GARETH Ainsworth has admitted he is ‘flattered’ to be linked with Reading FC but insists he is ‘very happy’ at Wycombe Wanderers.

Ainsworth is now the third joint-favourite with Sky Bet to replace Paul Clement after his odds tumbled from 20/1 to 6/1 this afternoon.

Former Royals skipper Phil Parkinson remains the clear 10/11 favourite followed by Luis Castro (7/2) and Slavisa Jokanovic (6/1).

However, Castro is out of the running after deciding to remain in Portugal with Vitoria Guimaraes, while ex-Fulham boss Jokanovic now appears to be out of Reading’s reach.

Meanwhile, Ainsworth’s stock continues to rise after leading Wycombe to promotion to League One last season and up to ninth in the current standings on a shoestring budget.

The 45-year-old lives in the Reading area and was previously linked with a move to his former club QPR.

Wycombe also turned down an approach from Barnsley for Ainsworth to become their new manager in February.

Wycombe refused to confirm or deny Reading had been in contact with them over Ainsworth’s availability, though it is understood Royals would not be put off by a compensation fee.

Ainsworth, whose side go to Gillingham on Saturday, told the Bucks Free Press today: “I am flattered to be linked with a Championship club like Reading and, like any manager from the lower leagues, of course I want to manage at a higher level.

“However, I am very happy to continue to be Wycombe manager and whether the links are hearsay or not, I am very happy to be here.

“I love being manager of this football club and I am hoping to continue here for as long as possible.”

Meanwhile, Parkinson’s position at Bolton could become clearer tomorrow when Bolton’s staff and players are due to be paid for the first time this month.

It is believed the 51-year-old was reluctant to rock the boat this week after more cashflow problems for the Championship club.

Parkinson, who is on a rolling one-year contract, is the number one target for Reading’s hierarchy who are desperate to bring some much-needed stability to Madejski Stadium.

But the Chronicle understands rumours suggesting Parkinson travelled to Madejski Stadium for talks today are completely unfounded.


Steve Bruce, who was the early favourite to replace Clement, has now fallen away and is priced at 20/1.

Reading are unlikely to maker an official appointment before the weekend so Under23s boss Scott Marshall will continue his caretaker duties and will lead the team at Rotherham United on Saturday (3pm ko).

Strikers Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Yakou Meite both have a chance of being involved after recovering from injury.