Gillingham have officially appointed Gareth Ainsworth as their new first-team manager in a bold move that sees the former Championship boss step down from League One to take charge of the League Two side.
The 51-year-old arrives at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium following a compensation agreement with Shrewsbury Town, where he had been in post for just five months. Ainsworth has signed a contract that will keep him at the Kent club until the end of the 2026/27 season and brings long-time assistant Richard Dobson with him.
Back In The Dugout
Ainsworth is set to take charge immediately, with his first game coming this weekend away at Harrogate Town. Gills fans will hope his appointment marks the beginning of a more stable chapter following a difficult campaign under former boss Mark Bonner and interim manager John Coleman.
Known for his decade-long spell at Wycombe Wanderers—where he led the club from League Two to the Championship—Ainsworth is still rebuilding his reputation after a disappointing stint at QPR. Despite initial promise at Shrewsbury, his tenure there yielded just five wins in 22 games, with the club sitting bottom of League One and 14 points adrift of safety.
“The Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Gareth Ainsworth as our new First-Team Manager. The 51-year-old has signed an agreement which runs until the end of the 2026/27 season. Gareth is joined at MEMS Priestfield Stadium by his long-term assistant, Richard Dobson. They take charge with immediate effect.”
Ainsworth’s decision to drop a division has raised eyebrows, though reports of his recent visit to Gillingham sparked speculation ahead of the announcement. With the Gills currently 19th in League Two, 13 points clear of the relegation zone, the move is seen by many as a long-term rebuilding project backed by American owner Brad Galinson.
Galinson is expected to provide his own take on the appointment via the club’s website, while Ainsworth will be formally introduced to the press on Thursday. His immediate task will be to steady the ship and start planning for a summer overhaul.
Writer’s View
This is a calculated risk for both parties. Ainsworth brings experience and charisma to a Gillingham side lacking consistency. It’s clear the club are thinking long-term, and his track record at Wycombe proves he can build something sustainable.
If he’s backed properly, this could be the beginning of a fresh, upward trajectory for the Gills.
