Pre-Season Preview | Wycombe Wanderers vs. Cardiff City
Cardiff City take on Wycombe Wanderers in Joe Jacobson’s Testimonial Match at Adams Park on Saturday July 29th, 3pm KO.
ONCE A BLUEBIRD | JOE JACOBSON
This weekend’s clash will honour Jacobson in his testimonial match, after coming through the ranks as a Bluebird.
The City Academy graduate has since had a stellar career in the EFL, representing the likes of Bristol Rovers, Shrewsbury Town and his current club, Wycombe Wanderers.
Joining the latter in 2014, the defender has gone on to make over 300 league appearances for the club, gaining promotion from League Two in 2018 and from League One in 2020.
Currently in preparation for his tenth season as a Chairboy, the Cardiff-born left-back’s achievements will be recognised this weekend.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
Wycombe’s current manager is club legend Matt Bloomfield, who was appointed in February 2023, following the departure of Gareth Ainsworth to Queens Park Rangers.
In his playing career, Bloomfield represented Wycombe between 2003 and 2022, making a remarkable 488 league appearances for the club and scoring 40 goals.
Having switched to management in 2022, Bloomfield was appointed head coach of League Two side Colchester United.
At the time of his appointment, the side were sat in 21st position, until Bloomfield steadied the ship upon his arrival.
In January 2023, a tally of 13 points from six matches saw him named League Two Manager of the Month.
Since his appointment, the Wycombe Wanderers manager has a 26.7% win percentage from 15 matches.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | A LOOK AT LAST SEASON
Wycombe competed in League One last season, finishing ninth in the table at the end of the campaign.
In a competitive third-tier, the Chairboys finished nine points behind the occupants of the final play-off position, Peterborough United.
In the FA Cup, Wycombe were knocked out by Walsall in the first round, while the side reached the second round of the EFL Cup. After defeating Northampton Town in the first round, Wycombe bowed out of the competition at the hands of Championship outfit Bristol City.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SUMMER SIGNINGS
It’s been a busy summer of transfers for Wycombe Wanderers, with eight signings made so far.
With Crystal Palace goalkeeper Laurence Shala arriving, the defensive options have been bolstered with the loan signing of Sheffield United left-back Harry Boyes and experienced centre-back Richard Keogh.
In addition, Welsh defender Joe Low and right-back Kane Vincent-Young have joined from Bristol City and Ipswich Town respectively, while Shrewsbury Town left-back Luke Leahy has also put pen-to-paper.
The Chairboys have utilised the loan market to strengthen in midfield and attack, with the acquisitions of Manchester City’s Kian Breckin and Nottingham Forest striker Dale Taylor.
