INTERVIEW: Gareth Ainsworth is relishing “the journey” he has embarked on with Gillingham, who he joined late last season following his shock departure from Shrewsbury
Gareth Ainsworth has long been at peace with his shock call to quit Shrewsbury and now he’s ready to rock Gillingham’s world. The ‘Wild Thing’ – lead vocalist of The Cold Blooded Hearts – requires no introduction in EFL managerial circles.
During 10-and-a-half years at Wycombe, his heavy-metal football yielded exceptional results, propelling Wanderers from the fourth tier of English football into the Championship.
And following two short-lived spells in west London (with QPR ) and Shropshire, he wants to run it back.
Ainsworth said ahead of next week’s League Two opener at Accrington Stanley: “I just want my players to feel like they belong to something. When we look at football, we’re in a privileged position compared to other walks of life.
“Gillingham’s identify was getting a little bit muddled up with changes of personnel, both players and managers. We want to bring that identity back, this summer has been a big mental shift of the whole place.”
READ MORE: Pricey Wrexham signing ‘just like Jack Wilshere’ as ex-team-mates’ comments speak volumesREAD MORE: Wrexham make shock approach to sign Christian Eriksen as private talks leaked
Ex-Shrewsbury midfielder Jamie Tolley accused Ainsworth of “promising the world but delivering nothing” when the 52-year-old left the New Meadow for Priestfield in March.
But the long-haired gaffer makes no secret of the fact the ambitious pitch from Gillingham’s American owners Brad and Shannon Galinson ignited the fire within.
Ainsworth certainly knows how to get a place bouncing, his band’s latest gig was just a few weeks ago in Soho, and he plans to front an electric Kentish revolution.
When asked if he now feels pressure to vindicate his Shrewsbury departure, he said: “No, not at all.
“Managers are restricted in what they can say with their contracts, I wish I could have said a lot more.
“My justification for coming to Gillingham sits well with me, no problem at all.
“I’m on a journey and I bought into the journey at Shrewsbury, I wish it went differently, it was a nice place to live.
“People will laugh and say I’m not loyal but you’ve got the wrong guy, I don’t need to prove anything to anyone.”
Ainsworth was such a coup for Gills, the bookies have them among the favourites for promotion.
He isn’t buying that, however, adding: “It’s flattering but I don’t know where the substance in that has come from. We haven’t made £1million signings, we’ve signed three players.
“Thank you but we’re focusing on the journey, it’s a two-year project centred around improving, the next level is way down the line for me.”
Ainsworth’s ranks have been bolstered by the capture of ex-Burnley and Stoke City striker Sam Vokes and he’s also optimistic he’ll get Bradley Dack fit and firing.
He continued: “We should be seen as underdogs, just like we were at Wycombe. Age is irrelevant to me, if you are good enough, you’re good enough. If you look at the history of my success, it’s come with experience.
“Adebayo Akinfenwa, the partnership we had at Wycombe, Craig Mackail-Smith, Nathan Tyson, Marcus Bean, Sam Saunders, Joe Jacobson, Matt Bloomfield, the list is endless.
“The owners have brought me in and told me to manage how I want. It was a really good move getting me in early so I could look over the team for the last few games [nine] of the season.
“They just want success, they enjoy winning and the thrill of it – so that’s what we’re going to try and do.”
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
