Gillingham Manager Gareth Ainsworth to Undergo Heart Surgery
Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth is set to undergo heart surgery and will be absent from the club for a few weeks.
During Ainsworth's recovery from what has been described as a "routine" operation, his long-time assistant, Richard Dobson, will take over managerial duties.
Ainsworth revealed that the heart issue was detected during a standard health check conducted by the League Managers' Association (LMA) at the conclusion of last season.
He led the Gills in their recent 1-0 home defeat to Harrogate Town, which marked the end of their unbeaten start to the season, as they were surpassed in the standings by Swindon Town and Walsall.
Having previously managed Wycombe, QPR, and Shrewsbury, Ainsworth stated, "I went for the LMA health check in May and they found something with my heart. I need to have heart surgery this week. It may sound dramatic, but it’s a routine procedure. This has all been planned. Please support Dobbo and the team; they will be stepping up. I’ll be away for a few weeks, but I will return."
Chairman Brad Galinson commented, "We have been aware of Gareth's upcoming surgery for several weeks. When we appointed the best manager in League Two back in March, we also recognized that we were gaining the best assistant manager in the league. Therefore, we are confident that the team is in capable hands during Gareth's absence."