Gareth Ainsworth has reportedly departed Shrewsbury Town to take over the managerial role at League Two side Gillingham, in a move that leaves the struggling League One outfit facing even greater uncertainty.
Speculation had been growing around the 51-year-old’s future after he was allegedly spotted in the Kent town last week. Gillingham, currently 19th in the fourth tier, are under the ownership of American businessman Brad Galinson, who completed a takeover in December 2022.
BREAKING: A deal has been agreed for Shrewsbury boss Gareth Ainsworth to become the next Gillingham manager 🚨 pic.twitter.com/syeQnOq56j
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 25, 2025
Ainsworth exits the Croud Meadow with Shrewsbury rooted to the bottom of League One. With just 28 points from 37 matches, the club is 14 points from safety and staring relegation in the face with only nine games remaining.
Short spell ends in disappointment
Seen as a significant appointment when he joined in November following Paul Hurst’s departure, Ainsworth initially sparked optimism with back-to-back positive results, including a shock victory over table-topping Birmingham City and a local derby win against Wrexham.
However, form soon dipped sharply. In total, he oversaw 22 matches, recording five wins, five draws, and 12 defeats. Goals dried up, with the Shrews failing to score in five of their last six outings. The January sale of top performer Tom Bloxham to Blackpool further blunted the team’s attacking threat.
“There is a fear factor coming in now, I can feel it in the boys, and I have to try and alleviate that. They are feeling the pressure, I know that, and I can see it.”
The former Wycombe Wanderers and Queens Park Rangers boss leaves with the club in a perilous state, both in terms of league position and morale. His exit, mid-season and amid a relegation battle, is likely to spark further unrest among fans and within the dressing room.
Writer’s view
This is a brutal blow for Shrewsbury. Ainsworth’s departure feels like a case of jumping ship before it sinks. Though results were poor, continuity could have helped with survival hopes. For Gillingham, this is a bold move that signals ambition — but for Salop, it’s back to square one at the worst possible time.
As for Gillingham, they’re likely to be challenging at the top end of League Two next season. They also endured a couple of seasons under Steve Evans, so supporters might be a little more receptive to Ainsworth’s brand of football. It’s a good appointment for them.
