Woodward: Ainsworth the front runner for job (From Bucks Free Press)

Woodward: Ainsworth the front runner for job

10:22am Friday 26th October 2012 in Sport By Andy Carswell

CHAIRMAN Don Woodward has hinted Gareth Ainsworth will be handed the Wanderers' manager's job on a permanent basis if he keeps their run of good form going.

He said "the writing's on the wall" if Blues keep winning while the current caretaker manager is in charge of the team.

Woodward said Ainsworth has been given extra time to make his mark, and his words make it appear he's the front runner to become Wanderers' next permanent manager.

The Wycombe joint chairman told the Bucks Free Press: "If things go well, the writing's on the wall. We'll see how it goes and see if we get the continued performances and gelling. We will see if that's sustained.

"He's got a very good chance. He's got a lot of attributes - he's such a great character, a great club man and the fans are loving it.

"We've also allowed Gareth a bit more time because he's started so well."

Woodward said the list of contenders for the job has been narrowed down from the initial forty-plus applicants to a shortlist of eight, with Ainsworth seemingly out in front.

He said a decision is likely to be made within the next month after the board decided to slow the selection process down.

Ainsworth was originally given a month in temporary charge of Blues after Gary Waddock was sacked, and after an impressive run of results and performances in that time the board are happy for him to stay in the manager's hotseat for the time being.

Woodward said: "We had a board meeting about ten days ago and we decided to engage the brakes.

"We haven't done any interviews but we've had chats with people. We're not there yet, one way or the other."

The chairman added he was impressed with how Wanderers had been playing since the management change, with Blues winning three and drawing two of Ainsworth's seven games in charge.

He said: "We always knew we had a good squad, it was a case of getting them to believe in themselves and have confidence. That's the first thing that's changed and it's great to see, especially from the youngsters."

Asked what he thought was making the difference, Woodward said: "I presume it has to be motivation, if you have the same team doing different things."