GARETH Ainsworth thanked the fans and the board for sticking by him after the Blues’ miserable run was halted by the win over Chesterfield.

Wanderers had gone ten games without a win before Saturday’s heroic victory over the League Two leaders lifted the Chairboys five points clear of the relegation zone.

The Blues boss, who punched the air in delight at the final whistle, was quick to thank the fans for their support and the club’s board for not pressing the panic button during that “nasty run” of results.

Ainsworth said: “I have nothing but praise for the fans and the board for backing me; I’ve been on a nasty run.

“Many managers have been changed but to stick by us, to see the building we’re doing, the performances coming - that one is for everyone.

“The reaction [from the fans] was superb, it’s what they’ve been waiting for and what I’ve been waiting for, it was a deserved win.

“I’m extremely proud to be the Wycombe manager and thanks [to everyone] for the support, it has been great.”

The win over The Spireites marked the first time the Adams Park faithful had seen their side claim three points since October 12, a 3-2 win against relegation rivals Torquay United.

Ainsworth said he was pleased to shake off the home hoodoo and admitted his side’s victory over Northampton had “gone from memory”.

But during the dark times spirit in the Blues camp remained high.

He said: “It’s been hard, Torquay and the one away at Northampton have gone in the memory but I’ve always believed we have enough to beat anyone in this league and we proved it against top of the league.

“The spirit we’ve got here is something special, I keep harping on about it, but people on the inside of the club know.

“There are never any arguments, we’re all united in what we’re trying to do and the players feel the building is coming – and it is coming.

“With kids you get mistakes but you also get energy, enthusiasm and willingness - we’re getting that blend but we need to get a few points on the board to ease people’s minds, as the young lads haven’t been in this situation before but the experienced players are leading well.”