Gareth Ainsworth’s already got the Priestfield crowd singing his name and hopes this is the start of something special.
Gillingham have been in the doldrums for several years but a 10-game unbeaten run – seven under the new boss – has given fans hope that better times are on the horizon.
They’ve won back-to-back home matches and come up against Swindon Town on Saturday in their last game at Priestfield this season.
“It was special,” said manager Ainsworth, after he celebrated a 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon in front of the Rainham End on Easter Monday.
“It’s brilliant when you have a connection with the fans.
“These fans are really good. They get behind you like you wouldn’t believe. I know that it’s a difficult place when it’s not going well, I’m well aware of that.
“I’m hoping that I’m getting money in the bank here with them. I’m trying things. We’re trying to play and I will give everything.
“I’m a football fan. I know what it means to them. I know every one of them would die to put a shirt on and give their all. That’s exactly what I ask my players to do.
“When we get some strategy and some identity in the way we play, I’m hoping we’ll win more than we lose.
“I know how important it is. I really do. I know what the walk’s like to a football ground. I used to do it to Blackburn. I used to walk down Bolton Road to Blackburn’s Ewood Park. I’ve got that empathy and I’ve never lost it. I’m proud of that because I know what it means to them.”
Ainsworth was appointed manager with nine games to go in League 2 and he’s already brought in a feelgood factor.
Sceptics will argue that there are only two wins along with five draws, but it’s an improvement with a squad that several managers before have struggled to get much from.
Ainsworth’s been trying to get results while also assessing the players he has ahead of a busy summer of comings and goings. He’s rotating the players to see what works and what doesn’t.
“I’m loving what the club is setting out for me to do,” he said.
“I know [owners] Brad and Shannon (Galinson) are coming back for the last two games, which is great. It’ll be great to see them.
“Fans have been brilliant since I walked through the door and hopefully it’ll continue but I know there’ll be some tough times as well.
“We’re really trying and I will give everything for this club, as I did for any club. I’m here, and I’ll give everything for this place.”
Looking ahead to a weekend clash for the Gills against rivals Swindon, a team managed by Ainsworth’s former QPR boss Ian Holloway, the new Gills manager said: “I’ve heard all about the rivalry.
“I know how important this one is and then it’s Port Vale [for the last game next weekend]. A nice trip to go on and potentially see the team that’s getting promoted. Let’s see what that looks like and then aim for that at some stage.
“It’s a two-year journey and we will be better than we are now. I promise that.”
On facing Holloway, he added: “I think you’ve got the two most energetic managers on the touchline there.
“I don’t know what it’s like these days, but when I played for him, he was brilliant. He’s a great man, Ian Holloway.
“Forget football manager, a great human being. I loved my time under him. I want to beat him, but I’m sure we’ll have a beer after the game together.”
