Introduction
Football is the most popular sport in the world, and its legends continue to inspire many. One such football legend is Gareth Ainsworth, whose journey remains untold despite his massive accomplishments on and off the pitch.
In this blog post, we will delve deep into the life of Gareth Ainsworth, his ups and downs, his achievements, and how he became the legend he is today.
Early Life and Career
Gareth Ainsworth was born in February 1973 in Blackburn, Lancashire. He started playing football at a young age and quickly showed promise. At just 16, he joined Blackburn Rovers’ youth system but was released by the club two years later.
After leaving Blackburn, Ainsworth played for a few non-league clubs before signing his first professional contract with Northwich Victoria in 1992. His performances caught the eye of several clubs, and in 1993, he signed for Preston North End for a fee of £50,000.
Professional Career
During his professional career, Ainsworth played for several clubs, including Port Vale, Wimbledon, QPR, Wycombe Wanderers, and Northampton Town. He played in over 700 career games, scoring 105 goals, and established himself as a versatile and hard-working player.
One of his most memorable moments in his professional career came in 2003 when he scored the winning penalty for Wimbledon in the Division One playoff final against Gillingham, sending the team to the Premier League for the first time.
Transition to Management
After retiring from professional football in 2013, Ainsworth began his transition into management. He was appointed as the manager of Wycombe Wanderers in 2012 and has been in charge of the club ever since.
Under his management, Wycombe Wanderers achieved promotion to League One in 2018–19, their first-ever promotion to the third tier of English football. In the 2019–20 season, they finished in the third position in League One, their highest-ever position.
Off the Pitch
Apart from his achievements on the pitch, Gareth Ainsworth has also made significant contributions off the pitch. He is a patron of the charity Level Trust, which provides essential school items to children from low-income families.
In addition, he also released a charity single, ‘(When I) Take You Home’ ahead of Wycombe’s appearance in the League One playoff final in 2020, with proceeds from the song going to the Charity Child Bereavement UK.
Personal Life
Ainsworth is married to his wife, Claire, and has four children. He is known for his love of music and has even fronted his own band, The Cold Blooded Hearts.
In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and is a big fan of the band Kasabian.
Awards and Honors
Gareth Ainsworth has been recognized for his contributions to football and charity with several awards, including the League One Manager of the Month award in September 2019 and the Football League Trust Community Club of the Year award in 2020.
In addition, he was appointed as an Honorary Doctor of Buckinghamshire New University in 2020 in recognition of his outstanding services to football and the community.
Inspirational Quotes by Gareth Ainsworth
Gareth Ainsworth is known for his inspiring quotes, and some of his most memorable ones include:
– “It’s not a team of superstars that wins it’s a superstar team.”
– “I love dealing with people, I love giving people confidence.”
– “The best thing about football is that the impossible can happen.”
Conclusion
Gareth Ainsworth’s journey from a young boy in Blackburn to a football legend and successful manager is an inspiration to all. His achievements on and off the pitch show that with hard work, perseverance, and the right attitude, anything is possible.
As he continues to lead Wycombe Wanderers to greater heights and inspire the next generation of football players, his story will continue to be a source of inspiration and motivation for many.
FAQs
Q1. What is Gareth Ainsworth’s net worth?
A1. Gareth Ainsworth’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million.
Q2. What is Gareth Ainsworth’s highest-scoring season?
A2. Gareth Ainsworth’s highest-scoring season was the 1999–2000 season, where he scored 15 goals playing for Wimbledon.
Q3. What inspired Gareth Ainsworth to start playing football?
A3. Gareth Ainsworth’s father was a football coach, and he inspired Gareth to start playing football at a young age.
Q4. Which charity does Gareth Ainsworth support?
A4. Gareth Ainsworth is a patron of the charity Level Trust, which provides essential school items to children from low-income families.
Q5. Which band is Gareth Ainsworth a big fan of?
A5. Gareth Ainsworth is a big fan of the band Kasabian.