With Anthony Stewart’s move to Aberdeen being confirmed, the boots to replace the ever-reliable centre back will need to be up for the challenge.
The 29-year-old was one of the first names on Gareth Ainsworth’s team sheet, playing 42 times for the Light and Dark Blue Army last season in all competitions.
Anthony was offered a new deal at the end of the season but has opted not to return to the #Chairboys, for whom he made close to 300 appearances and became a firm fans' favourite, not least for his outstanding display in the successful League 1 play-off final in 2020.
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) June 21, 2022
He was an integral part of Wycombe’s promotion push as the Chairboys booked a place in the League One play-off final, only to lose 2-0 against Sunderland in the Wembley showpiece.
But his decision to not renew his contract in order to move north of the English border means Wanderers are now looking to replace the defender.
He leaves the club with the best wishes and gratitude of everyone at Wycombe Wanderers, and we wish him well with the two-time European trophy winners.#Chairboys
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) June 21, 2022
And whilst there are many options to explore Stewart’s successor, there could be a solution closer to home.
The 2022/23 season could be the year that Chris Forino cements his place as a first-time regular at the heart of Wycombe’s defence.
Of course, there will be new faces arriving at Adams Park this summer, there is no denying that, but if Forino shows his worth as he did last season, there is nothing to suggest that he can’t be one of the most important names on Ainsworth’s team sheet.
Chris Forino vs Sheffield Wednesday;
— The Wycombe Way (@theWycombeWay) April 23, 2022
Clearances - 6
Shots Blocked - 1
Interceptions - 3
Tackles - 2
Dribbled Past - 0
Ground Duels Won - 3
Aerial Duels Won - 2
🤯 Unbelievable #Chairboys pic.twitter.com/y13iY5gj9o
Arriving as a free agent in April 2021 following his choice to drop out of university, the centre back made his debut for the Chairboys in the 3-1 home defeat against the Aston Villa Under 21 side in the Football League Trophy in August of that year.
READ MORE: Rumours are linking fan favourite with a move to a Scottish Premiership side
He played the full 90 minutes in the cup defeat and after excelling in development matches under the stewardship of Sam Grace, he was drafted into the starting 11 for Wanderers’ 2-2 draw against Hartlepool United in the FA Cup, which is where he scored his first-ever professional goal.
It’s not Chris forino it’s Chris fori-yes
— Josh Iris (@_joshiris) December 29, 2021
Another appearance in the EFL Trophy followed before a lengthy spell as a League One starter soon followed.
From his league debut against Burton Albion in December 2021 to his final appearance of the campaign against Sheffield Wednesday in April, Forino played in 15 League One matches starting 13 of those games.
Wycombe defender Chris Forino wins the club's Player of the Month award for December #Chairboys https://t.co/Q4EttnVNbI
— James Richings (@James_BFP) January 8, 2022
He only came off the bench twice in that time, and failed to complete 90 minutes just once as a starter, which was in the 1-0 away defeat against Ipswich Town at the end of December.
READ MORE: "A no brainer": Former Wycombe Wanderers keeper's first words with Owls
Described by Gareth Ainsworth as a ‘raw talent’, in the matches that he started he showed he is capable of not being afraid to get stuck in and make his presence known when facing the opposition.
In fact, in the last five matches he played for Wycombe at the back end of the last season, he was achieving an average score of just over 7/10 from www.fotmob.com, which saw him keep two clean sheets.
He is also a good attacking threat in the air, as both of his goals so far for the Chairboys have come via his head.
62 - GOOOOAAAALLLL!!!!! CHRIS FORINO WITH HIS FIRST WYCOMBE GOAL! #Chairboys #FACup
— James Richings (@James_BFP) November 6, 2021
🔵1-1🪑
85 - GOOOAAALLLLL!!!! IT'S CHRIS FORINO WITH HEADER! #Chairboys #Imps
— James Richings (@James_BFP) February 12, 2022
🔴⚪️ 1-1 🔵
It will not be a shock to see a few new faces at Adams Park this summer, especially in the defence with Stewart now leaving, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this university dropout turned footballer becomes a popular name in League One next season.
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