Rival clubs meet on Saturday but the Gillingham manager has nothing but respect for the man he’ll be up against at Priestfield.
Gills boss Gareth Ainsworth faces off against his old manager Ian Holloway when Swindon Town visit for the final game of the season at Priestfield.
“What a guy,” said Ainsworth, of the man who signed him for QPR in 2003..
“He was a really big part of my career, both playing and managing, and I’ve taken a lot from Ian Holloway into my own managerial career.
“He almost resurrected my career a little bit. Wimbledon was great, in the Premier League. But there were injuries, it didn’t go great (and I went to) Cardiff on loan.
“Then, after the play-off final, ironically against QPR, Ian said he wanted to sign me and I had seven or eight years there.
“He was brilliant at motivating us. He was brilliant at letting the dressing room energy flow, and one of his biggest strengths was seeing something that was working and not feeling the need to get involved and going, ‘great, it’s working’.
“I’m not surprised he went on to manage in the Premier League because of the character he is.
“He’s had a phenomenal career and I think passed 1,000 games recently as well, which he’s well deserved. It will be great to see ‘Ollie’.
“He probably doesn’t get as much credit as he should for tactically and managing teams the way he does, because everyone sees this eccentric character. The game is losing those characters, believe me.
“He’s brilliant to have back in management. He’s interviewed me. He’s given me advice. He’s coached me and managed me as a player.
“One of my proudest moments in football would have been being promoted with QPR away at Sheffield Wednesday. He was the manager then, and that will live in the memories for a long time.
“He got the best out of everyone. He’s still doing that, obviously, at Swindon, because when he took over, they were really in trouble. It’s no surprise to me where they are now.”
Ainsworth also played in the same QPR team as Swindon assistant Marcus Bignot.
“It will be great to share a drink with them after the game,” said the Gills boss.
“To the outside world, there’s nothing on this game, but to everyone in Priestfield, there’s plenty on it.
“I know Ian, he knows me and both of us will be going for the win.”
Holloway has previously talked about Ainsworth’s positivity, saying: “His personality is all about believing and being positive and the biggest credit I could give him is that he would make you believe you were alive, even if you were dead.”
League 2 table
Ainsworth’s been briefed on the Gills rivalry with Swindon, one which dates back to a fractious third division clash at Priestfield in March 1979.
The Gills start the weekend 17th in League 2 and face a Swindon team who are 13th and lost last time out, a 1-0 defeat to Bromley ending their four-game winning streak.
Ainsworth said: “I wasn’t aware of the rivalry between the two clubs but I am now.
“They’ll be turning up in droves. I’m sure we will and it’s our last home game as well.
“Hopefully, the sun will be shining and a full house would be nice. Let’s see what we can do against Swindon.
“They’ve done really well this season. They’re a good side. They play with Ian’s energy. They play with that enthusiasm, that tenacity that he’s got.
“I’ve been studying them and looking at where we can break them down. I’ll be keeping that a secret but I expect a tough game, a real tough game.
“I’m really pleased with where we are but you’re only one game away from a defeat. You don’t want that to happen. You don’t want it to creep in and catch you. We’re going to be super prepared for that.
“The boys showed me some good stuff in training (on Thursday) morning. We’ve got another day Friday (today) and we’ll be ready to rock and roll on Saturday.”
