Gareth Ainsworth has agreed to become the new manager of Gillingham FC as of March 25, 2025. This change comes after a challenging tenure at Shrewsbury Town, where he struggled to steer the club away from the bottom of League One.
Ainsworth, who is 51 years old, will replace John Coleman at the helm of Gillingham FC, which currently finds itself sitting 19th in League Two, just above the relegation zone. Coleman had been in charge only since January, managing to secure two wins in 14 games, but ultimately, Gillingham's board decided a change was necessary to navigate the treacherous waters of relegation fears.
Rumors of Ainsworth's prospective move surfaced last week after he was spotted in Gillingham. This prompted speculation, and while fully committed to his role at Shrewsbury for the moment, discussions were taking place behind the scenes. Despite Shrewsbury's eagerness to retain his services—having even initiated contract talks to extend his stay—the Gills triggered a release clause in Ainsworth’s contract, allowing him to leave immediately.
During his brief spell at Shrewsbury, Ainsworth managed the team for 22 games, achieving only five victories alongside 12 defeats and five draws. The team has struggled immensely, currently holding the position of bottom of League One with just 28 points and staring down 14 points from safety with only nine matches left in the campaign. Ainsworth's departure comes after a disappointing home defeat to Burton Albion, a game in which the players exhibited signs of anxiety under the mounting pressure.
After that defeat, Ainsworth expressed his concerns regarding the psychological state of his players, saying, "There is a fear factor coming in now, I can feel it in the boys..." His struggle to motivate the squad had become evident, as he was unable to shake off a detrimental atmosphere that had crept into the locker room. This situation prompted an honest assessment from Ainsworth, who noted, "I want to give them the message of no fear... They have got nothing to lose."
Ainsworth's managerial journey has had its ups and downs. He previously enjoyed a successful run at Wycombe Wanderers, where he led the club to the Championship for the first time in their history. His return to management after his time at QPR, which ended in October 2023, was expected to revitalize a struggling Shrewsbury side, but the results just hadn't materialized. The team's stark drop in form coincided with the sale of key player Tom Bloxham in January, which many believed severely hampered their attacking options.
Now at Gillingham, Ainsworth inherits a team that, while still in a precarious position, is surprisingly well-positioned compared to where he has just departed. Gillingham, although in 19th place, is 12 points clear of the drop zone, giving them a slightly more comfortable cushion. They hope his track record can turn their fortunes around before the season closes.
The Gills have seen an inconsistency in management over the past 18 months, cycling through five different managers, which has only compounded their difficulties. Ainsworth’s arrival marks a potential turning point for a club desperate for stability. The Gillingham faithful will be hoping Ainsworth can rekindle some of the magic he once had at Wycombe, leading to a long-term revival.
This sudden managerial switch has also prompted discussions amongst players. Notably, Gillingham's top scorer, Jayden Clarke, got fans talking with a cryptic social media post about "patience," leading to speculation about management changes. In response to the buzz, Clarke clarified, saying, "Totally unintentional, emojis were more supposed to suggest patience and will be back soon rather than something happened." The juxtaposition of Ainsworth’s appointment may indeed spur clarity, as players and fans alike look forward to a more positive direction.
As Gillingham prepares to face Harrogate this weekend, Ainsworth's immediate focus will undoubtedly be on improving morale and performance ahead of their crucial matches to secure their League Two status. With everything at stake, fans will be keenly watching to see if their new manager can inject life into the team and shift their trajectory in the league.
