Without a win since the
opening day, Wanderers parted company with manager Gary Waddock following a 1-0
home defeat to managerless AFC Wimbledon.
Veteran midfielder
Gareth Ainsworth was placed in temporary charge for Saturday’s match with
Dagenham & Redbridge, but couldn’t halt the Chairboys’ dire form which
threatens to derail their push for an instant return to League One.
Despite starting his
reign with defeat, Ainsworth remains positive in turning things around at Adams
Park.
“The application was
back along with the drive and the passion,” Ainsworth told the club’s website.
“The lads were really
up for the game so it is hard to take. It is never easy when you are the bottom
of the league but we can turn it around – hopefully starting at home to
Plymouth.”
After relegation from
League One last season, Wycombe were considered one of the favourites to bounce
straight back at the first attempt.
A 3-1 victory at
newly promoted York City on the opening day did little to change that
assumption, but things have not gone according to plan since.
Ainsworth continued:
“We have two winnable games now. It is a very, very important week. We haven't
been this low for a long time. It is tough.
“We have to pick them
up off the floor and start winning again.”
The Chairboys sit
second bottom in League Two on a run of six defeats in their last seven league
matches.
Defensive frailties
have been the main area of concern at Adams Park and Ainsworth is keen to
eradicate the problems.
He added: “We have to
tighten up on set-plays, if I have to work every day then that is what we will
do.”
In an act of good
will, former boss Waddock has backed the 39-year-old, ex-Queens Park Rangers
midfielder for the job.
It’s not the first
time Ainsworth has found himself in temporary charge at a football club during
his long and illustrious career.
Following the sacking
of both Ian Dowie and Paulo Souza in the space of six months at QPR, Ainsworth
was placed in caretaker charge on both occasions successfully steering the club
back onto the right path.
Being a popular
member of the Wycombe squad, Ainsworth is hopeful that with the backing of the
players he can do a similar job in League Two and improve the club’s current
state of affairs.
He concluded: “In all
fairness, what a good set of lads I've got and what an understanding bunch.
“They've took it on
themselves to listen to me and do what I say and they know I do want a crack at
this.
“Hopefully with a bit
of luck and a bit of hard work, we can get some results.”
The Chairboys face
Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday evening with a strong turnout expected at Adams
Park.
Saturday’s home clash
with Torquay may determine whether Ainsworth remains in the running to take the
job on a full time basis.
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