Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth has reflected on the club’s relationship with Sheffield Wednesday.
Off the pitch, there is a level of respect and politeness between the two outfits, which dates back to 2012.
In May of that year, the Owls defeated the Chairboys 2-0 at Hillsborough to achieve promotion back to the Championship following a two-year absence.
Thanks to @swfc fans for the messages of support - great to hear the friendship remains strong since THAT day! #swfc pic.twitter.com/7rA4BD2B0Q
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) May 6, 2015
The result not only confirmed their place back in England’s second tier, but it also relegated Wanderers into League One.
At the full-time whistle which saw a mass pitch invasion from the home faithful, several Chairboys fans joined in on their celebration and thus, an off-the-pitch friendship was born.
The friendly scenes are still talked about fondly amongst both sets of supporters to this day.
@wwfcofficial one of my favourite away days ever. Never heard an atmosphere quite like that before! Quality touch allowing us on the pitch!
— Jamie Roberts (@jamleeroberts) May 6, 2015
Speaking ahead of the Yorkshire side’s visit to Adams Park, he said: “I remember a few years ago in what was one of my last seasons as a player, we went to Hillsborough and lost.
“They were promoted to the Championship whilst we went down and now, how times have changed.
“It’s a lot more even though and that’s taken years of hard work to make that happen.
“There was a mutual respect that day as well as a celebration.
@wwfcofficial @swfc good luck guys praying you get promotion. The Wednesday are behind you all the way
— StevieG (@StevieG0v0) May 6, 2015
“They had obviously just been promoted whilst Wycombe had a good season, but unfortunately Wycombe lost their status, and I think the Wycombe fans celebrated with the Sheffield Wednesday fans that day and there is mutual respect between the two without a doubt.
However, despite the ‘friendly rivalry’ between the two sides, Ainsworth made it no secret that the match between the Chairboys and the Owls will see both teams go for the win.
At the time of writing, Wednesday are in fourth on 79 points whilst Wanderer are in sixth on 77 points.
A win for Wycombe will see them replace the Owls in fourth, but this is dependent on how Plymouth Argyle, Sunderland, and Oxford United get on.
@wwfcofficial @swfc good luck Wycombe, great club, even greater fans... Will be shouting for you
— Trevor (@sunfightermusic) May 6, 2015
The boss continued: “Believe me, both sets of fans will want to win.
READ MORE: Looking back at Wycombe Wanderers' biggest crowds at Adams Park over the last decade
“Both sets of fans will want to see their teams play well and despite the respect between the two teams, the fans will want to see their team get a result.
“That’s why I need the Wycombe fans to get behind the boys as Sheffield Wednesday will be travelling in big numbers and will make a lot of noise.
“We know how to get into the play-offs, it’s just about winning them now.
@wwfcofficial @swfc Good luck lads.
— METTS 🦉🇨🇱 (@mettam71) May 6, 2015
“I’ve always said that I’ve never lost in the play-offs as the penalty shootout [2015 League Two play-off final] doesn’t count in my head, so we know how to win and draw them, but let's get into them first.
“We are really proud of where we are sitting at the table and getting into the play-offs is still firmly in our hands.
“If we get enough points on the board we’ll get into the play-offs and that’ll be huge to this club.
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