Chairboys gaffer Gareth Ainsworth has hailed the ‘Wycombe way’ of doing things as he praised the success of the development squad.
Following Rob Couhig’s acquisition of the club in February 2020, the club has grown exponentially on and off the pitch, which includes opening their development squad 18 months ago.
The upper tier car park is operating at a reduced capacity due to recent weather conditions, so there are no passes available for Saturday's game.
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) January 26, 2022
The Millbrook School car park, West Wycombe park and ride and bus service from the rail station are all in operation.#WYCvMKD
Technological advancements, improved hospitality and regular displays of fireworks have all been brought to Adams Park since their arrival.
READ MORE: Following the success at Flackwell, are Non League crowds on the rise in Buckinghamshire?
One addition under the Couhig’s tenure that hasn’t received much attention has been the development squad.
Ainsworth, who has been involved in the squad alongside Sam Grace, Richard Dobson, and Matt Bloomfield, shared his thoughts on its success so far.
He said: “It’s really good and it’s our model.
Next up: MK Dons!
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) January 26, 2022
If Saturday is anything like the last time MK came to town, you're in for a treat...
Buy online at https://t.co/L8vpuGV6G0.#WYCvMKD pic.twitter.com/7cydxpDieL
“We’re not trying to copy Brentford’s B Team or an academy setup.
“We are doing it Wycombe’s way.”
READ MORE: Wycombe Wanderers vs Milton Keynes Dons Preview: Getting ready for the all Bucks clash
Launched in August 2020 former-Wycombe youth coach, Grace took the reins of the newly-formed setup.
They were recently in action earlier this week where they took on fellow-League One side Ipswich, losing 2-0.
The side was made up of regular development squad players and three first-teamer in Daryl Horgan, Jason McCarthy, and David Wheeler.
READ MORE: Goalkeeping coach is sent off for hitting a spectator in Non League fixture in Bucks
Ainsworth, who left management duties to Grace and Bloomfield, believes that results aren’t important.
Nick Freeman has been stepping up his rehab with sessions at @BucksNewUni’s Human Performance Exercise & Wellbeing Centre.
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) January 26, 2022
Thank you to the university for their continued support! pic.twitter.com/ot2aj82fvY
He judges its success on the transition of players into the first-team.
He said: “I was watching and seeing Anis Mehmeti, Olly Pendlebury, and Chris Forino - three names that have really made an impact in our first team.
"All from a group of trialists.”
READ MORE: Flackwell Heath FC more than double their average home attendance in charity-themed match
He continued: “We’ve got Long Crendon in the Berks and Bucks Cup soon and a couple of years ago I would’ve been a shoo-in.
"This time, absolutely not.
“Hopefully we can see a few more gems coming through and getting first-team minutes.”
The likes of Andre Burley, Adam Leathers, and Tjay De Barr will hope to follow in the footsteps of Mehmeti who has already notched in over 50 appearances for the Chairboys.
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 here