Jason McCarthy bids farewell

Jason McCarthy has called time on his Wycombe Wanderers career, leaving the club by mutual consent to end his fourth spell at Adams Park.

The defender, aged 29, departs to explore new opportunities elsewhere having found his playing opportunities limited during the season so far.

He first arrived at the club on loan from Southampton in 2015, winning the Supporters’ Player of the Year award in his first full season as a professional, and returned on a permanent deal in 2018 before earning a shot at the Championship with Millwall a year later.

Jason rejoined the Chairboys on loan in January 2020, and then made a permanent switch back to Adams Park that summer, going on to become one of the Blues’ longest-serving players and making his 300th career appearance against York City last month.

He said: “It’s been a tough decision to come to, but I feel like it’s the right time to leave. The club is in amazing hands and it’s a really exciting time, but for me it’s time to step away and watch on as a fan.

“It’s been an absolute joy to watch on and see what the gaffer, the team and the new ownership team are achieving. I’ve been so proud to be associated with it, and my game time has been limited but I have absolutely no qualms with it because the guys who’ve been playing have been amazing.

“I have nothing but admiration and respect for the group and I look forward to staying in touch with them. I’ve made friends for life and it’s been a really special time for me, but now it’s right for me to look elsewhere.

“Thank you to the fans for how welcome you’ve made me and my young family. It’s become a home for us and my children have grown up with this club. I’m really grateful for how great the fans have been with me and we’ll always have a close bond. Now I can look forward to being a fan and seeing the club progress.”

Manager Matt Bloomfield said: “Jason has been an outstanding professional for this club over four different spells, and it’s been a pleasure to have worked with him throughout the past nine years, both as a team-mate and during my time as manager.

“He’s always given everything for the club, on and off the pitch, and been a real role model for younger players in the way he applies himself as training and conducts himself with his team-mates and supporters.

“The way that things have worked out this season means he hasn’t had as many opportunities as he might have liked to get time on the pitch, but he’s been the biggest supporter of the lads who’ve been involved and a real positive influence around the changing room.

“I wish him and his young family all the best for the future and know he’ll always be someone we keep in touch with because he’s a great guy and someone I can call a friend, who leaves a brilliant legacy at the club."

Chairman Dan Rice commented: “The board would like to express our deepest thanks to Jason for everything he has given to Wycombe Wanderers over the years.

“His dedication, hard work, and positive attitude have made him a standout member of the club throughout his time here.

“His professionalism, loyalty, and genuine care for the club have earned him the respect and admiration of everyone, from staff and teammates to supporters.

“As Jason moves on to explore new opportunities, we wish him and his family all the very best for the future and want him to know that he will always have a special place in the Wycombe Wanderers family.”