Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth to have planned heart surgery this week, assistant manager Richard Dobson will take temporary charge for a few weeks

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth will miss “a few weeks” to have a planned medical procedure.

The Gills have announced that the 52-year-old will undergo planned cardiac surgery, which was flagged up during routine tests carried out as part of the LMA’s health checks.

Assistant manager Richard Dobson, who has worked alongside Ainsworth throughout his managerial career at Wycombe, QPR and Shrewsbury previously, will take charge of first-team affairs.

Ainsworth 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.”

Gillingham chairman 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 2 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.”

Ainsworth has transformed Gillingham’s fortunes since taking charge in March, leading them to a new club-record unbeaten run of 21 games which was only ended by Saturday’s home defeat to Harrogate.

Gillingham’s next match is a trip to MK Dons on Saturday lunchtime in League 2.