£5m man give Hayes the thumbs up (From Bucks Free Press)

£5m man give Hayes the thumbs up

12:00pm Friday 3rd July 2009 in

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ROGER Johnson, the most expensive footballer Wanderers have ever produced, has urged fans to vote for Steve Hayes’ takeover bid.

The centre half, who signed for Premiership newboys Birmingham City in a £5m deal from Cardiff last week, gave Hayes a glowing endorsement and says supporters will be holding the club back if they stop him.

The £5m man said: “He has big plans for Wycombe’s future and the fans should be pleased and excited to have someone like him at the helm.

“Change is never easy, but the club needs to look to the future and that can only be better if Steve’s plans are approved. I hope the vote goes his way because I genuinely believe that would be the best thing for Wycombe Wanderers.”

The 2008 FA Cup Finallist, who spent six years at Adams Park before joining Cardiff in a £275,000 switch, added: “I’ve been very lucky and been able to move up in my career and Steve is trying to do the same with Wycombe. He is desperate to take the club forward.

“He has already taken it forward and he wants to take it even further and for him to get the majority shareholding would be great for the club and he’d take it even further.

“He is a very honest and trustworthy guy. He’s proved that and the club would be in totally safe hands with him.

“Wycombe have a special place in my heart. They gave me my chance and I want the best for them – and I believe Steve Hayes gives them that.”

Johnson’s move to the Premiership has earned Wanderers a £700,000 windfall and the 26-year-old admits he is still in a whirl.

He said: “It’s a dream. I still can’t believe that anyone would pay £5m for me. It’s crazy, but that’s the way that football is.

“I am pleased that Cardiff have got a decent whack out of me and that Wycombe will get a fair bit of money too (£700,000 from a sell-on clause).”

Johnson’s comments followed further testimonials submitted to the Free Press this week by pro-takeover supporters.

Former chairman Brian Lee said: “This is a crucial point in the history of the club.

“As the Founder Chairman of the Limited Company in 1980 and as a Founder member of the Founders Trust, I unreservedly support the changes proposed.

“Finance is an integral part of the modern football club, which cannot be run on passion and emotion alone.

“Mr Hayes has already demonstrated his commitment and I support him becoming the owner of Wycombe Wanderers.

“We must move with the times to save, preserve and promote our status.”

Meanwhile Derek Vere, the managing director of Verco Office Furniture, who were the club’s main sponsors for 14 years, said: “It is not often that someone inspires you. This man genuinely does.

“Steve is a big fan of the club, like me. I am sure he will not fail the town of Wycombe and WWFC.

“This is an opportunity for the town and not to be missed. I fully support his aspirations and vision for the club’s future.”

Club employees have also thrown their weight behind the 48-year-old multi-millionaire with the club’s stadium manager Richard Stanford and Community Scheme boss Dave Evans submitting letters of support.

Stanford said: “The experience, knowledge and investment Steve has brought to the club over the past five years has been pivotal.

“To have someone who knows and appreciates football and the business side so competently like he does is imperative to the success of any sporting team. We’re lucky to have him.

“This is an opportunity to get behind a man that will guide this club to bigger and better things and it must be grasped.”

The club’s Cummunity Scheme manager Dave Evans also submitted his comments and said: “I have been employed by WWFC for over 13 years, I have seen both good and bad things happen, but for my department since Steve Hayes’ arrival we have developed and become one of the top schemes in the country.”