Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth has paid a glowing tribute to his long-time assistant Richard Dobson as the popular coach prepares to clock up a major career milestone this weekend.
Dobson – affectionately known as Dobbo– is set to take his place in the dugout for the 700th time as an assistant, with the majorty of those working alongside Ainsworth.
The Gills manager and his right-hand man have worked together for over a decade, initially teaming up at Wycombe, before sticking together at QPR and then Shrewsbury Town.
Ainsworth admitted the scale of Dobson’s achievement is remarkable.
He said: “Anyone who does 100 games in the dugout has done well, never mind 700.
“He had a season and a bit at Wycombe and was promoted to assistant manager for Gary Waddock, and that was a tough season in League 1 but it was great to see him in action, and then when I got the job, there was no question about keeping him.”
Dobson recently took charge of the Gills for six games as Ainsworth recovered from open-heart surgery. Saturday’s game against Barrow will be the first time Ainsworth has been back in the dugout at Priestfield since returning to work.
Ainsworth explained that Dobson’s influence reaches far beyond tactics, praising the unique skill set required to be an effective No.2.
“Over the years, he has become a fantastic no.2,” said the Gills boss.
“Being a no.2 is so different to being a no1. There should be courses on being a no.2, and he should run it.
“Not being in the limelight is one (thing) but (also) picking up the pieces, and he will watch me as much as the opposition, he will know what I need. He is probably the closest person to me, other than my wife!
“He could read me and know what I’m thinking, and he also knows when to push, when to hold back, and the one thing Dobbo has never done is say ‘I told you so’. He gets on with the decision we make as a group, and I will make the final decision, because that’s my job, but he always says he believes in it 100% and we go for it.”
Their partnership, Ainsworth added, is built on total trust.
Ainsworth said: “There is a word in football that’s used a lot, and whether it’s done a lot I’m not sure, but it’s definitely done by Richard Dobson. I can trust him with everything I have got and together we have forged this culture and this way of doing things. It is great to see people come in and join it and enjoy it.
“Congratulation to Dobbo, 700 is some achievement, and I hope there is plenty more to come, especially at Gillingham.”
