Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth has been back at the club for training after his heart surgery

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth has returned to oversee training this week following heart surgery.

Ainsworth has been absent from the club for a month after having an operation on his heart in early October.

The 52-year-old Gills boss found out he needed surgery after a routine check-up, something provided by the League Managers’ Association. A murmur was discovered, and an investigation revealed that a valve issue needed sorting.

Ainsworth’s surgery went as planned, and while he’s been off the team has been managed by his long-term assistant Richard Dobson.

Speaking on Tuesday from the club’s Beechings Cross training ground, Ainsworth said: “It feels good to be back at the training ground while the boys are training - let’s see how the week goes but so far, so good, up the Gills!”

Ainsworth’s last game before his operation was a 1-0 home loss to Harrogate Town, bringing to an end the club’s record-breaking 21-game unbeaten run.

Since then, the Gills have picked up just one point from the five league games he’s missed. The Gills were also beaten in the EFL Trophy game at Colchester United and lost to Newport County on Saturday in the FA Cup.

They’ve slipped to eighth place in the League 2 table ahead of the weekend trip to Bristol Rovers.

Since the game at MK Dons in early October, Ainsworth has been in regular contact with Dobson and the rest of the management team, having his input in team selection, but he’s been missed on the touchline.

Ainsworth’s return will be a major boost for the Gills but his presence at Bristol isn’t guaranteed.

Dobson commented on the manager’s status after the weekend game and said: “We'll have a look at it. We'll see how he feels over the next week.

“He was in good spirits and looked