Michael Duff reveals his non-negotiables after new Wycombe boss starts with win

Wycombe head coach Michael Duff has revealed his non-negotiables following the Chairboys’ 2-0 victory against Northampton.

The 47-year-old took charge of the South Buckinghamshire side for the first time following his appointment on September 18 – the same day Mike Dodds was sacked after a run of nine wins in 31 games.

Wanderers looked in control and were rarely concerned by the Cobblers, who arrived in the Thames Valley with three wins from their last three games.

But strikes from Daniel Harvie, which was his first of the season, and a brilliant solo effort from Tottenham loanee George Abbott gave Wycombe their second League One win of the season.

The former Huddersfield manager said: “We didn’t really have a game plan, as I have only had 40 minutes with them.

“You’re not going to really put what you want [in that time-frame], but there were two or three things asked for which we saw.

“I thought we could have connected a few more passes as every time we connected four, five or six passes, we got in.

“It’s about getting that balance but if they give me everything, I will give everything.

“People were coming off the pitch with lungs coming out of their mouths, cramp… that’s a non-negotiable.

“Supporters will forgive mistakes if they see the team have a go.

“There will be mistakes, we will lose games but as long as that is a starting point, then you have got half a chance.

“We won’t ever be perfect, so you need to find ways to win.”

The win means Wycombe are now unbeaten in their last 10 against the Cobblers, winning eight and drawing two.

For Northampton boss, Kevin Nolan, he was “disappointed” with his side’s display.

They only managed one shot on target from their seven attempts at goal, with Wycombe goalkeeper Mikki van Sas being a spectator for most of the contest.

Nolan said: “That’s not us and hasn’t been us for a long time.

“I’m disappointed as we gave them space and sat off them a little bit.

“Our decision-making was great in the moments when we had the time to get the ball down and play, which has been really spot on over the last three to four games.

“It is disappointing, but I can’t take away what the lads have been doing [in recent weeks].

“We just need to put this to bed and look at Tuesday, where we can try and put the wrongs of today right [against the Chelsea U21s in the EFL Trophy] as we will want a reaction.

“It is disappointing in the sense that we didn’t really lay a glove on them.

“We knew there would be a new manager bounce, but the manner in how we conceded the goals was poor.”