Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth has revealed he received a message of support from former Chairboys boss, Martin O’Neill.
The Northern Irishman spent five years with Wanderers between 1990 and 1995, where he won two promotions in 1993 and 1994, as well as two FA Trophy cups in 1991 and 1993.
🎂 Martin O'Neill
— Chairboys on the Net - Paul Lewis (@GasmanCOTN) March 1, 2022
7️⃣0️⃣ today 💙#wycombe #chairboys #legend pic.twitter.com/SbTXRF9BPv
Since leaving the club 27 years ago, O’Neill has since managed in the Premier League with Leicester City, Aston Villa and Sunderland, Wanderers' League One play-off final opponents, respectively, whilst also taking charge of Celtic and Nottingham Forest.
He also led the Republic of Ireland to Euro 2016 where they lost to the host nation and the tournament’s runners-up, France, 2-1 in the Round of 16.
Ainsworth said: “I had a phone call from Martin O’Neill who said he will be there, and moments like that for me are really special because you don’t really get that much credit within the game.
Happy 70th birthday to the one and only Martin O'Neill!#Chairboys pic.twitter.com/ePqgkarh8s
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) March 1, 2022
“You’re the manager so you tell how well everyone is doing or not how well everyone is doing, so it’s nice that every once in a while, a person like Martin calls up and tells you to go for it.
READ MORE: Sunderland fan to travel to Wycombe final via SPAIN as it's cheaper than going by train
“We’re going to take it in our stride and I am looking forward to seeing the likes of Chris Forino who was at university last year, and Anis Mehmeti was playing in step nine last year (in the Non League pyramid), so to experience this Wembley moment is brilliant.
Adams Park, December 1990
— Football Past (@thecentretunnel) June 6, 2021
Interview with Wycombe Wanderers manager Martin O'Neill pic.twitter.com/bxdKoALCCP
“Then on the other side, you’ve got David Stockdale who two years ago was out biggest influencer on the bench.
“It’s as if he has earned his right to play at Wembley for what he did two years ago.”
The match at Wembley Stadium will kick-off at 3pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here