Gareth Ainsworth’s ‘love’ message to Shrewsbury Town after return

Gareth Ainsworth sent well wishes and expressed his “love” for former club Shrewsbury Town after enjoying a winning return with Gillingham.

The Halloween villain made his return to Shropshire after an abrupt departure in March last year, when he left Salop after just 133 days in charge to take the Gillingham job.

But after leading the Gills to a late victory, Ainsworth reflected on his time at Shrewsbury, explained his decision to leave and insisted he still held the club in high regard.

He said: “It’s great to win here. I had some really great times at Shrewsbury, I really did.

“We had some cracking wins here when I was manager. But coming back here and showing what I can do with my team is all nice as well.”

Asked about playing the pantomime villain, Ainsworth added: “I don’t think it was too bad, was it?

“They’re good, they understand it. If anyone wants to begrudge me for going home to be with my wife and three children…that is where I want to be.

“Back when I was younger, you could have tempted me up here and I would be out every night. But I am too old now.

“I like being at home with my kids and my wife. That was the big reason that I went back down south.

“It’s a beautiful place and a beautiful town and I hope that they do really well in the league, because I do love this place. But I love Gillingham as well and I am really pleased with that win.”

Ainsworth left Shrewsbury with the club bottom of League One and nine games remaining. Town received financial compensation, with the head coach still having 15 months left on his contract, but were ultimately relegated.

His return had been keenly anticipated by supporters, with the circumstances of his departure still a sore point for many.

And it was Ainsworth who had the final say on Halloween, as Andy Smith struck from close range in the 80th minute to snatch all three points for Gillingham.

“To come here and get a win is a special day. I am really proud of them all,” Ainsworth said.

“We had, probably, the better chances of the game. We restricted Shrewsbury to what we knew would be loads of set pieces. They are the best set piece team in the league.

“We tried not to give set pieces away, but we ended up giving a few away. The penalty is one we are disappointed with.

“But if they just wanted to launch it in and try to score that way, then that’s fine. But we dealt with it really well, we knew that would come.”