Wycombe Wanderers have appointed Mike Dodds as their new head coach on a contract that runs until the summer of 2028. He takes over from Matt Bloomfield, who left the club last month after two years in charge to become manager of Championship side Luton Town.
Dodds, 38, was previously the assistant head coach at Sunderland and had three spells as interim manager there, winning four out of 18 games in charge. Wycombe highlighted Dodds’ strong track record in improving players and developing young talent as key reasons for his appointment, with the club hoping this will be crucial for their long-term success.
The club also noted that Dodds aligns with their vision of utilizing innovation and data to keep the club evolving in a competitive landscape. Furthermore, Wycombe emphasized Dodds’ commitment to the academy and his potential to strengthen the pathway from youth to first-team football.
Wycombe are currently second in League One after a 1-1 draw with Cambridge United on Saturday. They are four points behind leaders Birmingham City and five points ahead of third-place Wrexham.
Dodds will officially take over as head coach on Thursday, but until then, the interim management team, led by Sam Grace, will continue to oversee the team. Grace has helped Wycombe earn eight points from four games since Bloomfield’s departure.
During the transfer window, Wycombe have already added defenders Sonny Bradley and Anders Hagelskjaer, midfielders Alex Lowry and Magnus Westergaard, and winger James Berry. They also brought back Caleb Taylor from West Bromwich Albion for a second loan spell. However, the club will be keen to keep hold of their top scorer, Richard Kone, who has netted 19 goals this season, especially as Monday’s transfer deadline approaches.
Reflecting on his departure from Sunderland, Dodds expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had at the club and praised the leadership, his mentors, and the passionate Sunderland supporters. He also expressed excitement for his new role at Wycombe.
Dodds’ first match in charge will be an FA Cup fourth-round tie against Championship club Preston North End on Saturday. After that, Wycombe will return to league action with an away game against Crawley Town on February 15.