Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth has revealed that regardless of the club’s fate for the season, the 2021/22 campaign will go down as a ‘success’.
The Chairboys are currently sitting in seventh place on 80 points, and even if they were to defeat Burton Albion on the final day this weekend, a play-off place is still not guaranteed for the Adams Park outfit.
If the club were to achieve either a draw or a win to take them above 80 points and they finish outside the top six, it will be the highest number of points gained for a side in the third tier of English football to not secure a place in the play-offs.
Not long spoken to the boss about Burton. He revealed that there is a positive mood in and around camp, that regardless of what happens, the season is still a success for Wycombe along with injury updates. Articles to be up today and tomorrow #Chairboys
— James Richings 🏴 🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) April 28, 2022
The record currently stands with Tranmere Rovers and Bristol Rovers, as the two sides gained 80 points in the 2002/03 and 1999/00 seasons respectively but missed out on a top-six finish.
When asked if the season has been a success, Ainsworth told the press: “Absolutely, because of the points tally.
“None of us thought 80 points wouldn’t be enough for a side to not get into the play-offs and I believe we’ve done more than enough this season.
“However, with the company we’ve got at the top of the league, it’s just phenomenal what it looks like it might need.
😍#EFL | #SkyBetLeagueOne pic.twitter.com/BA78QvNrRQ
— Sky Bet League One (@SkyBetLeagueOne) April 27, 2022
“I think this has been a freaky season with the points that are being asked for so it’s been a crazy season and in terms of success, how do you judge it?
“For me, it’s all about performance and I’ve said to judge us after 46 games and if we are in the play-offs, then that is a huge success for this football club.
READ MORE: 'We're huge' - Wycombe sell out Burton's away end for final game of the season
“It’s been a real joy to see what the boys have taken on this season and I can’t wait to see what happens on Saturday.”
Wycombe go into the fixture against the Brewers being the most in form side in League One, as the Chairboys have picked up 25 points from their last 33 available.
Most in form sides in the 92 ✅🔥 pic.twitter.com/fOtAYaUzcq
— The92Bible (@The92Bible) April 27, 2022
They are unbeaten in 11 matches, have kept seven clean sheets (which included four in a row), and have scored 18 goals in that time.
But they do not have the best of records against the Brewers on the road, as Wanderers have lost their last four fixtures at the Pirelli.
The boss concluded: “Whatever happens, we’ve had a very successful season and I am very proud.
“There’s no pressure.
“I’ve told the boys to win just another game.
Just had a chat with the always excellent @wwfcofficial boss Gareth Ainsworth which you can hear on the football league @TheTotallyShow out later. He can’t wait for Saturday. Last day of league one set to be a thriller at the top. pic.twitter.com/731ZWhg3fV
— Matt Davies-Adams (@MattDaviesAdams) April 28, 2022
“We know what we have to do and we’re going to go to Burton to try and win the game.
“We know that we need favours but that has happened before, but I think we’ve got a real opportunity here with making these play-offs.
“We’ve got nothing to lose.”
The match will kick-off at 12.30pm.
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