It’s the day that many Wycombe fans have been looking forward to, as the start of the new season is just a few hours away.
The Chairboys take on Accrington Stanley at Adams Park, with Gareth Ainsworth’s men hoping to get their season off to a flyer following their return to League One.
However, whilst on paper, this may not be the most glamorous of fixtures, for both Wanderers and Stanley fans, the match in South Bucks is set to be a tasty affair.
Let’s start with Wycombe.
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Following the club’s relegation to the third tier of English football on the final day of last season, the club have experienced what can only be described as a summer of transition, as they hope to return to the Championship.
The wait is nearly over.
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) August 7, 2021
IT'S MATCHDAY!
See you later at Our House.
Tickets still available from https://t.co/L8vpuHcHxy.#WYCvACC pic.twitter.com/RqHoAaQ42r
Adams Park has had a huge makeover with new scoreboards, advertising hoardings, dugouts, press area, wifi, as well as going cashless – these are just some of the changes that have been implemented at the club.
On top of this, Wycombe's Marlow Road training ground has also been revamped, and with the Couhig family showing their intentions in making the stadium a fortress, it’s not a surprise that fans are giddy to be back at the Hillbottom Road-based venue.
On the pitch, several players who were part of the historic 2019/20 promotion-winning team have departed this summer.
Darius Charles, Alex Pattison, and Giles Phillips, who were all in the squad on July 13, 2020 to face Oxford United, have joined AFC Wimbledon, Harrogate Town and Aldershot Town respectively on free transfers, whilst goalkeeper Ryan Allsop has been released.
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Fan favourite Uche Ikpeazu, who joined a year ago, said his goodbyes this summer as he joined Middlesbrough, whilst Fred Onyedinma, who won the penalty which gave Wanderers their promotion win against Oxford, has left to sign for Luton Town.
Let's go!
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) August 6, 2021
You can book tickets for Saturday's season launch fixture right up to kick-off via https://t.co/L8vpuGV6G0.
The gaffer can't wait to see you back at Adams Park.#WYCvACC
Both of these players have departed on undisclosed fees.
Loanees such as Nnamdi Ofoborh, Josh Knight, Admiral Muskwe, and Dennis Adeniran have since found new clubs, but with Gareth Ainsworth’s vision and Rob Couhig’s chequebook, Wycombe have bought in some stellar replacements.
Sam Vokes being the standout name, as he has joined from Stoke City.
The Welshman comes in as Ikpeazu’s replacement and with his pedigree of being a Premier League and European Championship goal scorer, he will no doubt get fans off their seats this campaign following his difficult time at the Potteries.
Josh Scowen is back and after six-and-half years, Sullay Kaikai comes in to replace the outgoing Onyedinma, and with many free agents signing for the B team, could we see another Anis Mehmeti come through this season?
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On to Accrington Stanley and it’s fair to say that they have done a Wycombe in recent seasons.
A club that was reformed in the 1960s due to a financial crisis, Stanley have been in the EFL since the 2006/07 season, spending 12 years in League Two before being promoted to League One in 2018, alongside Wanderers.
Since then, they have enjoyed three safe years in England’s third tier, finishing 14th (2019), 17th (2020), and 11th (2021) respectively.
But could this season be the year that John Coleman’s men push for the Championship?
They have brought in 14 new players to the Crown Ground so far this summer, but have let their ever-popular defender in Mark Hughes depart to Bristol Rovers, who are now in League Two, on a free transfer, after he rejected a new contract.
Smile for the cameras!
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) August 5, 2021
Go backstage at the #Chairboys' photoshoot this week.
With thanks to @PrimeMediaUK and @TomPowellCamera.#Chairboys pic.twitter.com/9dGfbTAXkl
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Whatever happens, it’s going to be great to see fans back at Adams Park for a competitive fixture, and I think it’ll be a day to remember whatever the scoreline.
My prediction: Wycombe Wanderers 3-2 Accrington Stanley
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