A couple of years ago during Wycombe’s successful League One play-off campaign, Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth was spotted donning his famous red cowboy boots.
The footwear turned into a lucky charm as the Chairboys defeated Fleetwood Town 4-1 in the first leg, before drawing 2-2 in the second leg to book their place in the final, which was against their M40 rivals in Oxford United.
Gareth Ainsworth has got a new lucky charm 🤞 🤣 pic.twitter.com/x5qBaRmPo9
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 5, 2022
The Adams Park outfit would go on to defeat the Ox's in the Wembley showpiece in July 2020, secure a spot in the second tier of English football for the first time.
Gareth Ainsworth COULD wear his 'lucky' cowboy boots at Wembley #Chairboys. Written by @RobertFolker https://t.co/N9fjdvJ9zg
— Bucks Free Press (@bucksfreepress) July 9, 2020
So, what about the play-offs for 2022?
Well, the stylish 48-year-old has revealed he has a new lucky charm.
Gareth Ainsworth’s red snakeskin cowboy boots. Worn for the second successive final day of the season. #Chairboys pic.twitter.com/4W8QBN2wDk
— Phil Catchpole (@bluntphil) May 5, 2019
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the first leg win over Milton Keynes on May 5 at Adams Park, Ainsworth said: “Back when we went on our poor run in February where we dropped down to eighth, Garath McCleary and Anthony Stewart have both got lovely dreadlock hairdos.
“They then asked me that if we were to make the play-offs, would I get the dreads, and I said OK.
“I have a couple of pairs of cowboy boots that you never know might just grace the turf at Wembley too, but we'll see" @wwfcofficial boss Gareth Ainsworth on his unique dress sense ahead of Monday's Play-Off Final. #EFL | #SkyBetLeagueOnehttps://t.co/ZDfZZ6t7Vw
— Sky Bet League One (@SkyBetLeagueOne) July 12, 2020
“I haven’t gone full dread, as I can’t dread this as it’s been going on for too long.
“So what I’ve done is, I’ve got a couple and that’s me meeting them halfway!
“I’ll keep these on during the play-offs, and they keep to their bargain which is to play good!”
Wycombe defeated MK 2-0 in the first leg of the play-off semi-final, and they will met again for the return fixture on May 8 at Stadium: MK.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here