Gareth Ainsworth has led Wycombe Wanderers to second in the League One table, is he the right man to replace Jack Ross at Sunderland?
Gareth Ainsworth admits that he is loving life at Wycombe Wanderers but hints that he could be tempted to leave Adams Park to take over the vacant managerial role at League One rivals Sunderland, speaking to the Totally Football League Show.
With his rock star haircut, Ainsworth is one of the third tier’s most recognisable faces but he’s also one of its finest managers too.
Ainsworth has spent seven years at Wycombe and The Chairboys are flying higher than ever before under his stewardship. As it stands, one of the smallest clubs in the division are currently second in the table, just behind league leaders Ipswich Town.
It is that remarkable rise which could catch the eye of a Sunderland side, who according to TEAMtalk, have prioritised a coach with a proven track record in the third tier.
“I’m really happy at Wycombe, they’ve been so good to me. But of course, I’m ambitious,” the former QPR midfielder has said this week.
“I want a club that has ambitions to play in the Championship, to be as high as they possibly can. I’m open to everything.”
Ainsworth believes that Wycombe could become a second-tier club but accepts that substantial investment is required. That is easier said than done for a team who continue to be balance on a shoestring budget.
Sunderland would be a completely different sort of challenge for a coach who thrives on being an underdog.
‘We’ve competed with what I think is the league’s best team. Jack Ross is a fantastic manager and this is a proper football club,” Ainsworth told Club Call last season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
