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| Lionel Ainsworth with Theo Robinson in the background - Andy Compton Photo |
Calls on twitter that Hereford manager Russell Slade should consider bringing Lional Ainsworth back to Edgar Street gives BN the excuse to look back at his early career.
This from November 2007:
Lionel
who? A question that may have been on the lips of many Bulls fans when
the quicksilver winger arrived at Edgar Street shortly before the start
of the current season. "He's from Derby apparently" I heard someone say.
Well the Gaffer has a reputation for picking up these unknowns doesn't
he! Unknown? No not really. Well not to the England set up anyway.
Four years ago last week young Ainsworth turned out for the England U17's side in a friendly against Switzerland coming on as a 67th minute substitute in a 1-1 draw at Bristol City's Ashton Gate. Just over a year later "our boy" was back inside an England shirt, this time was for the U18's against a strong Scotland outfit at Hartlepool's Victoria Park. The squad that day also threw up another HUFC connection as the England head coach was none other than former Hereford coach Dick Bate who was making his debut in the National camp. Again, Lionel was brought on for a substitute appearance and was given a glowing report on the FA Website. "Derby County's Lionel Ainsworth, who took over from Noble, made an immediate impact on proceedings when he brought a fine save from Scotland's substitute keeper Andrew McNeil". England won the game with a 1-0 score-line. Shortly afterwards, the FA website again found itself singing the praises of the lad from Derby as Lionel performed in an FA Youth Cup fifth round match against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Their article, headed "Derby's Lionel flair" included the following passage: - "The Rams started the second period at a very high tempo and England Under-18 international Lionel Ainsworth was particularly visible with pacy runs through the middle. Within two minutes his close control had taken him between Moncur and Watts and into a position to shoot low into the far corner for what turned out to be the winner." Picking out Ainsworth as the one to watch, the article continues: - "He was quick and brave, taking on defenders at every opportunity and invariably finishing with a good shot on target. He scored the winner last night, also struck the top of a post with another blistering effort and had the Fulham 'keeper scrambling around on several other occasions". Sounds familiar doesn't it!
February 2006 once again saw Ainsworth joining in with the England squad when they assembled for an International friendly against Slovakia at Northampton. This was also the game that saw a certain Theo Walcott kick start his England U19 career. Lionel played for the last 30 minutes during which two goals were scored in the 3-0 win. Three England appearances and never finished on the losing side! All this does make you wonder why he was released by Derby. I have a theory, Ainsworth had clearly heard about Brown, Beckwith, Rose, Smith, Guinan etc. Good decision young man ;-)
Four years ago last week young Ainsworth turned out for the England U17's side in a friendly against Switzerland coming on as a 67th minute substitute in a 1-1 draw at Bristol City's Ashton Gate. Just over a year later "our boy" was back inside an England shirt, this time was for the U18's against a strong Scotland outfit at Hartlepool's Victoria Park. The squad that day also threw up another HUFC connection as the England head coach was none other than former Hereford coach Dick Bate who was making his debut in the National camp. Again, Lionel was brought on for a substitute appearance and was given a glowing report on the FA Website. "Derby County's Lionel Ainsworth, who took over from Noble, made an immediate impact on proceedings when he brought a fine save from Scotland's substitute keeper Andrew McNeil". England won the game with a 1-0 score-line. Shortly afterwards, the FA website again found itself singing the praises of the lad from Derby as Lionel performed in an FA Youth Cup fifth round match against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Their article, headed "Derby's Lionel flair" included the following passage: - "The Rams started the second period at a very high tempo and England Under-18 international Lionel Ainsworth was particularly visible with pacy runs through the middle. Within two minutes his close control had taken him between Moncur and Watts and into a position to shoot low into the far corner for what turned out to be the winner." Picking out Ainsworth as the one to watch, the article continues: - "He was quick and brave, taking on defenders at every opportunity and invariably finishing with a good shot on target. He scored the winner last night, also struck the top of a post with another blistering effort and had the Fulham 'keeper scrambling around on several other occasions". Sounds familiar doesn't it!
February 2006 once again saw Ainsworth joining in with the England squad when they assembled for an International friendly against Slovakia at Northampton. This was also the game that saw a certain Theo Walcott kick start his England U19 career. Lionel played for the last 30 minutes during which two goals were scored in the 3-0 win. Three England appearances and never finished on the losing side! All this does make you wonder why he was released by Derby. I have a theory, Ainsworth had clearly heard about Brown, Beckwith, Rose, Smith, Guinan etc. Good decision young man ;-)