The 2022 League One play-off final will be a memorable day for Wycombe Wanderers whatever the outcome.

It will be the Chairboys’ second League One play-off final in three seasons, it will be the first time in seven years that fans will be able to watch the Adams Park club in the flesh at Wembley Stadium, and it is expected to be the biggest ever crowd involving Gareth Ainsworth’s men.

This is at the end of what has been an amazing 2021/22 campaign for Wycombe, as they achieved 83 points, kept 17 league clean sheets whilst also enjoying a 13-game unbeaten run.

During the nine-month season, legendary captain Matt Bloomfield retired after 18 years as a contracted player, along with the club’s much-loved striker, Adebayo Akinfenwa.

READ MORE: Thank you for the memories Bayo - Saying goodbye to one of Wycombe's greatest-ever signings

The 40-year-old, who has played over 200 games in six years under Gareth Ainsworth’s stewardship, will have his swansong at Wembley Stadium on May 21, when Wycombe take on Sunderland in this year’s League One play-off final.

So, as we prepare for Bayo’s last Wycombe match, let us look back to when he ‘turned down’ one of the biggest clubs in English football.

‘For the love of chicken’

It was January 2018.

Wycombe Wanderers were enjoying a fine season in League Two as they fought for promotion to League One.

They were sitting in the play-off places of England’s fourth tier when an extraordinary rumour started to circulate.

Three leagues above them in the Premier League saw Chelsea, who were the reigning champions, struggling.

Then manager Antonio Conte had splashed out an eye-watering £60m on striker Alvaro Morata, who was having tough time in front of goal. 

READ MORE: Adebayo Akinfenwa poses with a Bucks Free Press newspaper

Diego Costa was on his way out and with Michy Batshauyi being inconsistent with his performances before being loaned out to Borussia Dortmund, the Italian boss was looking around for a classic number nine to help fire Chelsea to success.

Some of the names that were being linked to joining the club included Peter Crouch, Andy Carroll and Christian Benteke who at the time, were playing for Stoke City, West Ham United and Crystal Palace respectively.

There was also another name that was getting mentioned…Adebayo Akinfenwa.

Whilst it was never confirmed, rumours through the grapevine were linking the Beast to West London, as Bayo’s attributes ticked all of Conte’s boxes.

He can head the ball, he is strong, he is a threat in the box and most importantly, he can score goals.

However, Akinfenwa, who was in his second season with Wanderers, quickly quashed the speculation due to one important dealbreaker.

READ MORE: Adebayo Akinfenwa: A career swansong at the home of English football

In a Twitter post, the Liverpool fan jokingly said: “Woke up hearing the Chelsea rumours, I'm flattered but I've heard Conte don't allow chicken at the training ground sorry can't do it! #ForTheLoveOfChicken.'”

It is highly unlikely that the source of this incredible story will ever be revealed, and whilst no transfer materialised, both clubs would go on to have happy endings for the 2017/18 season.

Chelsea, who opted to sign Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud, would go on to win that year’s FA Cup by defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the final, whilst Wycombe gained promotion to League One with a 2-1 victory away at Chesterfield.

It was one of the most incredible and unexpected transfer rumours in recent times, and I do wonder how different life would be if Conte allowed chicken to be served at the Cobham Training Ground.