Since Gareth Ainsworth’s departure in February 2023 the club has undergone a huge change in recruitment style and structure. With the arrival of Dan Rice as Chairman the club have switched from a very traditional recruitment style to the very modern data approach.
Gareth Ainsworth’s chief scout was an old school scout named Bob Rickwood, and headed up a very close knit team. They focussed on getting the right attitude of player to ensure those players fitted in with the well known Ainsworth ethos with a squad led by his “Generals”.
The new modern style of recruitment is very much based on data analysis. Dan Rice himself said to WWFC.com on his arrival: “I have a vision for this club which is heavily focused on youth development and integrating technology with data analytics to take our sporting performance to new levels. That journey will involve making sustainable, data-driven improvements and developments across the entire club.”
Let’s get down to business and name our best seven signings post-Ainsworth.
1 – Richard Kone
We have to start with Richard Kone. Since his arrival from Athletic Newham, Kone managed a total of 25 goals in 76 games for the Chairboys, quickly making himself a favourite with the fans.
In April 2025, he was named EFL League One player of the season and young player of the season. Wycombe decided to cash in on Kone in the summer of 2025, selling him to QPR for an undisclosed fee. This week he has been called up to the Ivory Coast National team for the first time.
2 – Luke Leahy
Luke Leahy, a set-piece specialist and versatile midfielder has been superb since joining Wycombe in July 2023. A great battler in the middle of the park, combined with his excellent leadership skills has seen Leahy become a very important part of the Wycombe squad.
In his two and a bit seasons at the club, Leahy has already amassed over 100 appearances and 19 goals with countless assists too. The fans are now seeing Leahy as a very important part of Michael Duff’s new look Wycombe side.
3 – Daniel Harvie
Replacing Joe Jacobson was never going to be an easy task but in Daniel Harvie, they are getting very close. Harvie is a huge fan favourite and a very important part of this Wycombe squad.
Chairboys fans have quickly forgotten that Harvie spent 4 years at rivals MK Dons. Adding some much needed steel to the left hand side, Harvie also offers versatility by being able to play multiple positions.
4 – Sonny Bradley
The first loan signing appearing in this list, but what a huge impact Sonny Bradley had in his 21 appearance loan spell in the 2024/2025 season.
Having won multiple promotions with various clubs, Bradley’s signing brought some much needed experience to the back line last season, helping to complement the youthful Joe Low and Caleb Taylor.
Bradley’s impact was huge and fans were disappointed not to see him join permanently after his loan spell.
5 – Freddie Potts
What a player. Freddie Potts joined Wycombe on loan from West Ham in July 2023, going on to make 43 appearance in the Quarters. A majestic central midfielder, Potts impact was huge.
Such was his impact, Freddie won Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Year. Fans are delighted to see Freddie doing well at West Ham, having finally broken into the first team under Nuno Espírito Santo this season, starting their last 2 fixtures.
6 – Joe Low
The 6’6 central defender started out his time at the club slowly, taking a bit of time to fully adapt to League One. Having made 15 appearances on loan at Walsall, Joe Low moved permanently to the club in the summer of 2023.
Once settled, the giant centre back went on to shine, making 83 appearances, scoring 8 goals. Low made is Wales debut whilst at the club. Low joined Huddersfield in the summer of 2025 after turning down a new deal with the fans very disappointed to see him leave.
7 – Fred Onyedinma
Wycombe fans know all about Fred Onyedinma. In his fourth spell at the club, Fred is a big fan favourite. This dates back to the impact he had in a loan spell in 2014 where he scored 8 times in 27 appearances in his first full season as a pro.
Fred was an integral part in the Chairboys’ rise to the Championship, scoring twice in play-off semi-final second leg tie against Fleetwood Town, and of course, winning the decisive penalty at Wembley.
Fred joined Wycombe for the fourth time in September 2024, having left Luton Town earlier that summer.
Duff’s arrival seems to have taken Fred to another level with 5 goals so far this season, with 2 arriving in the league game against Leyton Orient on 8th November.
There we have it. That is our top 7 signings in the post Gareth Ainsworth era.
There are a few that were close and just missed out, with honourable mentions going to Aaron Morley, Caleb Taylor and Cameron Humphreys.
