Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth has criticized a ‘big club’ after a potential signing fell through.
The Chairboys were rumoured to have secured the services of Manchester United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop on a season-long loan, with the deal expected to be completed before the start of the campaign.
However, no deal was ever confirmed which meant rookie shot-stopper Tyla Dickinson started the club’s five matches of the league and cup this term.
Gareth: “I feel for Lee Harrison. We were a long way down the line with a keeper and we were let down, and disappointed by how it was handled. But we’ve got a really good keeper here in Max. I think we’ve found a diamond who can play at a higher level. Tyla did a fantastic job.”
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) August 20, 2022
Wanderers have since signed Polish keeper Max Stryjek from Livingston on a permanent contract, with the 26-year-old making his debut in the club’s 3-0 win over Barnsley on August 20.
He made numerous saves, which included a stunning stop to dent Robbie Cundy a looping header in the opening stages of the match.
Ainsworth said: “Max came in and I think he had a fantastic game.
“We had a [goalkeeper from a] big club and I am very disappointed with the way that went.
“It didn’t happen, but I think that has turned into our favour fate-wise because we have landed on an unknown.
Understand Wycombe now looking at other goalkeeping options to Manchester United’s Nathan Bishop. Bishop deal not dead in the water though. Wycombe want a keeper in before Tuesday’s trip to Exeter but before Saturday is unlikely. #chairboys #mufc
— Ian Baker (@ianbakersport) August 11, 2022
“He’s a fantastic talent with lots to learn still, but he was brilliant in the first-half and we had a sense of security around the back.
READ MORE: 'Those goals…wow' - Gareth Ainsworth on Wycombe's incredible strikes in Barnsley win
“We were solid, energetic and we were like warriors today.
“I can’t say that about every game, but the lads know where the standard is now.”
The manager made three changes to the side that lost against Exeter City on August 16, as Joe Jacobson, Daryl Horgan, and Tyla Dickinson were dropped for Jordan Obita, Dom Gape, and Stryjek.
The moves worked wonders as Wanderers bossed the game for large periods, and fully deserved all three points.
He also praised the performance of Alfie Mawson, as he started his second consecutive match for the club since re-signing.
🚨 @reluctantnicko has this morning hinted at the possibility of a loan move for Manchester United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop. Wycombe are one of ‘many admirers’ in for a shot stopper this summer. #Chairboys
— The Wycombe Way (@theWycombeWay) June 19, 2022
READ MORE: Wycombe Wanderers confirm double signing which includes new first-choice goalkeeper
Ainsworth continued: “Certain players fit certain clubs at certain times, and if Alfie can produce what he did for us in the first-half, we have got one hell of a player.
“They were all outstanding, even Joe Jacobson and Daryl Horgan who didn’t play today.
“I left them out of the team yet the only thing they wanted was a win.
“It’s not often you get that at a football team.
“This is a brilliant place to be, and I saw things today that I recognized for years.”
Up next for Bristol City in the League Cup on August 24.
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