Club owner Steve Hayes has today spoken out following the publication of Football League clubs' spending on agents' fees during the 2009-10 season.
The latest figures show that clubs committed £12.7m to agents between July 2009 and June 2010 compared to £8.8m for the same period in 2008-09.
In announcing the latest agents' fees figures Football League Chairman Greg Clarke voiced concern, saying: "Given the current economic climate, it is worrying to see such a significant amount leaking from the game.
"This year's figures demonstrate a considerable increase on those of last season and it is essential that clubs work to reduce this liability over the coming campaign."
In response, Mr. Hayes said: "Greg Clarke is very keen for Football League clubs to not pay agents' fees, but it's a necessary evil. Sometimes you have to pay an agent a fee to get a transfer finalised and we've done that again this summer, but, crucially, we are within budget.
"At end of last season, I sat down with Gary and we agreed a budget for this season which included transfer fees, wages, and agents' fees, and I'm happy to say we have managed to bring in nine players and stay within that budget, which is the most important thing."
He added: "I said 18 months ago that we would never pay an agent fee ever again but, after losing out on a number of players because of our stance, we have had to change our approach.
"What I said at that time was true. Like every other club, we don't want to pay agents' fees, but to attract players and to benefit Wycombe Wanderers Football Club, we have had to. In any business you have to re-evaluate and sometimes change approach, I had to change and I did. I'll always put the club first.
"It still upsets me that we are paying money to agents we would rather be playing to our players. But we negotiate hard on every single deal to make sure we get good value and, as I have stated before, to make sure we never go over budget."
Blues boss Gary Waddock said: "Wycombe is the most organised club I have worked for when it comes to budgets and planning, and I was more than happy with what Steve and I agreed for this season.
"We have a strong working relationship. We speak regularly and the backing he has given me in the transfer market has been fantastic. That's the reason we've been able to bring in the signings we have. It's been a real team effort."
