Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth has described new signing Alfie Mawson as a ‘fantastic defender’ following his return to the Adams Park club.

The 28-year-old has signed a one-year contract with the Chairboys following his release from Fulham this summer, seven years after initially departing.

In his only campaign with Wycombe during the 2014/15 campaign, Mawson made his name by coming up with numerous terrific performances that helped Wanderers secure a place in that year's play-offs, before being named as the club's Player of the Year.

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Now back after spells with Barnsley in League One, Bristol City in the Championship and Swansea City and Fulham in the Premier League, Ainsworth revealed his excitement in working alongside the centre back once again.

Speaking to the press on the day of Mawson’s arrival (August 11), he said: “We will get the best out of him and with him, he will bring the best out of Chris Forino and Jack Wakely.

“I’m so happy that he is back and hopefully we will be able to get some great results with him in the team.

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“Alfie is a well-rounded, humble, grounded guy who has been at the top.

“We’re really happy that he has come back and there have been quite a few players who have returned to Wycombe.

"Alfie is certainly joining a list of fantastic talent that has gone onto brilliant things but has come back to Wycombe.

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“I think he is a fantastic defender.”

Mawson will wear the number 20 shirt which was last worn by club legend, Adebayo Akinfenwa.

During his first spell with Wanderers, the centre back had the number 26 jersey.