Ainsworth Steps Away for Heart Surgery, Dobson to Lead Gillingham
Gillingham Football Club has announced that manager Gareth Ainsworth will be taking a temporary leave of absence to undergo planned heart surgery. The decision follows routine health checks conducted as part of the League Managers Association (LMA) program.
Assistant Manager Richard Dobson will take the helm in Ainsworth’s absence, leading the Gills as they navigate their League Two campaign. Ainsworth’s side currently sits third in the league, having secured six wins in their first ten games.
Club owner Brad Galinson addressed the situation in a statement on the club’s official website, revealing that the surgery had been planned for several weeks. “We’ve known for many weeks about Gareth’s upcoming surgery,” Galinson stated. “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.”
Galinson emphasized that Ainsworth’s health was the top priority, stating, “His health alone is the priority here, so it was not a conversation as far as we were concerned.”
Expressing confidence in Dobson’s ability to lead the team, Galinson added, “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.”
Galinson concluded by urging fans to rally behind the team and Dobson during this period. “We ask now that the fans, as they always do, get right behind the boys and Dobbo,” he said.
The club has not yet announced a specific timeline for Ainsworth’s return, but it is expected that he will be away for a short period. In the meantime, Dobson will be responsible for all team affairs, including training, team selection, and matchday management.
The entire Gillingham community wishes Ainsworth a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.
