Marcus Bean is a player who has polarized opinion amongst Wanderers fans since his arrival at Adams Park in January, but the midfielder can count on the support of the club’s manager.

Gareth Ainsworth moved for the midfielder, who he knew from his playing days at QPR, after the 31-year-old was released from his contract at League One side Colchester.

Bean has made 12 appearances in a Wycombe shirt since joining the club, and has tasted defeat only twice, but is yet to fully win the approval of all Blues supporters.

“Beanie isn’t the prettiest player and I know there has been mixed opinions on Beanie and that’s great but it’s my opinion that counts and I think he does a fantastic job,” said Ainsworth.

“Against Luton I thought he was possibly man of the match with the breaking up he does in midfield. He would be a nightmare to play against. He’s all legs and arms and he seems to get these last ditch tackles in when you think somebody’s got away from him.

“The big thing about Marcus is he is 100 per cent team. He will do anything for anyone, he will put his body on the line and that’s the type of players you want.

“He’s been an important part of the squad since Josh Scowen left and Stewart Lewis left. He’s really filling two shoes rather than one which isn’t an easy job to do.”

Portsmouth sought the services of Bean following a loan spell at Fratton Park but he instead opted to join Wanderers – a decision which he says was a “no brainer”.

The ex-Brentford man was familiar with a number of players on Wycombe’s books from his time with the Bees, and he says it hasn’t taken him long to adjust to life in Buckinghamshire.

“I’ve known quite a few of the boys here which has made the transition easy,” said the midfielder.

“There’s a great team spirit here and everyone’s been very welcoming, so it’s been one of the easier times I’ve had after joining a new club.”

The prospect of being reunited with a man whom he played alongside for three years in west London was also an attraction for Bean.

He said: “I think it’s always nice when you have a manager that knows you and who knows what you bring to the table. He obviously had confidence that I could come in and do a job and that helps.

“I’ve always had tremendous respect for the gaffer even when I was a young boy at QPR. It was a no brainer coming here.

“He’s got the same enthusiasm for the game, the same desire to do well and to win that he always had and showed as a player.

“Where he’s a bit different now is that he separates himself a bit from the banter and that sort of stuff as you have to do as a manager. He carries himself very well but he’s still got that infectious attitude which inspires the boys.”

The fate of Wanderers season will become a lot clearer after games against Oxford today and Burton on Easter Monday – fixtures which the experienced midfielder is relishing.

“As a professional you want to be going into the business end of the season with something to play for at the right end of the table and that played a major part in my decision,” he said.

“There were other factors as well. The manager was mentioned. That was definitely one of the reasons and these two games will go a long way to deciding where our season is going to be.”