Wycombe Wanderers have a major problem, and Mike Dodds has demonstrated that just adding players will not solve it.
Wycombe suffered defeat for the third time in four games against Exeter City on Tuesday evening, owing to a disastrous own goal from captain Jack Grimmer.
After controlling the game for huge stretches, the Chairboys gave the visitors all three points when the captain stupidly headed the ball backwards into his own net, the latest in a string of individual mistakes that have cost Dodds’ side points.
Once again, the Blues were punished for being lifeless in front of goal and failing to open the score in the first half, despite having Exeter penned into their own half.
This is nothing new; in 25 matches under Dodds, Wycombe has only scored three goals in the first half. This is proving to be a frustrating and, frankly, worrying trend in the 39-year-old’s tenure at Adams Park.
Wycombe Wanderers face first-half troubles under Mike Dodds
The fans’ attitude towards the Buckinghamshire team is clearly not positive, following a disastrous start to the season in which they have only one point out of a potential 12. Of course, it’s early days, and integrating 12 new players will take some time.
However, there is a tendency that has carried over from last season that will cause Dodds significant headaches.
Wycombe have played 25 games under the ex-Sunderland temporary manager, but have only scored in the first half three times, indicating that they do not impose their control from the start of matches.
This cost Wanderers on Tuesday night, as they had Exeter penned in but were unable to capitalise on their early pressure, and were ultimately punished following an aggravating own goal.
Following the match, Dodds gave what can only be characterized as a confusing interview to the club’s social media channel, saying “my concern isn’t putting the ball in the back of the net” and adamantly stating that he is “not changing” anything about his strategy.
While some signs of synergy are emerging, Wycombe’s new style of play may suffer if they retain their uncompromising position against clubs that play in a low block.
What Mike Dodds can do to solve the first-half concerns
Wycombe have yet to lead a single minute of their first four league games, and have found themselves chasing after a poor start that cost them points.
We saw challenges against the low block last season, and it appears that they will continue this season, as the Chairboys are simply far too slow in their build-up play to pose problems for teams.
While it is easier said than done, Dodds must push his team to start games aggressively, get in the opponents’ faces, score early on, and then focus on game management. His side currently appears flat and lifeless from the outset, explaining the slow beginnings.
| Wycombe Wanderers – Most successful permanent managers since 1990 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manager | Years active | Win rate | ||||
| Matt Bloomfield | Feb 21, 2023 – Jan 14, 2025 | 48.15% | ||||
| Martin O’Neill | Aug 1, 1990 – Jun 13, 1995 | 46.43% | ||||
| Paul Lambert | Jun 30, 2006 – May 30, 2008 | 40.74% | ||||
| Gareth Ainsworth | Sep 24, 2012 – Feb 21, 2023 | 39.82% | ||||
| John Gorman | Nov 30, 2004 – Jun 5, 2006 | 36.14% | ||||
| Peter Taylor | May 30, 2008 – Oct 9, 2009 | 34.92% | ||||
| Lawrie Sanchez | Feb 5, 1999 – Sep 30, 2003 | 33.98% | ||||
| John Gregory | Oct 22, 1996 – Feb 25, 1998 | 32.89% | ||||
| Mike Dodds | Feb 2, 2025 – Present | 32%* | ||||
| Gary Waddock | Oct 13, 2009 – Sep 23, 2012 | 31.97% | ||||
| Alan Smith | Jun 29, 1995 – Jul 31, 1996 | 30.77% | ||||
| Neil Smillie | Feb 25, 1998 – Jan 11, 1999 | 27.66% | ||||
| Tony Adams | Nov 5, 2003 – Nov 9, 2004 | 22.64% | ||||
| *Correct as of Aug 20, 2025 | ||||||
Adams Park used to be a fortress that teams dreaded visiting, but under the current manager, it has lost that reputation, which Wanderers urgently need to reclaim in order to recapture some of the confidence displayed by previous successful sides.
Being aggressive from the outset, establishing play fast, committing bodies forward, and taking risks will help Wycombe to take games by the scruff of the neck, but it cannot be rectified by merely signing someone; it is a mentality issue.
So Dodds needs to instill in his players the importance of being aggressive from the start, not being unduly cautious, taking risks, and using individual quality to help establish a blueprint for success, rather than plodding, methodical, predictable build-up play.
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