Wanderers have announced the purchase of new medical equipment funded by fans to help rehabilitate injured players.

They hope to raise a total of £2 million over the next five years through the club’s share scheme which is aimed not only at helping buy equipment to treat injuries but also improving their financial standing.

The spending has started with the purchase of a brand new shockwave therapy unit which specialises in treating chronic injuries by breaking down scar tissue and calcium build-up.

Chairman Andrew Howard is pleased with the acquisition and acknowledges that fan power and in particular the share scheme have been central to the club being able to afford the unit.

“Being a supporter owned club, the stability and growth of Wycombe Wanderers relies on the input of the fans, whether it be encouraging others to come to games, volunteering their time and effort or contributing to the share scheme,” he told the club’s website.

“Without those supporters who have invested their money this purchase wouldn’t have been possible. Our fans have a unique opportunity here to shape the future of their football club.

“My message to them is simple: put what you can into Wycombe Wanderers and you can trust us to spend it wisely to improve your football club.”

With the small nature of the Wanderers squad the new equipment will help manager Gareth Ainsworth in his attempts to keep his players in peak condition as the season progresses.

In fact, the club has been paying for first-team captain Paul Hayes to use shockwave treatment in a bid to return from an Achilles problem. He will now be able to get this treatment at far less ongoing cost and without leaving the comfort of the club’s facilities.

Ainsworth explained: “With a small squad of only 20 players, injuries can really hit us hard which is why we are so reliant on equipment to get them back out there onto the pitch.

“We have a superb medical team of David Wates and Cian O’Doherty who do a terrific job in keeping the lads fit and healthy, and this equipment is like a new signing in terms of reduction in time our players will be spending on the sidelines.”