GARETH Ainsworth has backed Wycombe Wanderers to challenge for promotion to the Championship this season – and believes manager Matt Bloomfield is destined for the top regardless.
Fifth in League One ahead of the weekend’s fixtures, the Chairboys have a budget that is dwarfed by the likes of Wrexham, Birmingham and Stockport.
But financial limitations didn’t prevent club legend Ainsworth winning a historic promotion to the second tier in 2020 and the 51-year-old says it won’t stop his old captain either.
“I’m proud of everything I’ve done in management,” said Ainsworth, whose ten-and-ahalf-year reign at Adams Park came to an end in February 2023 when he departed for an bleak eight-month stint at former club QPR.
“But one of my proudest moments is sitting down with (former owner) Rob Couhig before I left Wycombe and saying ‘Get Matt Bloomfield in’.
“I’m not saying I was wholly responsible. It was Rob who made the decision and it’s Matt who has delivered. But to have played a part is brilliant.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LUKE BOOSTED BY WALES ACE LIAM
Swans bid to mark new era in style...
MATT'S DELIGHT OVER RECORD
WYCOMBE boss Wanderers Matt Bloomfield hailed his history-makers after victory at Lincoln City.
TON-UP IAN ENJOYS HIS SPECIAL WIN
AN Evatt described his 100th win as Bolton boss as very special, although he needed Aaron Collins' injurytime goal to bring up the three figures.
DONS LACK A CLINICAL EDGE AS SADDLERS GRAB POINTS
NATHAN Lowe's strike inspired promotion-chasing Walsall to victory over AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
SUB GRIMES IS IN-SPIRED TO HEAD THE WINNER
CAPTAIN Jamie Grimes headed in a late winner for Chesterfield after a game of very few chances appeared destined to remain goalless.`
COBBLERS TEST IN TROPHY FOR POSH
HOLDERS Peterborough United have been drawn against fellow League One side Northampton Town in the Round of 32 of the newly-named Vertu Trophy.
HORNETS REMINDED OF GRAY'S BRILLIANCE
WAYNE Rooney expressed his delight as Plymouth extended their unbeaten league home run to six after Andre Gray's last-gasp leveller.
MARTI DOUBTING JOB AFTER DRAW
Rangers home run continues
BIG MAC'S ON TARGET TO SEE OFF THE TIGERS
LUTON boss Rob Edwards felt it was a very good day at the office as his team turned in a gritty performance to beat Hull.
Rohl confident Owls
DANNY Rohl said getting results is the only thing missing as his Owls were held at home by Cardiff.