Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth has had his planned heart surgery – assistant boss Richard Dobson says it was a success

Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth is recovering from heart surgery following an operation that was described as a success by his long-term assistant.

Richard Dobson took charge of the Gills for their League 2 game at MK Dons on Saturday - a day after Ainsworth underwent a planned procedure after issues were picked up from a health check.

Dobson frustrated by slow-starting Gillingham

“The operation was a success,” stated the Gills assistant, after their 3-2 loss at MK Dons.

“That's good news. He's obviously going to be recuperating in hospital over the next few days.

“I'll speak to him when he's ready and well enough to talk.”

Dobson will be planning for their game against Colchester United in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night, but how long Ainsworth remains absent depends on his recovery.

“At the moment, there are more important things in life than the results sometimes,” Dobson said.

“As I said to the boys beforehand, this is all about perspective.

“Life teaches you lessons, and we do this job because we want to. It's not a chore. It's an honour to do it.

“Gaz has had to go through something that he had no choice over this week. Further down the line, it could have been life or death had it not been found.

“We've got to see the bigger perspective, bigger picture in it all.

“Hopefully, Gaz is going to recuperate well, and we'll just carry on doing as we do whilst he's recovering.”