Football is a game of opinions, but there is a saying which perfectly describes today’s keyboard critics: ‘What a pity all the people who know how best to manage football teams are busy doing other jobs or sitting on their sofas!’
I thought about it this week when social media went into a predictable meltdown after Wycombe suffered a third successive defeat in their 1-0 loss to League One leaders Plymouth Argyle.
Wycombe fans, which of the following teams do you consider to be the club’s biggest rival? With Oxford next up, debates about it being a derby will start (I personally think it is), and I’m curious to know your thoughts. #Chairboys #CUFC #OUFC #MK
— James Richings (@James_BFP) October 3, 2022
A crippling injury list and a set of fixtures that would have challenged the best teams in the division were glossed over in the need to find a scapegoat.
There were calls for manager Gareth Ainsworth to be sacked and predictions that his team are facing a relegation battle.
Just four months after Ainsworth led the Chairboys to a club-record number of points in the EFL and stood 90 minutes away from promotion to the Championship for the second time in three seasons.
Oxford United and the #Chairboys will be helping to share important messages about mental health amongst young people at this Saturday's game, in partnership with @YoungMindsUK.
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) October 5, 2022
It's important to talk, and to remember you're never alone.#OXFvWYC pic.twitter.com/eAGTujZphL
Ainsworth was criticized for his inactivity in the transfer market, training methods, team selection, style of play, use of substitutes etc.
He was labelled ‘clueless,’ ‘tactically inept,’ ‘lacking a plan B’ and the other thoughtless cliches trotted out by people with no comparable background in the game.
The armchair critics clearly believe they know more than a man who played 600 games in professional football and has been a successful manager for 10 years.
Against this inflamed background, Wanderers face Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday, October 8.
READ MORE: Sunderland fans compare Preston's defending to Wycombe's following 0-0 draw
Oxford have also made a disappointing start to the season with only three wins from eleven games and they are 18th in the table, one place above Wycombe on the same number of points.
Overseas fans can watch Saturday's game at Oxford United live on WanderersTV with a £10 match pass or the £25 monthly subscription.
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) October 6, 2022
Join today!#OXFvWYC
Wanderers have not won away to their near neighbours since November 1, 2014, but fans will take encouragement from the four points gained against Karl Robinson’s team last season, and their memorable victory over them in the play-off final at Wembley two years ago.
A win would relieve some of the pressure, another defeat, and the keyboard ‘experts’ will be in full angry mode once again.
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