I MUST have stood in the ground for 20 minutes at the end of last Thursday's game attempting to collect my thoughts. Frustration, anger, dismay, sheer devastation. as the defiant chants kept coming, I felt above all proud to be a supporter of Wycombe Wanderers.
The performance of our team and the noise generated from fellow fans was just incredible, even in defeat.
We have been desperately unlucky this season. For most of it, we were the best team in that league by far. Even in the play offs we were undoubtedly the better team across both matches.
I don't wish to keep talking about all the off field problems this season but there is no doubt they have affected the players. On the pitch, we have certainly been unfortunate. During our 21 game unbeaten run, many of our draws should have been victories and even during our slump, chances have just not gone in. Darlington at home is another example of our dominance.
But a few minor adjustments are needed. When John Gorman returns to the helm, he will need to sort out a new goalkeeper in addition to more defensively minded full backs. He may also need a new left sided player plus another striker, someone like Andy Rammell who has a knack of being in the right place at the right time.
There are two ways of looking at next season. The players can either go into their shells and go through the motions. Or they can look back to memories of 1991-92. Then, Wycombe were desperately unlucky not to win promotion from the Conference after Colchester piped us on goal difference. The following season was the most successful in the club's history as Wycombe won everything in sight!
I thought League 2 was a poor league this season, but it is difficult to see it becoming stronger in August. Carlisle, Northampton and Leyton Orient are quality sides, and it is difficult to see Walsall, MK Dons, Hartlepool and Swindon being as strong. The players should use their experiences and memories, albeit bad ones, to come back better and stronger.
Disappointed players and fans can drink sangria on the beach this summer. There is no reason why next season it can't be champagne. Enjoy the summer.
Ian Baker is on the Board of Wycombe Wanderers Supporters Trust. For further details about the Trust and how to join please see www.wwst.org.
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