Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth is to undergo heart surgery, which will see him miss the club’s upcoming games, including next weekend’s match at MK Dons.
The 52-year-old will stay away from the club for an undisclosed period of time, with his assistant Richard Dobson taking charge of the Gills’ upcoming matches.
The period of absence was confirmed by the Kent-based side as beginning immediately. Gillingham’s next match, which will be their first with Dobson in charge on Ainsworth’s behalf, is their match away at MK Dons next Saturday.
Ainsworth took charge of Gillingham’s last match, which saw them lose for the first time this season as they were beaten 1-0 by Harrogate yesterday (27/09).
The former Wycombe, QPR and Shrewsbury boss revealed that the issue was discovered during a health screening organised by the League Managers Association (LMA) at the end of last season, and that he intended to return after the surgery and some recovery time.
Ainsworth told the club’s website in a statement, “I went for the LMA health check in May and they found something with my heart. I’ve got to have heart surgery this week. It sounds dramatic, but it’s a routine thing they do.
“This has all been planned. Get behind Dobbo and the team, they will be stepping up. I’ll be off for a few weeks, and then I’ll be back.”
Gillingham owner Brad Galinson added, “We’ve known for many weeks about Gareth’s upcoming surgery. In typical Gareth style, he was deliberating about the best time to have it, but Shannon and I were concerned about only one thing – Gareth getting the surgery as early as possible. His health alone is the priority here, so it was not a conversation as far as we were concerned.
“When we appointed the best manager in League Two back in March, we also felt we were getting the best Assistant Manager in the league, so we have no doubt the team is in safe hands in Gareth’s absence. We ask now that the fans, as they always do, get right behind the boys and Dobbo.”
In a statement, Gillingham added, “The club wishes Gareth a speedy recovery and looks forward to his return.”