Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth has explained why he decided to let several of his attacking players leave the club this January.

Overall, nine faces departed Adams Park with six either being forwards or wingers.

Daryl Horgan, who is out of contract at the end of the season, joined League Two Stevenage on loan, whilst Sullay Kaikai had his deal terminated by mutual consent to sign for Milton Keynes.

Ali Al-Hamadi was snapped up by AFC Wimbledon, Anis Mehmeti penned a lucrative contract with Bristol City, Connor Parsons was purchased by Irish side Waterford Town, whilst D’Mani Mellor moved to Rochdale on loan.

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Speaking on his decision to let the players leave, Ainsworth said: “There were lots of factors going into it, but I prefer to have a squad of players I know I am going to be using regularly.

“I'm not saying that the players I let go were not good enough for me, not at all, because the likes of Daryl Horgan and Sullay Kaikai are quality players.

“They just needed to spread their wings and crack on with their careers.

“Daz [Horgan], became a father to twins during the week so that’s five children for him now.

“Congratulations to him, and playing regular first-team football in the league below should help him secure a contract somewhere which is very important.

“Similar with Sullay – I am really pleased that he’s now going to be at a club where he’ll be playing more often because he is a quality player.”

The 49-year-old also insisted that rotations to his starting 11 will be made between now and May, as Wycombe prepare for their remaining 19 league matches this season.

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This will include 10 fixtures across a six-week spell between February and March.

He continued: “The squad will come into play.

“They may not see the changes come at first, but in the next few games, the lads coming out of the team will be gutted.

“I have got to make sure that the players will play their part from now until May.

“I chose to trim the squad down a little bit, and some of the development boys may be in and around the squad and that is great for us."