Former Derby County Apprentice Lionel Ainsworth has heaped praise on current boss Graham Turner for the upturn in his career.
Ainsworth who is now at Shrewsbury Town has to date struggled to live up his early potential due to factors away from the game but he believes that his relationship with Turner has helped him turn a corner.
“Graham Turner means everything to me, he gave me my chance at Hereford United. He encouraged me and made me realise I can fulfil my potential and be a good footballer.”
Ainsworth started as an Apprentice at Derby before loan moves to Bournemouth, Halifax and Wycombe – before Turner spotted him in the first of his two spells at Hereford.
Later periods at Watford, Brentford and Huddersfield proved difficult – until he rejoined Turner at Shrewsbury in the summer.
Turner added: “Sometimes with Lionel it’s a sense of self-belief, but the best thing to do is just to let him play.”
