Wycombe Wanderers manager Matt Bloomfield has lauded former manager Gareth Ainsworth ahead of the clash with Shrewsbury Town this weekend.
Ainsworth joined the Chairboys as a player in 2010 before taking on the managerial position two years later. Bloomfield was a teammate of the striker prior to his move to the dugout, then playing a key role in the centre of midfield before his retirement in 2022.
The 40-year-old replaced Ainsworth at the helm when he opted to make the move to Queens Park Rangers in 2023, since guiding them to the top of League One. He is now preparing his side for the trip to Shrewsbury, where his former boss now resides having taken the reins at the Shropshire-based side last month.
Bloomfield Admits Reunion Will Be ‘Strange’
Having spent so long working together, Bloomfield has admitted that it will be strange to be in the opposite dugout, although was full of praise for the 51-year-old. Speaking to Bucks Free Press, he said:
“It is going to be weird as we spent so many years together in the same changing room, fighting for the same cause for the same badge.
“I have said this so many times and I will never get tired of saying it, but I will always admire and respect the gaffer (Ainsworth) and Dobbo (assistant manager Richard Dobson) for what they did for our club.
“They are incredible people, and it will be a weird afternoon going up against them, but, we’re going to relish it.
“To be on opposite dugouts will be strange, but this game gives you different experiences and for us, I think it’s about how we concentrate on the game.
“It’ll be a tough test, as they had that incredible result against Birmingham a couple of weeks ago.”
Writer’s View
Gareth Ainsworth is considered a club legend at Wycombe and it won’t be just Matt Bloomfield who will find it odd to come across their former boss. Supporters will too, but they will still be desperate to gain three points against a team struggling towards the foot of the table. The Chairboys dropped points last weekend, opening up an opportunity to the chasing pack. Anything less than a win here could see them surrender the lead at the top of the division. Wycombe will be hoping Ainsworth doesn’t come back to haunt them.
Head of Writing
