The second longest-serving manager in the EFL, former Bluebird
Gareth Ainsworth became Wycombe boss back in 2012. A midfielder, Ainsworth came through the academy at his boyhood club,
Blackburn Rovers, but left Ewood Park at the age of 18. Following a spell with non-league
Northwich Victoria, he returned to the Football League with
Preston North End, making over 100 appearances at Deepdale between 1991 and 1995. Ainsworth reunited with his former boss John Beck at
Lincoln City, before a move to
Port Vale in 1997. At Vale Park, he caught the attention of Premier League side
Wimbledon, who acquired the midfielder’s services in 1999.
Loan spells at Preston and Walsall followed, before a move to Ninian Park in March 2003. Ainsworth made nine appearances for the Bluebirds during the tail end of the 2002/03 campaign, as City earned promotion to the First Division via the Play-Offs. Ainsworth then joined
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