Gareth Ainsworth hopes the Wanderers faithful give Gary Waddock a good reception tomorrow, as his predecessor in the Blues hotseat makes his first return to Adams Park.

Ainsworth was installed as Blues boss in the wake of Waddock's 2012 sacking following three eventful years in charge.

Tomorrow sees Waddock come back to Wycombe for the first time since being fired, with the Blues boss now assistant to Andy Awford at Portsmouth.

Ainsworth was Waddock's captain at both QPR and Wanderers and said he counts him as a friend as well as a former manager.

Asked if Waddock will get a favourable reception from the home fans tomorrow, Ainsworth said: "I'm hoping he does. There's no reason why he shouldn't.

"I'm sure the fans will give Gary a good reception. They are a knowledgeable bunch and I'm sure they will appreciate Gary's efforts, which I can vouch for. He gave absolutely everything he possibly could for Wycombe Wanderers, which should be applauded no matter what.

"It was a real rollercoaster here, taking over a team that ended up getting relegated. One year later he got promoted, then relegated again - there was never a dull moment at Wycombe under Gary.

"It's brilliant to see him back in the game first of all - he's a top, top man. There's no doubt we'll be having a beer and a chat after the game.

"He's a person who's had a big influence on my career, both on and off the pitch. I'm very thankful to have worked under Gary Waddock - more so than that, I'd call him a very close friend. I've got nothing but good things to say about Gary Waddock."

The former Ireland international has faced Wanderers once already this season, having been a coach at Barnet when the sides faced each other in the first round of the FA Cup.

Waddock has also coached at MK Dons and was briefly in charge of Oxford United after being given the bullet by Blues.

Ainsworth has appointed player/coach at Wanderers by Waddock and the Blues boss said he owed his former manager a lot.

He said: "He was a midfield coach at QPR and I learned more skills off him in terms of getting the ball down and passing than previously. I was always known as a battling runner who could physically match anyone. He added a bit of culture to my game and gave me a real freedom to play, which added to me trying some of the spectacular.

"He gave me big responsibilities to be first team coach here, albeit for seven or eight games."