Tom Hounsell's Impact as Interim Wycombe Wanderers Coach

Tom Hounsell is refusing to be distracted by the bigger picture. Three games, three wins, a climb from the relegation zone to mid-table – and still the interim Wycombe Wanderers head coach will not bite on the question everyone is already asking.

Is he the next permanent manager?

Hounsell stepped in after Michael Duff was sacked earlier this month following a dismal start to the season, inheriting a side sitting second-bottom of League One. Since then, Wycombe have looked transformed.

His first game brought a breathless 3-2 victory away at Leyton Orient. That result steadied nerves. Beating Chelsea Under-21s in the EFL Trophy added a different kind of confidence. Then came Saturday’s win over Wigan, the clearest sign yet that this bounce under the 30-year-old is no accident.

Wycombe now sit 14th, the mood around the club completely altered in the space of a few weeks.

Hounsell, though, is determined to keep the focus away from his own future.

“I've said it before. My thoughts are never on myself, it's about the group of players,” he told BBC Three Counties Radio, batting away talk of a long-term appointment.

“I'm employed by this football club, ultimately, to help us get wins. That's my commitment and it's a commitment from the whole staff.

“I'm pleased with the work we're doing, pleased with the momentum we're taking, pleased with the week that we've had but I haven't thought more about it than that.”

For a coach still at the very start of his managerial career, the impact has been striking. Before Wycombe, Hounsell’s only experience in the hot seat was a 12-match spell as interim boss at Burton Albion in 2024, brought to an end when Gary Bowyer was appointed.

This, then, is the biggest opportunity of his young career. He doesn’t dress it up.

“Whoever is manager of this football club is in an incredibly blessed position. It's an incredibly privileged role to have,” he said.

“Whatever happens with the manager's post, that individual will be extremely lucky to work with this group of players and the structure and processes that exist behind the scenes.”

For now, Hounsell insists he is just passing through. The results suggest he is doing far more than that.