Gillingham’s former manager Steve Evans reveals that his long-term assistant manager Paul Raynor is facing a ‘health battle’ – The pair worked together at Priestfield

Former Gillingham assistant manager Paul Raynor is facing a “quite serious” health battle, Bristol Rovers boss Steve Evans has revealed.

Raynor, who spent two-and-a-half seasons as Evans’ assistant at Gillingham between 2019 and 2022, will step back from some of his full-time duties.

Evans has stressed that Raynor will not be completely absent from the club but explained that there may be occasions when his long-time No.2 is missing from training or matchdays.

Raynor was recently back at Priestfield for Rovers’ League Two clash with the Gills, watching from the Medway Stand as he served a one-match touchline ban following an incident during their game against Rotherham United.

He was back in the dugout for Rovers’ victory over Exeter City on Saturday, which saw them record an 11th successive home win – a new club record.

Speaking before that game, Evans revealed the reason for Raynor’s reduced role.

“Paul's got his own individual health battle that he has to undertake,” he said.

“It's quite a serious one, and people can guess but don't speculate.

“Paul knows what fight he's got. He spoke to the chairman and senior board members, and they've given and continue to give him the most fantastic support.”

Evans and Raynor have worked together as a management team for two decades.

Raynor was part of Evans’ coaching staff during the former Gills boss’ spell at Priestfield, leaving the club alongside him in January 2022.

Evans said Raynor would remain involved with Gills’ League Two rivals Rovers despite his health battle.

“People perhaps won't see him around on a training day; he's not going to be completely absent - he never will be, from my life, I don't think.

“He'll be around, but if he's missing from a weekday or a matchday