Wanderers owner Steve Hayes has paid tribute to Cardiff City and Watford for the way they conducted themselves over the transfers of Roger Johnson and Mike Williamson.

Former Blues defenders 'Magic' and 'Willo' recently sealed moves to Premier League clubs Birmingham City and Portsmouth respectively after successful spells playing in the Championship.

Mr.Hayes insisted on having sell-on clauses included in the deals when he negotiated the original transfers from Wycombe and he's praised the two chairmen he dealt with, Messrs 'Jimmy' Russo (Watford) and Peter Ridsdale (Cardiff).

Said Mr. Hayes: "Jimmy Russo was superb all the way through the Mike Williamson deal. He kept us informed every step of the way as did Peter Ridsdale when they did the Roger Johnson transfer.

"Both of them were first class and an absolute pleasure to work with. It's great to deal with top businessmen like Jimmy and Peter because I've dealt with other chairmen in the past who were nothing like as professional."

Mr.Hayes also answered the criticism that Wycombe could have held out for bigger fees for Johnson and Williamson: "I know that people will look at the money that Watford and Cardiff got, but we would have never been able to get those types of fees. It just wasn't possible.

"We installed sell-on clauses and that was the sensible thing to do as we haven't received much money in transfers fees since we sold Nathan Tyson to Nottingham Forest."

Apart from the financial benefit of the deals - which should see the Blues net over £1m - Mr.Hayes is also delighted to see the former Wanderers duo plying their trade in what's regarded as the best league in the world.

He said: "We've got two former players in the Premier League and I'm absolutely delighted for both of them. Willo was here a long time and he did some great things for the club. As for Roger, I've taken a half share with him in a hospitality box at St. Andrews and I'll be going up to watch him play. I speak to him regularly - he's a good lad. I've also kept in contact with Willo."