EBAY DAYS ARE OVER
Ainsworth’s quids in but won’t go on huge spend
GARETH AINSWORTH has ruled out a January spending spree but can now shut his personal eBay account.
The Wycombe manager once paid for replacement trainingground goal nets out of his own pocket, such was the Chairboys’ financial problems.
Wycombe have now been taken over by American millionaire Rob Couhig and have their eyes on promotion to the Championship, with a chance to go top of League One tomorrow.
But Ainsworth, who first arrived at Adams Park as a player 10 years ago this week, says he will not be reckless in his pursuit of that dream.
He said: “The days of eBay have gone. My eBay account is now pretty dormant. But there will not be millions of pounds shovelled in.
“I have never had a lot so I will always be frugal with my money. Whatever Rob gives me, I hope to give him some change back. I’m never going to be a manager who spends just because I can, and blow other teams out of the water.
“I will pay what I think is right for a player. If you give a player too much money you expect a bit more. And if he can’t deliver, that causes all sorts of problems.
“The upbringing I’ve had at Wycombe has been good but Rob’s going to be there and will improve us. I will still have to justify things.
“If I had just come in, I might have said, ‘Add a million pound on the budget and I’ll get you promoted’. But I’ve been here seven years as manager and know the place.
“I know the cleaners’ names and know the people who work at the stadium by name.
“I’m not about to put this club in any jeopardy. We are all a family and that is important to me.”
With leaders Ipswich not playing this weekend, Wycombe need a point at Tranmere tomorrow to return to the top of League One.
And Ainsworth, who recently turned down Lincoln, Sunderland and Millwall, is stunned at his side’s change of fortune.
He said: “The Championship has got to be the next natural stop. I cannot tell you when but we will give it a right go.
“Just to say that is a ridiculous thing to come out of my mouth after what we’ve been through.
“I’ve really tried to curb the boys with talk of promotion and what we can do.
“For so long we’ve been the underdog, for so long we’ve had to scrap and fight.
“I’m getting used to this as much as anyone. I have a group in there who are ready to reach their true potential.”