Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth will be away from the club for a short period of time, as he undergoes planned cardiac surgery, flagged during routine tests carried out as part of the LMA’s health checks. 

In his absence, Gareth’s long term Assistant, Richard Dobson, will take the reins of first team affairs. Richard has worked alongside Gareth throughout his whole managerial career at Wycombe, QPR and Shrewsbury.

Gareth said: “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.”

Brad Galinson said: “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.”

Dobson’s first game in charge will be when Gillingham travel to Milton Keynes Dons on Saturday lunchtime.

Depending on how long it takes Ainsworth to recover from his surgery, Gillingham’s next games after that are against Colchester United in the Vertu Trophy on Tuesday 7th October and then at home to Cheltenham Town on Saturday 11th October.