Gareth Ainsworth

Gareth Ainsworth, a distinguished figure in English football, is known for his remarkable journey as both a player and a manager. After being named on the PFA Third Division Team of the Year in 1996–97 following a 22-goal season for Lincoln City, Gareth Ainsworth solidified his reputation as a dynamic midfielder. During his impactful tenure at Lincoln City, he also earned the club’s Player of the Year award for both the 1995–96 and 1996–97 campaigns after joining for £25,000 in 1995. His early playing career saw him score his first professional goal for Northwich Victoria in October 1991, contribute to Preston North End’s Third Division play-off final appearance in 1994, and move to Port Vale in 1997 for a club record fee of £500,000, where he was named Player of the Year in 1998.

His managerial success at Wycombe culminated in two significant promotions: from League Two in 2017–18 and, most notably, from League One in 2020, guiding the club to the Championship for the first time in its history. In February 2023, Ainsworth was appointed head coach of Queens Park Rangers, a role he held for eight months. He then joined Shrewsbury Town in November 2024 before becoming the manager of Gillingham on March 25, 2025. Demonstrating immediate impact, he was named League Two Manager of the Month for August 2025, following Gillingham’s strong start to the season under his leadership.