Ainsworth 'fixed & ready to go' after heart surgery

9 hours ago 6

Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth says he is "fixed and ready to go" after heart surgery, but the initial diagnosis came as a "total surprise."

The 52-year-old recently underwent a procedure after a routine check by the League Managers' Association (LMA).

"I'm all fixed now which is the main thing and I'm ready to go," Ainsworth told BBC Radio Kent.

"I have to still take it easy and unfortunately I'm not going to be able to be in the dugout for a few games but I'm pleased to be back.

"I won't be able to be as animated as usual while I fully repair but I'll be in the stadium and doing the team talks, I'm really pleased to be back."

Ainsworth has been at Gillingham since March and has previously managed Wycombe, QPR and Shrewsbury.

He had the surgery in Southampton and while he was away from the Gills, long-term assistant Richard Dobson took over.

After the heart murmur was picked up, Ainsworth initially suggested to wait until the end of the current season before undergoing any procedure, but the idea was rejected.

A heart murmur, external is an extra, unusual sound in your heartbeat – sometimes described as a whooshing or swishing sound - and happens when your blood does not flow smoothly through your heart.

"It was a total surprise when it came up," Ainsworth added. "I had my annual check up with the LMA and they said I had a murmur and it was picked up by a Stethoscope.

"I thought a Stethoscope was just a bit of a tick box exercise but it does pick up some pretty serious stuff, when they told me I had a heart murmur I said there was no chance.

"My valve was damaged and needed fixing, I suggested waiting until the end of the season which raised a few eyebrows, they told me to go and get it done because it sometimes goes bang and you don't want that to happen.

"I would urge everybody to go and get checked, thankfully all is good now and I'm back in and the boys have been absolutely brilliant, I'm looking forward to getting going again."

If you have been affected by anything in this story then contact the BBC Action line by clicking here.

Read Entire Article
Industri | Energi | Artis | Global