Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth had the Priestfield crowd singing his name after a 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon on Easter Monday

Gareth Ainsworth’s already got the Priestfield crowd singing his name and hopes this is the start of something special.

Gillingham have been in the doldrums for several years but a 10-game unbeaten run - seven under the new boss - has given fans hope that better times are on the horizon.

They’ve won back-to-back home matches and come up against Swindon Town on Saturday in their last game at Priestfield this season.

“It was special,” said manager Ainsworth, after he celebrated a 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon in front of the Rainham End on Easter Monday.

“It’s brilliant when you have a connection with the fans.

“These fans are really good. They get behind you like you wouldn’t believe. I know that it’s a difficult place when it’s not going well, I’m well aware of that.

“I’m hoping that I’m getting money in the bank here with them. I’m trying things. We’re trying to play and I will give everything.

“I’m a football fan. I know what it means to them. I know every one of them would die to put a shirt on and give their all. That’s exactly what I ask my players to do.

“When we get some strategy and some identity in the way we play, I’m hoping we’ll win more than we lose.

“I know how important it is. I really do. I know what the walk’s like to a football ground. I used to do it to Blackburn. I used to walk down Bolton Road to Blackburn’s Ewood Park. I’ve got that empathy and I’ve never lost it. I’m proud of that because I know what it means to them.”

Ainsworth was appointed manager with nine games to go in League 2 and he’s already brought in a feelgood factor.

Sceptics will argue that there are only two wins along with five draws, but it’s an improvement with a squad that several managers before have struggled to get much from.

Ain