Adebayo Akinfenwa has declared that Wycombe Wanderers will always be his team following an emotional return to the club's training ground this week. The former striker, now 44, visited Marlow Road to meet current players and staff, many of whom were former teammates. His visit comes as the current side prepares for its next fixture at home to Notts County on Saturday 17 October.
He toured the upgraded facilities at Adams Park and was impressed by the scale of the changes. "If we had this when I was playing, we would have made it to the Prem," Akinfenwa said.
Reflecting on a Wycombe legacy
Akinfenwa spent six years at Wycombe, scoring 61 goals in 251 appearances and helping the club achieve two promotions, including a historic first ascent to the Championship in 2020. He won the club’s Player of the Season award twice and retired as a Wanderers player. "The fans helped, the players helped, the gaffer and the coaches helped, and the way I was managed helped," he reflected.
He recalled the strong bond within Gareth Ainsworth's squad, singling out former striker Josh Parker for ensuring the dressing room playlist was on point. Memorable matches included a key away win at Chesterfield, where Dom Gape scored, and training through snowy conditions before securing a 1-0 victory. His return this week saw him reconnect with former colleagues like Jack Grimmer, who scored a late consolation in the recent 4-1 defeat to Luton, Josh Scowen, Fred Onyedinma, and Sam Vokes, who are still involved with the club. He also shared stories with the squad list about the club's culture and his experiences.
His visit provides a nostalgic lift for supporters as the current team handles a mixed start to the League One season. The team has scored 14 goals but conceded 20, leaving them nine points behind leaders Plymouth. Their recent form shows promise with three wins and a draw from their last five matches, a run that includes a 4-1 victory over Bristol Rovers where Emre Tezgel scored twice and Cauley Woodrow netted, and a 2-2 draw with Reading. Akinfenwa's final sentiment captured his enduring connection. "I'll stand 10 toes on it, it's my team and it's the team that I always look out for," he said.
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