The dream of achieving a place in the playoffs has died, but there is still plenty to celebrate at the end of another eventful season for the Chairboys.
With two games left to play – home to Cheltenham Town on Saturday, April 29, then away to Portsmouth a week later – Wanderers are on course for one of their highest-ever finishes since joining the EFL 30 years ago.
🚨 A long read 🚨@sam_avery1 and I spoke to Rob Couhig yesterday, and it was an honest and open discussion about the season.
— James Richings (@James_BFP) April 27, 2023
The highs, the lows, missing out on the play-offs after making it the aim this year, plus more 👇#Chairboyshttps://t.co/oK5MSaU5QE
There was an inevitable sense of disappointment after last week’s home defeat by Lincoln City meant they could no longer finish in the top six, but this has been another campaign in which Wycombe have overcome the odds.
READ MORE: Wycombe Wanderers vs Cheltenham Town Preview: Everything you need to know
I wrote at the beginning of the season that to qualify again for the play-offs they would have to compete with some of the biggest clubs outside the Premier League and that has proved to be the case.
No fewer than eight clubs in League One have enjoyed time in the top division of English football, and it is no surprise to find Ipswich Town, Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley, Bolton Wanderers, and Derby County leading the charge for promotion.
Incredibly, 28 goals have been scored in the last five home games versus Cheltenham, which includes 22 in the last three.
— James Richings (@James_BFP) April 27, 2023
But Bloomfield hopes the encounter won't be as open as it has been in the past 👇#Cahirboyshttps://t.co/POIsKuy6qN
Given the history, levels of support, and financial power of these clubs, Wycombe can be proud that they were still in contention for a playoff place with three games to go, especially after suffering so many setbacks.
They started the season without a recognised senior goalkeeper, lost several key players for lengthy periods due to injuries, saw the departure of the most successful manager in their history at a vital stage, and replaced him with a young coach who admits he is still learning the job.
READ MORE: 'People will be happy both on and off the pitch' - Rob Couhig on Wycombe's future
It is remarkable they have done so well despite these problems, and with the core of the team still in place for next season the future is bright.
Hopefully, Wanderers will give their supporters more to cheer when they face Cheltenham in their final home game of the season.
Bloomfield has revealed that Grimmer will 'probably not play again this season' after he suffered his second concussion of the campaign last week.
— James Richings (@James_BFP) April 26, 2023
On Cheltenham and Portsmouth, several fringe players are expected to feature in the next two games.#Chairboys
If previous fixtures between the clubs are anything to go by, it certainly promises to be an entertaining finale.
READ MORE: 'There’s no sugar-coating it' - Rob Couhig on Wycombe's season and next year's plans
Cheltenham’s last three visits to Adams Park have produced a staggering 22 goals with a couple of 3-3 draws and a crazy 5-5 scoreline last season…..bring it on!
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