Ainsworth Thanks Owners for Extra Funding
Gareth Ainsworth praised chairman Brad Galinson for providing additional funds after the club sold defender Sam Gale to Barnsley and forward Seb Palmer-Houlden for undisclosed fees. The manager said, “Brad has been very, very generous. We make money on players and he goes, ‘OK, that’s great. We want to give you back to invest in the team.’” He added that the Galinsons have been “fantastic” since taking over and that the club’s financial situation has improved markedly over the past three years.
Transfer Window Focus
Ainsworth said the club is already looking for a replacement centre-half following Gale’s departure and the injury to captain Liam Gordon. He wants to bring in at least three more players before the window closes, whether permanent or on loan. “We have multi-positional players, but if we’re going to be without our skipper for a few weeks, we definitely need someone to plug that gap,” he explained. He noted that the club can’t afford “millions of pounds” but can still secure quality replacements.
Need for a New Centre-Half
The manager highlighted the urgency of finding a new centre-half, stating the club has 13 days to secure a replacement. “I can’t replace Liam,” he said, acknowledging that Gordon’s quality is hard to match. “He’s a phenomenal signing and will still have a massive say this season, but we have 13 days to get a centre-half in.” Ainsworth also said he would consider a midfielder who could cover the defensive gap if necessary.
Looking Ahead
Ainsworth described the transfer window as “one of my most active ever” due to the recent sales and injuries. He emphasized that the club’s squad depth is strong but that “three or four more in, definitely, to add to the squad.” He thanked the owners again for their support and said he is “really proud and pleased to work for them.” The manager’s focus remains on securing the right bodies to maintain performance levels, with the next concrete step being the acquisition of a centre-half within the next 13 days.
