Gareth Ainsworth 'honoured' by Wycombe appointment

Gareth Ainsworth has been appointed player/manager of npower League Two strugglers Wycombe.

The 39-year-old, who had been in caretaker charge since Gary Waddock left at the end of September, has signed a contract at Adams Park initially until the end of the season.

During his time in temporary control, Ainsworth guided the Chairboys to a first home league win of the season and a place in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy area quarter-finals.

They sit 22nd in League Two, off the bottom on goal difference, with just three wins from 15 matches.

Ainsworth, who arrived at the club in February 2010, said: "I'm delighted and honoured to be the manager of Wycombe Wanderers. The club has a big history of successful managers and I will be giving it my all to join that list.

"I would like to thank [joint-chairman] Don Woodward and the board for this opportunity. They've put their faith in me and I will work as hard as I possibly can to get out of this current situation, with the long-term aim to bring success to the club.

"I also want to thank Dobbo (Richard Dobson, assistant manager) and Lee (Harrison, coach) for being with me every step of the way. They've been a huge help and I feel the three of us work extremely well as a team.

"The way the players and fans have responded to me in these seven weeks has been magnificent and if we carry on in the same vein it can only be good for Wycombe Wanderers."

Woodward said: "We knew he would be a front-runner for the job from the moment we placed him in caretaker charge but his outstanding attributes really came to the fore over the last seven weeks and we feel now is the right time to seal our commitment towards him as the next manager of this proud football club.

"Gareth has had to contend with a terribly unlucky injury list but has got the players working hard for each other, showing faith in some extremely talented younger players and reaping the benefits with some impressive results since taking charge.

"His professionalism, enthusiasm and tactical awareness have impressed everybody on the board and we are all looking forward to working closely with him to deliver success on and off the pitch. Many things will change with him at the helm, and you will see a stronger and fitter team emerge and challenge in every game they play."

PA