What Happened to Wycombe Wanderers’ Promising Season?

Another failed playoff campaign last night capped off what was a season full of promise for Wycombe Wanderers, as their season-long surge towards automatic promotion to the Championship collapsed in the very late stages.

Ultimately, a late spell of losses exhausted the Chairboys’ top two spectacle, whilst pushing them down the playoff rankings in the meantime. Then when it came to putting months of preparation into practice over two legs against Charlton, Mike Dodds’ men were just not cut out for it. What was a stale encounter in the playoffs ended 1-0 over both affairs, as a goal from Matt Godden sent the Addicks on towards Wembley.

However, Wycombe’s Championship refusal was not all down to a few poor performances. Along the season, they encountered numerous roadblocks, which in hindsight hindered their desired ending.

Matt Bloomfield’s Departure

With excellent performances on the pitch, comes interest and raiding of your best assets. That is exactly what Wycombe Wanderers experienced midway through this season.

Wycombe boss Matt Bloomfield has agreed a deal to become Luton’s new manager. #LTFC #WycombeWanderers pic.twitter.com/E9Y4HFdd85

— Pete O'Rourke (@SportsPeteO) January 13, 2025

At the time of Luton Town snatching Matt Bloomfield from Wycombe back in January, the Chairboys were sat in second position, two points off top, the most goals scored in the division and only four games lost all season. Of course, for a team that were never expected to be in that position, other clubs will come snooping around their talent – especially when Wycombe do not necessarily have as much financial power as others. However, this key event was one that all Wanderers fans were dreading the sight of after cruising in spectacular form for five months or so.

The dream start to the 2024/25 campaign saw Bloomfield win back-to-back League One Manager of the Month awards in October and November, as the Suffolker drove Wycombe to eight consecutive wins during that period. The form continued, making it less and less surprising that Championship Clubs were sniffing around him.

🏆 Back to back!

Matt Bloomfield is the @SkyBetLeagueOne Manager of the Month for the second month running.

Congratulations to Matt and all the staff and players for a 100% winning record in November. pic.twitter.com/SnScl3TvZz

— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) December 13, 2024

Despite losing their monarch, Wycombe still dealt very well with the transition. They appointed Mike Dodds – a man who has worked his his way up through coaching since the age of 18. Under new management the Chairboys pursued top two, creeping above the margin for as far along the season as three games to go. However, that was until Easter Monday, when a 4-0 defeat to Charlton saw Wycombe then lose the next two games against Leyton Orient and Stockport – all three of their playoff counterparts. As a result, they dropped all the way down to fifth place in time for the playoffs, which we have now seen them drop out from.

January Loan Saga

The January transfer window really came in to hit Wycombe like a truck. On top of Bloomfield leaving for Luton, the Chairboys also had some of their key loan players recalled.

Aaron Morley had joined Wycombe on a season-long loan last summer, after struggling to get starts for the Bolton Wanderers side. The midfielder hit the ground running straight away in Buckinghamshire, becoming one of the fan favourites through the chances he created and his ability to link the defence to attack. During his short stay, Morley contributed two goals and four assists in the quartered blue shirt, helping Wycombe to reach as high as first in the league. However, all good things come to an end; this one just concluded way earlier than expected.

(Aaron Morley Chances Created 2024/25: Opta)

Bolton recalled the 25-year-old in January, to the reluctance of all Wycombe fans, and Morley went on to add to his brilliant season back at his parent club. While reminiscing on the times he was in a Wycombe shirt, the midfielder is a player who could have made all the difference in the playoffs with his extra quality.

Amidst the devastation of Aaron Morley heading away from Adams Park, defender Caleb Taylor was also recalled by his parent club West Bromwich Albion in January. The 22-year-old was also fantastic during Wycombe’s first half of the season, which bared reason for the Baggies to pull him back by the collar. However, less than a month later, Taylor returned to Wycombe for the rest of the season. The games Caleb Taylor had missed saw Wycombe drop crucial points to Blackpool, Huddersfield and Northampton, which was certainly not ideal for their promotion push.

💙 Back. In. Blue!

Caleb Taylor rejoins us on loan from West Bromwich Albion for the rest of the season.

Welcome back CT! pic.twitter.com/QXwY8xOVOK

— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) January 29, 2025

Kone’s Drop Off

Richard Kone was untouchable in the first half of this season. After having a story like no other from being homeless and playing Step 5 football, to joining League One Wycombe Wanderers in 2024 – the Ivorian had officially surfaced in the EFL, scoring goals for fun.

Prior to the new year, Kone had bagged 15 goals in all competitions as he looked set to pick up the League One Golden Boot alongside a potential promotion. However, since 2025 hit, the 21-year-old has only found the net six times, whilst not scoring a goal in any of his last 10 matches. It must not be deceived, Kone has still had a fantastic year in his first full season of professional football. However, the Richard Kone that finished off this campaign and played in the two foiling playoff legs, has been a shadow of his old self. Whilst Wycombe finished these two legs without scoring a goal, they really could have done with someone to take the edge off by finding the net – something that Kone would usually be the most reliable at doing.

(Richard Kone League One Stats 2024/25: FotMob)

The striker ended the term off on 18 league goals, missing out of the Golden Boot by Charlie Kelman’s three goal margin. Although, at 21 years of age, Kone has a brilliant future ahead of him and will definitely be amongst many clubs’ transfer targets.