Following on from a series of letters showing their support to Steve Hayes' proposed takeover of the Wanderers, head of youth Richard Dobson expresses his views in a letter to the club - ahead of the vote on Monday evening.
"Dear Sir,
I write in support of Steve Hayes' bid to gain ownership of Wycombe Wanderers FC and to share my views on the future of the club. My viewpoint is solely from the perspective of the Youth Development Department at the club as I do not have the history that many supporters and their families have shared with Wycombe Wanderers FC.
Whilst I understand some of the concerns that a takeover bid raises I am like many others, in the fact that I want to be part of a prosperous and successful club that shows ambition.
I came to the club two years ago because I found it an ambitious club with real potential to build upon. Over that period we have continued to build a youth development system in order to compete with bigger clubs and those who operate Academy systems.
Our current Centre of Excellence lacks the necessary training facility requirements for us to achieve Academy status and whilst we have been praised by the Football League for our youth development programme we are not in a position to achieve our ultimate aim of becoming an Academy with our existing facilities.
Becoming an Academy would allow our players to compete against the best young footballers in the country on a regular basis, therefore providing a greater challenge for their development.
For our youth development system to grow, it is crucial that we enhance our existing facilities and bring them into line with or better than those of Academy clubs.
I believe a new stadium complex with enhanced training facilities would take our Youth Department to a new level and enable us to compete on a level playing field with most Academies.
It would improve our chances of recruiting outstanding young talent and give the coaching staff a better platform from which to work. In short, I want Wycombe Wanderers FC Youth Department to compete with the best. Having heard Steve's plans for the future I am certain that he shares this commitment to excellence and wants to take the club forward in all areas.
His vision for the club is one of growth and prosperity whilst maintaining strong community links. I feel that we can look to a positive future if Steve Hayes gains ownership of the club
Yours sincerely,
Richard Dobson
