EFL cult hero Gareth Ainsworth ‘plotting shock return to management’ after almost a whole year unemployed

EFL icon Gareth Ainsworth is reportedly targeting a return to management.

The 51-year-old has been out of work since leaving QPR last October.

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Gareth Ainsworth allegedly wants the Hearts job[/caption]

He was sacked by the Hoops following six consecutive Championship defeats.

But now he is seeking a return to management.

According to the Daily Record, Ainsworth wants to become the next Hearts boss.

The Scottish Premiership side sacked Steven Naismith last week following a 2-1 defeat to St Mirren.

Club officials are now looking for his successor, with Ainsworth among the potential candidates.

The former QPR boss has applied for the vacant job and is now under consideration.

His statistics will be reviewed by Hearts before the interview process begins.

Ainsworth turned down several job opportunities after leaving QPR a year ago.

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He was understood to be waiting for the perfect role to come around.

And he believes Hearts will tick every box.

Prior to his stint at QPR, Ainsworth managed Wycombe Wanderers for almost 11 years.

He won promotion from League Two in 2018 and from League One in 2020.

Ainsworth managed 550 games at Wycombe, with a win ratio of almost 40 per cent and he gained a reputation for playing attacking football.