The cut-throat nature of modern day football management means longevity is a priceless quality for those involved in the profession.

It is fair to say Gareth Ainsworth has shown he has considerable staying power, and Saturday’s trip to Carlisle United will mark the four-year anniversary of his appointment as Wycombe Wanderers boss.

In that time he has helped the club avoid relegation and reach a League Two play-off final and says he has scarcely had the chance to catch his breath.

“I definitely feel a sense of pride. It has been an absolute flash and you don’t have time to assess how long you have been somewhere as a manager,” he says.

“I think I have played an important part in securing what was a very unsteady ship both on and off the field. I am proud to know that the players, the staff and I are on a firmer footing now.

“I know I wouldn’t have been able to do that without Andrew Howard’s influence and my four years would not have happened without him coming in.”

His time at the club makes Ainsworth the seventh longest serving manager across all four of England’s professional leagues.

Being in that top 10 also makes him one of just 40 managers at England’s 92 clubs to have held their position for over a year.

It has not always been a smooth road during his journey with the club and Ainsworth praised the patience shown to allow him to develop his own side.

“I think time is huge in football management and it is not often given, which is a real sad thing. It is about time and a bit of luck,” he said.

“I was lucky to battle, get results and get a group of lads that were willing to buy into what I have wanted to do over four years.

“I have moulded my own squad and every player at the club is on a contract that I have given them.

“I am always learning and even though I am in the top 10 longest serving managers, I still feel like a real novice and I want to learn.”

Ainsworth heads into tomorrow’s match with Carlisle, which will be his 211th in charge, with a 38.1 per cent win rate.

Far from resting on his laurels, he is acutely aware of the need to continue getting positive results if his own career is to advance.

He said: “It is a nice moment to have, but I am not stupid enough to think I am secure in a job because I have been in charge for four years.

“It is results based and we have to get some results. We have had a little wobble over the last sort of 10 games going back to last season. We need to put that right soon.”