Former QPR boss set for new job while ex Millwall and Portsmouth coach leaves EFL role on medical grounds

Gareth Ainsworth hasn’t worked in the dugout since leaving QPR but is close to a return to football.

There'll be little chance for a breather for QPR this international break as Marti Cifuentes is tasked with finding a dramatic change in form with the side sitting rock bottom of the Championship.

Gareth Ainsworth is a frontrunner for the Shrewsbury Town job.placeholder image
Gareth Ainsworth is a frontrunner for the Shrewsbury Town job. | Getty Images

Meanwhile, Millwall stars may be afforded a little more relief after an impressive run of form in recent weeks that has seen the likes of Leeds United and Burnley beaten by Neil Harris' men.

It's familiar faces for both QPR and Millwall supporters who feature in your Tuesday Championship round-up.

Former QPR boss set for League One appointment

Former QPR head coach Gareth Ainsworth is the 'leading contender' to replace Paul Hurst at League One outfit Shrewsbury Town in what would be a first return to the dugout since being sacked by the R's a year ago.

Former QPR manager Gareth Ainsworth is close to a return to management.placeholder image
Former QPR manager Gareth Ainsworth is close to a return to management. | Getty Images

The 51-year-old was in charge at Loftus Road between February and October 2023 but left with QPR in the Championship relegation zone, eventually being replaced by Marti Cifuentes. Ainsworth has been linked with several jobs in recent months and has appeared on Sky Sports as a pundit.

The Shropshire Star now claims that Ainsworth is set to get the Shrewsbury role, although a deal is yet to be agreed. The report adds that he will bring long-term assistant manager Richard Dobson with him to the 24th-placed third-tier side.

Ex Millwall and Portsmouth boss steps down from role at League Two club

Former Millwall and Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett has stepped down from his role as director of football at Gillingham on medical grounds after nearly two years.

The Gills sit eighth in the table but Jackett had stepped back from some of his duties over recent months. A statement from the club read: "Kenny Jackett has decided to step away from his role at Gillingham Football Club due to medical reasons. Having joined the Gills after the takeover in December 2022, Kenny was an integral part of steering the club away from the relegation zone in that season and laying the foundations for future success."

Kenny Jackett has stepped aside from his role as Gillingham's director of football.placeholder image
Kenny Jackett has stepped aside from his role as Gillingham's director of football. | Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

The 62-year-old spent six years at The Den, winning the League One play offs in 2010 to take Millwall into the Championship. Jackett left his role with the club in 2013 in search of a 'new challenge' after a campaign which saw the side reach the FA Cup semi-final.

The manager went on to work at Wolves, Rotherham United and Portsmouth before a most recent spell at Leyton Orient between 2021 and 2022.

Speaking of Kenny's impact at Gillingham as he stepped down, club chairman Brad Galinson said: "Kenny has been a calm and knowledgeable person to have around the club. His experience and contacts within the game have been invaluable and whilst we are sad to see him step down, Kenny's health is the most important thing and must be his sole focus. I'm grateful for what he has given to the club and I'm sure our fans will respect his and his family's privacy.”

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