Wycombe Wanderers manager Matt Bloomfield has explained why he opted to move the home dugout closer to the terrace at Adams Park.
The decision was made during pre-season following several discussions with the club’s supporters and its delegates to try and improve the atmosphere at the Hillbottom Road venue.
The conversations were positive, and the talks have led to several changes being made.
They include having a designated singing section at the terrace end, along with the reinstallation of a drum being allowed back in the ground.
The musical instrument had been banned from the vicinity in the autumn of 2021 after several supporters clashed over its usage.
🙌🏻 Let’s see those hands! https://t.co/JipErndX44
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) August 3, 2023
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New chants have been created for the players, whilst flags could also be erected across Adams Park.
Away from the ground, the Hour Glass pub on Chapel Lane is now the official ‘home’ bar for Chairboys fans, whilst the Flint Cottage is the away day boozer for travelling supporters.
👊 Excitement levels for Saturday? pic.twitter.com/8brQDwKPFR
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) August 3, 2023
On the changes being made, Bloomfield added: “One of the things I wanted to do was to be closer to the home fans as I’ve been lucky to have had a good relationship with them.
“I know there is a lot of work being done to improve the atmosphere at Adams Park as well, and it’s great to see so many people get together.”
On the season ahead, Bloomfield added: “I’m feeling excited, energised and I can’t wait to get going.
“It’s been a really quick pre-season as it’s just flown by and now we’re looking forward to getting stuck in.
"I ONLY WANT TO BE A BLUE" #Chairboys
— Phil Catchpole (@bluntphil) August 2, 2023
The club needs an anthem... https://t.co/X3RVH4hv2A
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“It’s really nice to be at home in front of our supporters and I’m pleased to hear the feedback of how excited they are in terms of the new signings, and how hard they are working to improve the atmosphere.
“They have given me such great support.
For the season ahead, the dugouts have been swapped so the Wycombe coaching staff will now be closer to the terrace.
— James Richings (@James_BFP) July 29, 2023
With that being said, I hope Cardiff lot have bought their umbrellas ☔️ #Chairboys #BlueBirds pic.twitter.com/0TVNtLQL0R
"After we lost to Cheltenham at home at the back end of last season, the reception I got in the bar at the end of the ground was fantastic.
“To be at home to share the day with our supporters with the new signings and kit adds to the excitement.
“But we will have clarity on what we need to do for us as a club."
Chris Spratt, who is one of the co-founders of the 1887 Twitter page, which was created to try and improve the stadium's atmosphere, told the Free Press: "If you look up 'Wycombe atmosphere' on Twitter, it won't be hard to find tweets stating how bad it has got in recent years.
Great things can happen when we come together.#Chairboys #The1887 pic.twitter.com/lB05db8H1f
— The 1887 (@the1887wwfc) July 28, 2023
"We want to change that and we've managed to get support from many people who love the club and we want to try and make Adams Park rocking.
"The play-off home game against MK [in May 2022], was probably one of the best nights I have ever experienced at a football stadium, and of course, the occasion played a part of it, but everyone was behind each and it was amazing.
"We've got a lot of support and we're looking forward to seeing what happens."
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