FootyChatter.com

Mike Dodds was last in charge of Sunderland in the second half of last season Wycombe Wanderers have appointed Mike Dodds as their new head coach on a contract until the summer of 2028. He replaces Matt Bloomfield who left Adams Park last month after two years in charge to become manager of Championship club Luton Town. Dodds was assistant head coach at Sunderland, where he also had three spells as interim boss, winning four of his 18 games in charge. "His track record in improving individual players [and] developing young talent was a key factor in our decision, as we believe this will be crucial to our long-term success, " said a Wycombe statement. "In addition, Mike shares our vision of building the club through innovation and data, ensuring that we continue to evolve and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape. "He also strongly aligns with our commitment to the academy being an integral part of our future strategy, and we are confident that his leadership will help us further strengthen our pathway from youth to first-team football. " The Chairboys are second in League One following Saturday's 1-1 draw with Cambridge United, four points behind Birmingham City but five clear of Wrexham in third. Dodds, 38, will take up his new role on Thursday. Until then, the interim management team headed by Sam Grace, who have helped Wycombe take eight points from four games since Bloomfield's departure, will remain in charge. The club have already signed defenders Sonny Bradley and Anders Hagelskjaer, midfielders Alex Lowry and Magnus Westergaard and winger James Berry during the transfer window, and brought back Caleb Taylor from West Bromwich Albion for a second loan spell. But they will be anxious to hang on to top scorer Richard Kone, who has 19 goals this season, throughout Monday's deadline day. On his departure from Sunderland, Dodds said: "I depart with a deep respect for their leadership and vision for the club's future. "I've had the honour of working alongside some incredible people, including Alex Neil and Tony Mowbray, who were both fantastic mentors. "The club is in a strong place and I have no doubts that Regis (Le Bris) will lead it to even greater successes alongside an incredible group of players, whose unwavering professionalism and desire to improve meant every day was a privilege. "Finally, I must express my gratitude to the club's fans for their passion and support, which is truly unmatched. It's never easy to say goodbye, but I leave Sunderland with a full heart and great anticipation for what lies ahead. " His first game as Wycombe boss with be an FA Cup fourth round tie at Championship club Preston North End on Saturday. They will return to league action with a trip to Crawley Town on 15 February. Premier League: Mateta breaks deadlock for Crystal Palace at Man Utd, Spurs in front England begin chase of daunting 248 against India after Abhishek's 135 in final T20 Premier League: Build-up as Arsenal and Man City meet again Reggae’s first and greatest superstar, Bob Marley Bob Marley's first steps into the music industry, from a rural village to the yards of Kingston Can a fashion entrepreneur bag a Dragon? Also in the den, a canine swimming club owner hopes the Dragons don’t think he’s barking mad Tanni Grey-Thompson reflects on her astonishing career From a Paralympic gold medal winner to a campaigner and crossbench peer Chris Packham unravels the world's most bizarre events Discover the secrets behind the bird-killing death ray and the monkey that's learnt first aid England high-energy gameplan leaves them vulnerable 'Feelgood stories on turbulent day for Scotland' Losing 16-0 has to be a good thing for England - here's why Borthwick's bold plan crumbles to dust in Dublin 'All-round package' Jones makes difference for Scotland Liverpool pass 'tough challenge' with flying colours 'Not a magician' but Moyes casts spell again at Everton How Forest's Elanga & Gibbs-White 'ran Brighton ragged' Video How Forest's Elanga & Gibbs-White 'ran Brighton ragged' 'Best midfield in the league' - Keown praises Liverpool trio. Video'Best midfield in the league' - Keown praises Liverpool trio Knight still the right captain for England - Hartley 'A one-man show' - the legacy of transfer king Raiola Nurmagomedov v Makhachev - who leads lightweight GOAT race? 'The prince who never became king' - Neymar returns to Santos 'He is a world-class assassin' - Shearer meets Isak The night the Super Bowl lights went out in New Orleans Busting myths about causes of Spurs' injury crisis Remarkable tale of Czar of Hearts Vladimir Romanov How Rangers and Europa League seem made for each other Five ways a new format has transformed the Champions League How does the Six Nations scoring work? Video How does the Six Nations scoring work? Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.