Gillingham have officially confirmed the appointment of Gareth Ainsworth as their new first-team manager, marking a significant move as the club looks to reset following a turbulent campaign in League Two.
The 51-year-old arrives at MEMS Priestfield Stadium after parting ways with Shrewsbury Town, where he had taken charge just five months ago. The Gills have agreed a compensation deal with the League One side, allowing Ainsworth to sign a contract running until the end of the 2026/27 season. He is joined by trusted assistant Richard Dobson.
Ainsworth is no stranger to footballing rebuilds, having overseen one of the most impressive rises in recent lower-league history during his 11-year spell at Wycombe Wanderers. There, he took the club from the basement of the EFL to the Championship, cementing his reputation as a charismatic and motivational leader.
From Rock Bottom To Rebuild
His most recent post, at League One strugglers Shrewsbury, was far less successful. With just five wins in 22 matches and the club rooted to the bottom of the table, survival looked unlikely. Despite a promising debut win over Birmingham, results quickly faded, and Ainsworth now departs with nine games left in the Shrews’ season.
“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.”
The Gills sit 19th in League Two and have endured an underwhelming year. Mark Bonner began the season as manager before a change saw John Coleman take temporary charge. Now, Ainsworth steps in with the brief to secure safety and begin plotting a push higher up the table next season.
There had been speculation over his future last week when he was spotted near the club’s training ground. It’s understood that club owner Brad Galinson, a US-based property investor, played a key role in bringing him in, with ambitions to climb the football pyramid still very much alive.
Ainsworth will take charge of his new side for Saturday’s trip to Harrogate Town. He is expected to speak to club media on Wednesday and face the press a day later. With long-term plans such as a new stadium in the pipeline, Gillingham now have a manager in place with the pedigree to lead them forward.
Site Opinion
This move is brave from Ainsworth and ambitious from Gillingham. Dropping a level could be seen as a setback, but the club have offered him a stable project and backing. His track record of lifting clubs and connecting with fans could be exactly what the Gills need. If given time and trust, this may prove a masterstroke.
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