AINSWORTH HOPING FOR "UNBELIEVABLE" OLD TRAFFORD RESULT
Gareth Ainsworth hopes that an "unbelievable" result against reigning European and English champions Manchester United on Tuesday night in the Carling Cup Fourth Round will help convince Queens Park Rangers co-owner Flavio Briatore that he is the right man for the manager's job on a permanent basis.
The 35-year-old caretaker boss, who took over from Iain Dowie at the end of last month, is currently QPR's longest serving player and has impressed in his first few games in charge.
And he will put another superb entry on his short managerial CV if he can mastermind a famous Rangers victory at Old Trafford.
Ainsworth, who saw his team defeat Cardiff on Saturday, said: "I'm enjoying it a lot and at the moment I am taking it day by day. Flavio Briatore and the fans have given me their backing so far. As long as that is going on I am a happy man - I'm proud to be at the helm of QPR.
"I've been here a long time and I just want the club to do well. If Flavio does decide to put me in charge then fantastic. If he doesn't then I will stay in some capacity. I'm really enjoying pitting my wits against managers.
"I'm in at the deep end but when troubled times do come I can look back at this and say: 'We got through that OK. We can keep together and get through anything now.'
"It's been a real baptism of fire. We have moved into the top six in the Championship, defeated the top-of-the-table team Birmingham and now we have a trip to Old Trafford to play the European Champions in the Carling Cup."
Ainsworth added: "I've faced United twice as a player, in the 1999/2000 season when Wimbledon were relegated. But we drew twice, so perhaps that bodes well.
"Playing in the Premier League against sides like United was the highlight of my playing career. Some of the boys can have a taste of what that is like tonight. It will be a fantastic experience and opportunity for them.
"I don't need to get them up for it - what more motivation do they need when they are playing the European and Premier League champions at Old Trafford? If they can't get up for it then they shouldn't be in my squad.
"I'm a Blackburn Rovers fan through and through. I was a season-ticket holder and I did my apprenticeship there. I'm sure everyone in Blackburn will be very happy if we manage the unbelievable and get a result against Manchester United."
Gareth Ainsworth hopes that an "unbelievable" result against reigning European and English champions Manchester United on Tuesday night in the Carling Cup Fourth Round will help convince Queens Park Rangers co-owner Flavio Briatore that he is the right man for the manager's job on a permanent basis.
The 35-year-old caretaker boss, who took over from Iain Dowie at the end of last month, is currently QPR's longest serving player and has impressed in his first few games in charge.
And he will put another superb entry on his short managerial CV if he can mastermind a famous Rangers victory at Old Trafford.
Ainsworth, who saw his team defeat Cardiff on Saturday, said: "I'm enjoying it a lot and at the moment I am taking it day by day. Flavio Briatore and the fans have given me their backing so far. As long as that is going on I am a happy man - I'm proud to be at the helm of QPR.
"I've been here a long time and I just want the club to do well. If Flavio does decide to put me in charge then fantastic. If he doesn't then I will stay in some capacity. I'm really enjoying pitting my wits against managers.
"I'm in at the deep end but when troubled times do come I can look back at this and say: 'We got through that OK. We can keep together and get through anything now.'
"It's been a real baptism of fire. We have moved into the top six in the Championship, defeated the top-of-the-table team Birmingham and now we have a trip to Old Trafford to play the European Champions in the Carling Cup."
Ainsworth added: "I've faced United twice as a player, in the 1999/2000 season when Wimbledon were relegated. But we drew twice, so perhaps that bodes well.
"Playing in the Premier League against sides like United was the highlight of my playing career. Some of the boys can have a taste of what that is like tonight. It will be a fantastic experience and opportunity for them.
"I don't need to get them up for it - what more motivation do they need when they are playing the European and Premier League champions at Old Trafford? If they can't get up for it then they shouldn't be in my squad.
"I'm a Blackburn Rovers fan through and through. I was a season-ticket holder and I did my apprenticeship there. I'm sure everyone in Blackburn will be very happy if we manage the unbelievable and get a result against Manchester United."
Labels: Carling Cup, Championship, Gareth Ainsworth, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers
