe Wanderers

Next up in our series of interviews is Reading midfielder Scott Davies. He is currently on loan at League 2 side Wycombe Wanderers. Scott has also represent the Republic of Ireland at under 21 level.

This article includes Shouts from the Stands new feature team mates, so you the fans can find the ins and outs of the dressing rooms.

 You may have seen similar things on Premier side on TV but I am sure you would like to hear what goes on in your clubs.

The answers are completely as given by the players and not changed by me at all so you get the natural feel of listening to the players thoughts.

 PLAYER PROFILE
Full Name; Scott Davies
Date Of Birth; 10/03/88
Place Of Birth; Aylesbury
Height; 6 ft
Current Club; Reading (on loan to Wycombe Wanderers)
Position; Centre Midfield

GETTING TO KNOW Scott Davies

Most Famous Person On Your Mobile?

I’d say any of the Reading team, I guess, I couldn’t single one out!

What’s Guaranteed to Make You Mad?

 Injuries, footballers worst nightmare!

Best place you’ve ever been too?

Dubai last year with my girlfriend

Favourite television program?

Road Wars

Who Was/Is your favourite Sportsman?

Steven Gerrard

What Football team do you support?

Tottenham

Best film ever?

Stepbrothers

What would you sing on Stars in their eyes?

Seasons in the Sun by Westlife….Such a tune.

What’s your signature dish?

 A nice lasagne!

Favourite drink?

Coca Cola

CAREER QUESTIONS
You was signed by reading at a young age did you always know professional Football was your future or was it just a dream at this stage?
 
It was something that I knew I could achieve by being at an Academy at 14, but however at the same time felt so far away. Playing my first match for Reading I felt out of place and took a while to settle in. It just took time to believe that I was capable and good enough to play at that level.

You went out on loan to Yeading before you had ever played for Reading did you learn much plying your trade in the lower leagues?
 
I played two games for Yeading, one in the FA Cup and one in the league. It may be hard to believe but I found it very hard. Probably due to the physicality of the league in itself and not really knowing the players I was playing with.

You then spent two years at Aldershot Town and won the Blue Sq premier was this your biggest achievement in Football so far?
 
In terms of trophies yes, and experience yes. I feel that if I hadn’t gone out on loan to Aldershot I could have quite easily dropped further down the football pyramid now. I see former team mates that have fallen by the way side and didn’t want that to be me. I felt that it was a good opportunity to go out and experience first team football. You learn that it’s not just a match, it’s people lively hoods that you are playing for and that the importance of winning games was crucial.

You are currently out on loan again working under your former manager Gary Waddock, do you feel he gets the best out of you?
 
Yes without doubt. He takes the reigns off you and lets you go and express yourself, which some managers won’t allow. He doesn’t mind players trying things, whether it be a difficult pass or a skill. If you were to make a mistake, as long as you react afterwards there is no harm done. Whereas some managers want you to play in the way that they choose. Whether it be direct or be physical and so on.
You have made four league appearances for Reading but keep being loaned out, do you think you have a future at Reading?
 
It’s very difficult to say. At this moment in time, no. They have a very good squad at Reading and it would be very hard to breakthrough. I felt like I done well in the 4 league matches that I played and would love to be given another chance but can’t see that happening at this moment in time. But that’s football for you, I am just hoping that the games I’m playing on loan will do me well enough to justify getting a new contract elsewhere.

You started the first game of the 09-10 season for Reading did you then think you had made it at the club?
 
I believe you’ve made it after playing 100 or more games at the club. The 4 games in which I started were a dream come true and will never forget the feeling of walking out for my debut at the Madejski. It’s something you can’t buy, even if it was short lived.

Why do you think you got loaned out after playing a part in four early season games?
 
As a team at the time we weren’t performing well enough. We started the season with a very young squad and could say we paid the price for that. Having only played a few games, it was clear that changes were needed. When I was dropped it didn’t come as a surprise as the manager decided to go with experienced players. Something that I couldn’t help I guess having only played in League Two.

Do you feel at the moment the Championship is too tough for you?
 
In the least arrogant way, no. I felt like I found my feet in the opening game against Forest. It’s down to the opinion of the people that matter, so I couldn’t dictate my own future at the early part of the season. Being dropped was something I had to deal with and I felt that the best way in doing that was to carry on playing, which resulted in me going to Wycombe.

Now moving back to the club football, where do you see yourself in say, four years time?
 
Ideally I’d be playing at League 1 or above. Having played in league one it’s a very good league in which to play. The standard of football is excellent, along with the stadiums you get to play in.

Whilst on the topic of the future, let’s move forward 15 years time. Do you still wish to be involved in football or do you see yourself in a different career?
 
I’ve already thought about this. Doing an agents license is something that I have considered doing already. It’s a job that really does interest me and something that I would enjoy doing.

 

 

TEAM MATES with Scott Davies.
 
Who is the biggest moaner in the dressing room?

Probably Kevin Besty. He’s not afraid of giving one of the lads an earful if he thinks they’ve done wrong!

The hard man of the group?

Dave Winfield.. He’s not scared of anything. Was cut below the eye a few couple of weeks ago, was stitched back up at half time and he was back out there bullying their centre forwards in the second half!

Who’s the quickest?
 
I’d have to say our 37 year old winger, he has an unbelievable turn of pace! Gareth Ainsworth

Most skilful?
 
Kieran Murtgah, you don’t want to get too close to him in training or he’ll make you look like an absolute fool. Nutmegs are his speciality.

Worst touch?
 
I can’t answer that one!

The joker/ funny man?
 
Erm, i’d probably have to say myself on that one, along with Nikki Bull. I enjoy his banter and he loves mine!

Who’s got the best banter?
 
Me and Scotty Rendell on away games are constantly trying to catch the lads out, whether it be buckets of water outside their doors, etc…!

Most intelligent?
 
12th best school in the country, me!

Least intelligent?
 
Lewis Montrose, top top lad however I’m not sure he went to school!

Worst taste in music?
 
Probably myself, my favourite lately being Cher Lloyd from X-Factors – Turn My Swag On!

Who chooses the CD on the team coach/ dressing room?
 
No music allowed! Fully focussed on the game

Worst dress sense?
 
I’d probably say the assistant manager Martin Kuhl. He’s a tough man, but when wearing a suit it just doesn’t look right!

Worst dancer?
 
I’d go for Scotty Rendell… he’s just a stiff lad! His top half can’t move!

Best and worse nicknames?
 
There is two…Tools (Anthony Stewart) At an under 15 game I am told that they were putting up a rope around the outside of the pitch that was held up by these poles. He suddenly pulled a hammer out of his bag from nowhere and started knocking the iron pole into the ground! And the worst must be Bullshark, (Nikki Bull)
who has told his daughter that is two years old that her name is Darcy Bull. When at gym class a few weeks back the lady read out the register, Darcy Bull? She replied that isn’t my name.. I am Darcy Bullshark!!

Who’s longest in the shower?
 
A lad in the youth team so I am told! He’s yet to move into the first team changing room!