After a disappointing start to the season Reading are reportedly lining up a replacement for current head coach, Noel Hunt.
The Berkshire side missed out on the League One play-offs by three points last season. Despite this, the Royal have not shown signs so far that they could challenge again for a top six spot.
With this in mind, Reading are reportedly weighing up a move for Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth. The former Wycombe Wanderers boss worked under Royals owner Rob Couhig at Adams Park.
Ainsworth is on the club’s radar after an impressive start to the League Two campaign with his Gills side.
How have Reading fared so far this season?
Noel Hunt’s side started the season with high expectations after the ending of Dai Yongge’s reign at the club. The positivity at the Select Car Leasing Stadium has not transpired and they sit 21st in League One after seven games.
Reading started the season with three straight defeats to Lincoln City (2-0), Huddersfield Town (2-0) and AFC Wimbledon (2-1). Hunt managed to pick up his first point of the season with a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Bolton Wanderers.
This draw was the start of four games without a loss in all competitions which included their first win of the campaign, a 1-0 victory against Port Vale. However, the Berkshire side have suffered back-to-back defeats in all competitions after a 3-2 loss at Barnsley on Saturday.
A key component of Reading’s poor start is their lack of attacking threat. Hunt’s side currently rank 18th in the third tier for goals scored per match with one goal.
This doesn’t tell the full story as the Royals are failing to create chances in games as well. They currently are the worst in League One for expected goals (xG) and big chances created with 5.4 xG and 5 respectively.
Their defensive statistics are not helping them get out of their poor run of form either. Conceding an average of 1.7 goals per game ranks them 21st in the third tier.
With these results and statistics in mind, many would assume that Noel Hunt’s position in charge is under threat. Reports suggest that, should this be the case, Gillingham’s Gareth Ainsworth is being lined up to replace him.
Gareth Ainsworth’s Gillingham
On the flip side, Gareth Ainsworth has had a period of time in charge of Gillingham. Since taking over, the 52-year-old has overseen a 17 game unbeaten run.
Their performances this season see them in 2nd place in League Two after eight games. They started the season with a 1-1 draw at Accrington Stanley before following it up with a first win of the season against Walsall (1-0).
The Kent side have picked up wins against early season pace-setters Chesterfield (4-1) and Crewe Alexandra (1-0). Ainsworth’s side were lucky to come away from Bromley with a 2-2 draw after a 98th minute equaliser.
The biggest factor in Gillingham’s good start has been their defensive solidity. They have kept a league-best four clean sheets and sit joint-top for goals conceded (0.6) per match.
Ainsworth’s style of football has seemingly been implemented into this Gillingham side as well. Known for his direct and high-energy style of play, the Gills boss is often branded with an attritional style of play.
The Kent side rank 5th for accurate long-balls (28) per match and with 170.8 accurate passes per match they rank 21st. Despite the style of football, Ainsworth is getting results for Gillingham which will be a key factor in Reading’s reported interest.
Would Gareth Ainsworth be a good appointment for Reading?
Considering the fortunes of both clubs, on paper the appointment of Ainsworth could improve the Royals. The Berkshire side have conceded too many goals so far which is something that the 52-year-old would likely improve.
One of the reasons for Ainsworth’s link with the Reading role is his potential positive relationship with Rob Couhig. As mentioned, the two of them worked together at Wycombe.
This familiarity could work in the club’s favour when it comes to things like recruitment. The Royals also have Joe Jacobson operating as CEO and he was a significant factor in Ainsworth’s success at Wycombe.
However, a key improvement that Reading need is their attacking output and this is something that may affect this potential appointment. So far this season, the Gills rank 9th for xG and have outscored it by 1.7 goals.
Taking this into account, it may be that Reading will need someone who has a different style of play to Ainsworth. The 52-year-old has previously failed to have a positive impact during previous managerial stints at Queens Park Rangers and Shrewsbury Town.
With this in mind, and his current buy-in at Gillingham, it may be unwise for Ainsworth to jump management roles again. Despite past successes with the former Wycombe manager, it may be wise for Couhig to look elsewhere should he need to replace Noel Hunt.