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.
Denne historien er fra October 20, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 20, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
BLADES HARNESS THEIR EMOTIONS
CHRIS Wilder reflected on an emotional afternoon which saw tributes paid to former player George Baldock, who passed away earlier this month, as his Sheffield United side beat Stoke City.
DRAGONS HAVE PLENTY OF PUFF!
Dan has faith in squad...
McCANN HAILS HIS ROVERS AS HERO HURST STEALS SHOW
GRAHAM McCann called Kyle Hurst “a joy to watch” after his Doncaster Rovers side’s victory at Valley Parade.
MATT'S FINISH EARNS POINT IN LAST-GASP PEN DRAM
CHARLTON boss Nathan Jones broke his habit of not watching penalties as Matty Godden converted in the 97th-minute to salvage a draw against Wrexham.
TON-UP CARRICK BOYS TO KEEP
AT CARROW Road this afternoon, Michael Carrick will take charge of his 101st game as Middlesbrough manager.
THREE MOORE POINTS -JUST
PORT VALE manager Darren Moore praised the “mentality change” from the club’s supporters as his side held on to beat AFC Wimbledon and extend their lead at the top of the League Two table.
SUPER SUBS HELP COOK TURN UP HEAT
CHESTERFIELD boss Paul Cook said the strength of his squad was the difference as three of his substitutes scored second-half goals against struggling Morecambe.
SKY BLUES' LATE RALLY HAS MARK 'HUMBLED'
MARK Robins claimed his Coventry team were thoroughly deserved winners after his side completed a spectacular comeback to win against ten-man Luton Town.
CASPER HAUNTS THE SWANS ONCE AGAIN
CASPER De Norre struck a dramatic 90th-minute winner for Millwall as Swansea’s Championship goal drought continued.
Eustace's rage over penalty winner
BLACKBURN boss John Eustace blasted referee Darren England for a “disappointing” penalty decision which handed Watford a narrow victory.
