Ainsworth Reveals Playing Decision

Gareth Ainsworth has spoken for the first time about his reasons for leaving the coaching staff and concentrating on his playing role.

The dependable right winger was announced as solely a player in the new coaching set-up under Jim Magilton, after previously holding several backroom roles at Loftus Road.

Ainsworth was a coach, assistant manager and caretaker manager in two spells, while remaining the joint longest serving player on QPR`s books, but he reveals that this decision is in the best interest of Rangers.

‘I think the best thing for everyone was for me to get back to being a player. Not for me, not for anyone else – but for QPR.” he told QPR.co.uk

‘Last season came a little bit too early for me. We needed a fresh start this summer and the new set-up here is looking great.’

The former Lincoln City and Port Vale winger was optimistic about the R`s chances of a positive finish this season, indicating that things are going to plan and he is looking forward to playing a role in the current campaign.

‘It’s still very early days, but we’re looking really sharp,” he said.

‘It’s great to be around the lads again and I’m loving every minute.

‘The gaffer knows what he’s going to get from me – the leadership, the fitness and the will-to-win. I’ll always keep grafting for this football club.’

The combative wide man signed for the R`s back in 2003 from Cardiff City, the side whom he celebrated promotion with a playoff final victory over Queens Park Rangers.

Since then he established himself as a firm fans favourite, playing 140 times for the R`s and scoring 20 goals in six year spell at Loftus Road.

Two goals on his debut against Blackpool helped endear himself to the Rangers faithful, and his full-throttle performances helped the R`s to the Championship, but also to keep them there.

He helped out on the coaching side following the appointment of Luigi De Canio, and remained as part of the set-up under Iain Dowie. Following the departure of the former Coventry City manager Ainsworth was placed in caretaker charge, and kept a position in Paulo Sousa`s coaching set-up.

When Sousa departed Loftus Road, Ainsworth was once again called upon to see out the remainder of the season in caretaker charge until a new manager was appointed. Jim Magilton was that man and with him came John Gorman.

A reshuffle of backroom staff including the acquisition of fellow fans favourite Marc Bircham saw Ainsworth drop out of the coaching set-up and fully focus on his playing career at the age of 36.



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