Wycombe have mounted a brave battle against the odds in their first season as a Championship club, but their relegation back to League One could be confirmed in the next few days.
Last week’s 3-1 home defeat to Luton left Wanderers stranded at the bottom of the table with only five games to play, and they now need a football miracle to survive.
Even if they win all their remaining games, the Chairboys could still finish in the bottom three if the teams around them continue to pick up points.
The Great Escape has surely become Mission Impossible.
Wycombe take on Swansea this weekend (Prime Media)
Before Coventry’s game at Rotherham on Thursday night (April 15), Wanderers needed a minimum of nine points and a huge swing in goal difference to reach the safe sanctuary of 21st place.
They cannot afford any more slip ups, and if they fail to beat Swansea on Saturday (April 17) and Bristol City five days later (April 21), a return to the division they left in a blaze of glory nine months ago looks inevitable.
But the fact that Wycombe are still alive and kicking is testament to how well they have done considering how some pundits predicted they would be the worst team in Championship history.
Wanderers have already won more points than six other clubs have managed since the division was rebranded in 2004, and they still have five games left to play. Bolton, Ipswich, Wimbledon, Stockport, Blackpool, and Rotherham (twice) all performed worse than Wycombe have at this level.
Adebayo Akinfenwa has yet to score this season (Prime Media)
Each of the three clubs promoted from League One last season – Coventry, Rotherham, and Wycombe – are facing the threat of relegation, evidence of the higher standards in the second tier.
Even if relegation is confirmed, it is a season that will forever hold a special place in club history, and one that leaves them in a stronger position than when they were promoted last year.
The quality of the playing squad has improved, they now know what is needed at Championship level, and the finances are healthier, despite the lack of revenue due the absence of crowds.
It has been tough for fans denied the chance to watch Championship football, but they will treasure the memory of their team going head-to-head with some of the biggest clubs in the land even if they could not be there in person.
Hopefully, it won’t be long before that opportunity comes around again.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel