Wycombe Wanderers - a look ahead

Last updated : 11 December 2003 By Richard Brown

Form (last six): D-L-D-L-L-D

2002/03 Finish: League; Second Division; 18th

FA Cup: First Round

League Cup: Second Round

2002/03 Top Scorer: Sean Divine - 8

2002/03 Discipline: 64 yellow, 4 red


2003/04 Top Scorer:
Darren Currie - 5


It's gooner be a scrappy one, eh Tony?
Notts County vs. Wycombe Wanderers – a fixture which the words; excitement, tantalising, zesty and significant are seldom associated with. But not this weekend.


For this weekend, their will be a certain modest air of achievement rolling around the stands of
Meadow Lane. For this Saturday marks the beginning of a new era at Meadow Lane as we see the Magpies run out for the first time in eighteen months without the weight of administration hanging over the players.

And although still non-too prosperous, the prospects seem far more enlightening than to those we have become accustomed to over the last eighteen months.


But, with a little luck and the support of the home crowd, the Magpies could and possibly should record their first league victory either side of the Magpies’ near escape from expulsion.


However as we know, the Chairboys rarely follow the script, hardly ever allowing Notts to emerge from these clashes victorious. It is a known fact that Notts’ form in this clash has been none too impressive to say the very least. In fact, the last time the Magpies came away with the full share of the spoils was in Mid-October 1999 when goals from Nicky Fenton and Ian Richardson were enough to seal a 2-1 victory at the ‘Lane.


Yet despite the Chairboys enjoying such good form against the Magpies, they still managed to finish three places or alternatively, three points below the Magpies – even after a humiliating 3-1 drubbing where County’s only response was the solitary goal from former Wycombe and now
Notts County striker, Mark Stallard.


However, last season was under the ‘old-school’ rule of Wanderers former manager, Lawrie Sanchez, who was fired by the club within two months after Wanderers went on a ten-game run without a league win.

Although it only took a matter of four weeks before the Wycombe board had appointed a suitable candidate as the managers job was offered to Arsenal legend, Tony Adams, as he looked to get back into football. But his appointment was a bizarre one, as Adams has had no first-hand managerial after hanging up his boots at Highbury in 2002.


Adams’ first game went well – to say the least – as they romped to a 4-1 victory over Swindon Town in the First Round proper of the FA Cup – a trophy which Adams lifted as a player on a total of three times. However, since Adams’ appointment, the Chairboys have not recorded a single victory in the league. Another factor which will play a key part in a game that promises non-too attractive football from teams scrapping against relegation.

And although we feel hard-done-by in 22nd, spare a thought for the Wycombe faithful who have been subjected to seeing their side slide slowly yet steadily down the table into the bottom spot of the Second Division.


***Star Man*** - Darren Currie

Darren 'Ruby' Currie
Nationality: English

Date of Birth: 29/11/1974

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 79kg

Former clubs: West Ham, Shrewsbury, Leyton Orient, Plymouth Barnet.


No sooner had Barnet been relegated to the Conference in 2001, had Wycombe Wanderers swooped to secure the services of the Currie – who became the clubs joint most expensive signing.


The affectionately named ‘Ruby’ causes endless problems for opposition defenders who rarely manage to handle his silky skills.


Currie has managed to strike home six goals for the chairboys who have otherwise failed to impress – but Currie’s goal scoring capacity is not his only strength as he doubles up as a handy play-maker.


Not a great goal scorer, but far more of a case of scorer of great goals.


***Odds Checker*** - with William Hill bookmakers

Notts County – 10/11

Draw – 9/4

Wycombe Wanderers – 12/5