Wycombe have completed the signing of full back Sam Stockley after his release by newly-promoted Championship outfit Colchester. The 28-year-old former Southampton trainee had been expected to join Luton after spending the last couple of weeks training at Kenilworth Road. However, new Wanderers' boss Paul Lambert has stepped in to make Stockley his second signing at Adams Park following the arrival of Chris Palmer last week. Stockley, who also enjoyed a loan spell at Blackpool last term, has penned a two-year deal with the Chairboys and he shared his thoughts with givemefootball's Mark Shail.
Q:HOW DID THE MOVE TO WYCOMBE COME ABOUT?
A:I looked set to sign for Luton after training there for the last three weeks but they wanted to have a further look at me before committing themselves to a contract and time just wasn't on my side. My wife is seven months pregnant and I needed to secure my future as quickly as possible. Plymouth and QPR also showed interest but when I spoke to Paul Lambert he really sold the club to me and was delighted to sign.
Q:WERE YOU HOPING TO STAY IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP?
A:Obviously you want to play as high as you can and I didn't really plan to drop down to League Two. However, if I was ever going to go to any club in this division it was always going to be Wycombe. Everything here is in place for this club to be in the Championship and the chairman has a five-year target to get us there.
Q:HOW HAVE YOU ENJOYED YOUR FIRST FEW TRAINING SESSIONS AT YOUR NEW CLUB?
A:It's gone really well and I've been very impressed with the professionalism here. In terms of preparation, nothing is left to chance from food supplements, nutrition, heart-rate monitors etc. Right now I'm just looking forward to improving my fitness and getting some games under my belt.
Q:AND WHO IS YOUR FIRST GAME AGAINST?
A:We actually play Watford on Wednesday night, which is going to be a really tough match, but we're all looking forward to it. They did brilliantly last season to win promotion to the Premiership and there should be a decent crowd for that one.
Q:YOU CAN PLAY IN A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT POSITIONS, WHERE DO YOU EXPECT TO BE PLAYING NEXT SEASON?
A:The gaffer has told me that he wants me to play right back and that suits me because I think it's my best position. He has a clear idea of what he expects from both me and the team as a whole. I can also play at left back or in midfield but right back is definitely my preferred position.
Q:WYCOMBE HAD A FRUSTRATING FINAL FEW MONTHS OF LAST SEASON, DIDN'T THEY?
A:Yes, at one stage it looked like they would go up automatically but there was a lot of turmoil at the club that nobody could have really accounted for. But the players are a year older with another 12 months of experience under their belts and there's no reason why we won't be challenging for automatic promotion this time round.
Q:HOW DO YOU THINK COLCHESTER WILL FARE IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP NEXT SEASON?
A:I wish them all the best. They have had to endure a difficult summer, with Phil Parkinson leaving, but they're a great bunch of lads and a very good team. Let's hope they can not only stay up, but also stay up with a bit to spare.
