Exclusive: Don Goodman drops new Gillingham FC claim amid Gareth Ainsworth era | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman weighs in on Gillingham's promotion chances next season under Gareth Ainsworth.

Don Goodman believes that Gillingham can finally see some success come their way next season under new manager, Gareth Ainsworth.

The legendary Wycombe Wanderers manager shocked supporters across the EFL when he suddenly departed Shrewsbury Town in favour of dropping a division to manage the Gills.

Ainsworth was appointed by the Shropshire side in November 2024, over a year after his dismissal from Queens Park Rangers. However, the man known for his loyalty wouldn't remain in post for six months at Croud Meadow.

He joined Gillingham in late March, after the proposed takeover of his former club collapsed, leaving them back at square one when it came to finding investment.

For the first time since 2018, 'Wild-thing' now has the task of leading his side to promotion from League Two next season.

Don Goodman makes Gareth Ainsworth, Gillingham promotion claim

Football League World spoke exclusively to former West Brom striker and Sky Sports pundit, Goodman, and asked him how he thinks the Gills will perform under Ainsworth next season.

"Next season is going to be Gillingham’s fourth season in League Two after their relegation," the 58-year-old told FLW.

“They’ve been an ambitious club, and they’ve spent money, invested, and they’ve tried a few different head coaches - [they] should’ve been doing a lot better than they have been over the last three seasons.

“Gareth [Ainsworth] has gone in plenty of draws in his unbeaten start to life at Gillingham, but what you can see clearly is that there’s defensive solidity, and I remember him having that at Wycombe Wanderers.

“You would think with a pre-season and some investment in the playing squad, you’d hope that next season Gillingham would do a lot better than they’ve done for the past three seasons.

Ainsworth project could be a slow burner

There's absolutely no denying that Ainsworth has been one of the greatest managers in the English lower leagues over the last decade. His work with Wycombe was nothing short of a miracle, taking the Buckinghamshire club from the bottom of League Two, all the way to the Championship.

Sadly, his stint at QPR didn't go as planned, but he more than earned the right to have a crack at the job. Despite Shrewsbury's struggles on the pitch this season, all evidence suggested they were keen to tie the 51-year-old down to a long-term deal.

Based on the evidence shown at Wycombe, there's no reason that Gills fans can't believe that he could repeat a similar feat with their club. However, time and patience are a virtue when it comes to Ainsworth and his methodology.

With financial backing in the summer, the former QPR boss can build the squad he wants to gear up for next season. Ainsworth's philosophy is all about getting the right player at the right price, never overspending and ensuring there are no egos in the dressing room.

It will take time, success won't come overnight, but this is where the fans must stick with their manager and trust the long-term vision. His success at Wycombe was crafted over a number of years, so it could be a similar story with Gillingham.