Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth has revealed he has had discussions with the club’s owners about replacing Adebayo Akinfenwa.

The 40-year-old retired from the sport this May after 22 years, in which he spent six seasons with the Chairboys.

So far this summer, D’Mani Mellor has been brought in to increase the attacking arsenal the Adams Park club have, and with Ali Al-Hamadi, Tjay De Barr and Connor Parsons all returning from their respective loan spells, the 49-year-old hopes another face will arrive in good time.

He said: “Up top, it will be that Akinfenwa leader we have lost but we have some great young players in Ali Al-Hamadi, Tjay De Barr and Brandon Hanlan.

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“So instead of trying to find a replacement for Akinfenwa, which I think is impossible, I think we need to be clever and there are some plans in the background.

“I have spoken with Rob, Pete and Missy Couhig about how we can bridge this gap and the backing is there.

“We will go about our business quietly and we’re good at what we do (apparently) and if we keep doing we’re doing we’ll be successful.”

The 49-year-old also reiterated that promotion will remain the goal for the club this year.

Last season’s play-off final defeat against Sunderland denied the Chairboys what would have been an immediate return to the Championship.

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And despite the increase of competition with Bristol Rovers, Derby County, Ipswich Town, Portsmouth, Milton Keynes and Oxford United, to name just a few, improving their squads, Ainsworth has insisted he is being optimistic for the season.

He continued: “This is season number 10, so something has gone right but we don’t rest on our laurels as we always want to do well.

“It’s constantly involving pressures; winning games and we have got to match what people think we can do.

“All week this week, it’s all been about the boys getting fit and always on the opening day, there’s a 5-0 or something as one team isn’t quite ready.

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“Out of one of the leagues, there will be thrashing somewhere and it will be crucial not to be that team.

“This week it has all been about the boys getting fit, and I have got confidence the sports scientists, and I’ve got confidence in my players that we’ll put out a good performance on Saturday.

“Our target is to get into the Championship and if we’re in the mix, we’re doing something right.

“I just don’t want us to have an average season.

“We’re being optimistic for the season ahead.”