I'll be judged from day one of next season - Ainsworth

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth says he expects to be judged from the start of next season.

The 52-year-old took charge in March 2025, and the Gills won six of their opening nine league matches in 2025-26.

They have won just five of their next 29, leaving the Kent side 16th in League Two, and heading to strugglers Crawley on Saturday trying to avoid a fifth successive defeat.

Club owners Brad and Shannon Galinson have confirmed they are backing former Wycombe and Shrewsbury Town boss Ainsworth as part of a two-year plan, which includes restructuring their recruitment policies.

"I think we've got great owners," Ainsworth told BBC Radio Kent.

"I'm taking some flak at the moment, but I'm totally fine with that because I know that if I'm given the continuity that I think the club craves, we'll slowly, slowly start getting better.

"The two-year plan is on. I said we'll make this club better than it is when I took over a year ago, and its a tough task, but I'm up for it.

"I can't wait for the summer, and come back next season enthused. But I want to give the Gills fans something to shout about at the end of this season.

"I want to make the club attractive to potential new players coming, and I want Gillingham to start winning games again. I'll be judged from the start of next season."

Ainsworth attended the club's annual golf day with supporters this week, and says he appreciated the support he was given.

"It was a bit apprehensive for me. I thought 'We're on a bad run here and I'm going into the lion's den', but every single one of them told me 'we're right behind the boys, tell the boys we want them to do well, we want you to do well'," he said.

"It was great and it gives me energy, knowing they understand. This club has had it tough for a few years now, but I'm hoping next season is the light at the end of the tunnel to go 'right - let's change a few things and go again'."