GARETH AINSWORTH has revealed he will temporarily step away from football as he undergoes heart surgery — but insists he’ll be “back in a few weeks”.
The Gillingham boss, 52, delivered the shock news in a calm, classy message to fans after the issue was discovered during routine LMA health checks earlier this year.
Ainsworth — a much-loved figure in the EFL and one of football’s most colourful characters — reassured supporters the procedure is planned and not an emergency.
He 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.”
The former QPR and Wycombe manager urged fans to back his team in his absence, and threw his full support behind right-hand man Richard Dobson.
He added: “Get behind Dobbo and the team — they’ll be stepping up. I’ll be off for a few weeks, and then I’ll be back.”
Dobson has been at Ainsworth’s side throughout his managerial career, with the pair forming one of the longest-standing dugout duos in the EFL.
They worked together for over a decade at Wycombe, before short spells at QPR and Shrewsbury, and were reunited at Priestfield in March.
Gills chairman Brad Galinson said Ainsworth’s health was the only priority — and backed Dobson to steer the ship while he recovers.
He 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 only concerned about one thing: Gareth getting it done as early as possible.
“His health is the priority, full stop.”
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.”
Ainsworth, known for his touchline passion and distinctive long hair, has had a colourful career both on and off the pitch.
Before turning to management, he was a cult hero in the Football League as a winger with Preston, Lincoln, QPR and Wycombe — and also fronted a rock band called The Cold Blooded Hearts.
Nicknamed “Wild Thing” during his playing days, Ainsworth once said he had to choose between music and football, and chose both.
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