Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth has admitted that the club are already working on ‘personnel and characteristics’ to replace Adebayo Akinfenwa.

The much-loved striker, who retired after the Chairboys’ 2-0 loss against Sunderland in the League One play-off final on May 21, scored 61 goals in 250 games for the Adams Park outfit across six seasons.

He played the final 15 minutes in the defeat at Wembley Stadium, and although his presence did cause concern for the Black Cats, who were 1-0 up at the time of his introduction, Alex Neil’s men sealed promotion and the play-off trophy as Ross Stewart scored their second four minutes later.

READ MORE: Wycombe Wanderers lose the League One play-off final against Sunderland at Wembley Stadium

Elliot Embleton had got Sunderland’s opening goal early in the first half.

Speaking after the loss, Ainsworth said: “We’re going to miss him.

“We are already working on personnel and characteristics on the place to try and fill his boots which on the pitch, will be impossible to do.

“He is a fantastic player and more importantly, he is a fantastic non-player.

READ MORE: FT at Wembley Stadium: Sunderland 2-0 Wycombe Wanderers - Chairboys lose the play-off final

“He was amazing to have around the place and it’s a big hole to fill.

“And I am sure Bayo will be popping in now and again if he is not going around the globe!

“We’re proud to have been the club that he has called home.”

Akinfenwa represented 14 teams in his career.