Former Wycombe Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth is ready for his next challenge and has set his sights on the Heart of Midlothian managerial position.
The 51-year-old, who also managed Queens Park Rangers, has expressed a strong interest in taking charge at Tynecastle, as reported by the Daily Record. Having left QPR last year, Ainsworth has been biding his time, turning down several opportunities as he waits for the right role to come along. For Ainsworth, Hearts seems to present that perfect fit. The Edinburgh club offers a unique opportunity, with European group stage football and the backing of potential investment from Brighton owner Tony Bloom, who is reportedly in discussions over a £10 million deal to invest in the club.
Hearts are in the process of reviewing candidates to replace Steven Naismith, who was let go earlier this month. In the interim, B team boss Liam Fox is handling first-team duties, but the club is casting a wide net for a permanent appointment. Ainsworth’s name is now in the mix, and his track record will likely be evaluated by one of Tony Bloom’s analytical firms as the club assesses his suitability for the role. Whether Ainsworth’s statistics and style match what the Tynecastle hierarchy is looking for remains to be seen, but there’s no question that he is ready to take on this challenge.
Gareth Ainsworth – The Player
Ainsworth enjoyed a varied and extensive playing career, primarily as a winger, with a number of clubs across England. He began his professional journey with Blackburn Rovers as a youth player but was released at 18 without making a senior appearance. After brief stints with Northwich Victoria and Preston North End, Ainsworth moved to Cambridge United before rejoining Preston in 1992.
Ainsworth’s career gained significant momentum at Lincoln City, where his performances as a winger caught attention. He netted 22 goals in the 1996-97 season, earning a spot in the PFA Third Division Team of the Year. He then moved to Port Vale in 1997 for a club-record fee, contributing to their survival in the First Division.
In 1998, Ainsworth was signed by Premier League side Wimbledon for £2 million. Unfortunately, injuries limited his playing time at Wimbledon, and he eventually moved to Queens Park Rangers in 2003, where he became a fan favourite, scoring crucial goals and helping the team secure promotion to the Championship.
Gareth Ainsworth – The Manager
Ainsworth’s managerial experience speaks for itself. His reputation was solidified over 11 successful years at Wycombe Wanderers, where he led the club from League Two all the way to the Championship, achieving the feat on a shoestring budget. His tenure at Wycombe was marked by loyalty, hard work, and overachievement, qualities that have not gone unnoticed in the football world.
After taking over at QPR, a club with which he had a long-standing connection from his playing days, Ainsworth faced difficulties behind the scenes and parted ways after just eight months. Now, he’s determined to find a more stable and fitting opportunity – and Hearts could be exactly that.
Our View
From a Wycombe perspective, it’s no surprise that Gareth Ainsworth is in the running for such a prestigious job. His achievements at Wycombe were nothing short of remarkable, and his journey from League Two to the Championship on minimal resources is a testament to his managerial ability. Ainsworth embodies passion and perseverance, traits that are crucial for any club looking to climb the ranks, especially one with the aspirations of Hearts.
European football and the chance to build a team with significant financial backing are tempting prospects. His loyal and hardworking ethos would surely resonate with the Hearts faithful, much like it did at Wycombe. However, would his ‘heavy metal’ football win him friends in Edinburgh? It would certainly be interesting to see that in action in Europe!
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