Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth to retire from playing

Wycombe Wanderers player-manager Gareth Ainsworth will hang up his boots this summer, but has signed a new two-year deal to continue as Chairboys boss.

The 39-year-old took over at Adams Park in November and has led them from the foot of League Two to mid-table.

Saturday's final game of the season against Port Vale will be his 600th career appearance, should he play.

"I've spoken to people who are close to me and everyone seems to think it's the right thing to do," he said.

"It's better to go out on a high. Thank you to everyone who has ever shouted for me at every club I've played for. It's been a rollercoaster, but I wouldn't change any minute of it for anything."

Ainsworth made his Football League debut with Preston in 1992 and went on to have spells at Cambridge United, Lincoln City, Port Vale, Wimbledon and Queens Park Rangers.

He joined Wycombe, initially on loan, in November 2009 and replaced Gary Waddock as boss three years later, winning 17 of his 41 games in charge since then.

Joint-chairman Don Woodward told the club website: "It's great to secure Gareth's services and we are really looking forward to continuing to work with a young but passionate manager.

"He's been fantastic at getting the best out of players and if we can keep that going and he can keep learning, he should follow in the footsteps that most Wycombe managers have done by progressing his career and taking us along for the ride."

Ainsworth added: "This is enormous for me and I'm really thankful to everyone who has helped me achieve this.

"I want to repay the supporters' trust [the club's owners] and all the supporters by working so hard and bringing back the glory years. I'll give it my best shot, I promise you."