Adebayo Akinfenwa insists Wycombe can be a League Two force

Wycombe Wanderers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa says the Chairboys can be a force in League Two this season, after just missing out on the play-offs last campaign.

Wycombe ultimately finished in ninth position last season on 69 points, while seventh-placed Blackpool finished on 70 points, progressed to the play-offs and earned promotion.

Akinfenwa, 35, registered 18 goals last season, and though admitting he has found pre-season a struggle, insists he has full faith in Gareth Ainsworth's squad to succeed.

"Pre-season has been pre-season, I've never been much of a fan of pre-season, but I came back late so it's been pretty intense and I'm glad it's all over," Akinfenwa told Sky Sports News.

"It's the main event this weekend and I'm looking forward to it. You've got to pace yourself, the gaffer and the coaching staff have kind of tailored it because yes I am that little bit older, but yeah you can only go until you can't go no more.

"But it's nice because I came back into games, the games came thick and fast, but I'm not going to lie, I'm glad it's over and I'm looking forward to Lincoln on Saturday.

"I always say it's (our target) progression. If we can beat last season's tally than we'll be in the play-offs so it's all about progression.

"We've got a very good squad here, a good blend of experience and youth, so if we can get it right, hopefully we'll be a force this season.

"Staying injury free (is key if Wycombe are to compete). We haven't got a big squad, but we didn't have a big squad last season, that's just the Wycombe way.

"We play for each other, we stick together and we have to try to compete with the boys that have spent the money but we'll back ourselves. As long as we all stay fit, we'll give it a good go.

"I managed to get quite a few goals (last season) at my age so it was good. We're just disappointed that we missed out on the playoffs by a point, but then again on a personal note I can only take positives.

"As long as I feel fit and strong I'll be out there. I'm feeling fit and I'm getting stronger and fitter every day so I feel like I can contribute and we'll see what the gaffer says."

Wycombe host Lincoln City this weekend at Adams Park in the EFL's first week back.