OPPOSITION VIEW: WYCOMBE WANDERERS
Ahead of our huge game in the second round of the Emirates FA Cup, we spoke to George Gutteridge of ‘The Wycombe Way’ to find out everything Wycombe Wanderers ahead of our match-up against the Chairboys!
How has your season been so far?
“It’s been incredible, and that doesn’t do it justice. I was confident that we’d have a successful season, but the start we’ve had has succeeded all expectations and then some. The scary thing is, I think there’s still an awful lot to come from us. We’re winning games, which is the main thing, but they haven’t all been as comfortable as we might’ve liked. We’ve been able to dispatch the lesser teams with ease, but games have been much closer against sides in and around the top half. I don’t like talking about budgets, because we’ve got a few quid behind us now, but there are some real heavy hitters in League One, so to be above all of them - with breathing space - is pretty mental at this stage. We’ve played nine games away from home, out of 15, so to be top with a point gap and game in hand on second means we’re doing something right.”
What are your current season expectations?
“I guess we have to take each game as it comes. The minimum now has to be a play off place. I think you’d be a silly man to bet against Wycombe being in the top four, nevermind the top six. It’s a long old season. Do I think we can win the league? Absolutely. That’s not the expectation though, nor is automatic promotion via a second place finish. My confidence is sky high at this moment, more than it’s ever been as a Wanderer, and I think we’re a pretty safe bet to go up - however we manage to do it.”
Who are your danger men?
“Richard Kone is the obvious name here, and for good reason. King Kone has enjoyed an awful lot of media attention so far this term, and he deserves every bit of success his career will bring. He’s one of League One’s top scorers this season, signing from the ninth tier in January. I doubt this space is large enough to go in depth on his story, but check it out because it’s mightily impressive - with regard to what he’s had to go through to get here.
Jasper Pattenden is a young player who’s shone for us this season too, signed from Worthing a couple of years ago. He’s keeping the skipper out of the eleven at the moment, that takes some doing. He’s an infectious lad, always smiling and you can sense his love of the game from the stand.
94-year-old Garath McCleary is probably due a start, he’s like a fine wine, aginv beautifully. Incredible that he’s getting quicker and more skilful the older he gets. I’d expect a difficult afternoon for your fullbacks!”
Is an FA Cup run a priority this year or more of a treat?
“I think every club should treat the FA Cup as a priority, that’s how we get the magic year on year. I’m now going to contradict myself, and say we might bigger fish to fry at this stage - but we won’t at all disrespect the competition. Round Three is incredibly lucrative for anyone in this stage, and I do believe we’ll do everything we can to get there, but I wouldn’t be too upset over a cupset this weekend - even if I can’t see it happening. In a nutshell, to answer the question, it’s more of a treat, but shouldn’t be seen as any less of a priority. Winning breeds winning, and Matt Bloomfield always sets his team up to win any game they play.”
What were your first reactions after the second round draw?
“It’s what the FA Cup is all about. The best team in the competition, travelling a few miles down the road to a non-league side. I’m absolutely buzzing for it, I think it’ll be a great game, with a great atmosphere - which will add an awful lot to the occasion. I’ve been to Grosvenor Vale quite a few times now over the years, it’s always a pre-season friendly that I hope we get, because it’s always a really good evening. I think the fact that this is usually a non-competitive fixture may add a little bit more spice to the mix. I can’t wait - looking forward to seeing Wycombe academy graduate Max Kretzschmar kick a ball around again too.”
What do you make of the game coming up against Wealdstone (honest expectations)?
“It’s hard to see us losing, I don’t see a scenario in which that happens. We’ve won ten in a row in all competitions, that’s not a record we’re going to want to throw away. That said, we’ve seen it already this season. It’s far from a walk in the park for the stronger teams who face lower league opposition, I think half the teams from League One are already out, and that number doesn’t need to rise.
I think we win 1-4. I’m hoping for a few goals, but it’d also be nice to see the home support to have something to cheer. I’ll say Wealdstone take an early 1-0 lead, then Wanderers show their class to make it secure a comfortable passage into Round Three.”