AFC Telford cup exit played a part in departures

Dawson, 22, was a mainstay in the side as the Bucks pulled off the 'Great Escape' last season, chipping in with some important goals, and made eight appearances this season – three off the bench.

Gittings, 30, was signed over the summer and played in one more game than Dawson this term, four as a substitute. Both were let go just a couple of hours prior to the 0-0 draw with Chorley at New Bucks Head on Saturday.

In terms of coming to the decision to move the duo on, Chambers said: "We brought Jonathan Royle into the squad and we can see him playing games.

"We have taken Jordan Sangha from Walsall, on a month's loan initially, and we just thought we wanted to be honest to Callum and Lucas.

"They were not going to play matches in the short term.

"Callum is 30-plus so he's not going to want to sit around in the squad and not be playing.

"Lucas is 22 and wants to play for different reasons – he is young and wants to play regular football.

"We are just trying to be honest to both lads really."

Chambers admitted that being knocked out of the FA Cup by Worcester City did have a financial impact and the squad needed to be reduced in size.

But he insisted if the right players become available – fitting in with the budget – then reinforcements will be made.

"We were conscious about being knocked out of the FA Cup that we probably had to reduce the squad," he added.

"At the same time, we are always looking to improve the squad.

"If players become available that we feel can improve the team, we will go for it, as long as they fit within the budget.

"We have still got a situation within the squad – two or three players on non-contracts, or even more, so there is room for improvement if we want it.

"The difficulty all along has been getting the right players in.

"There are lots and lots of players available but it's about getting the right ones in and, more importantly, players that are better than what we have got – that is the difficult thing."