Imps Legend Gareth Ainsworth Steps Aside for Planned Heart Surgery
Lincoln City favourite Gareth Ainsworth will be away from the dugout for the next few weeks as he undergoes routine heart surgery.
The 52-year-old, now manager of Gillingham, has temporarily stepped back after an issue was discovered during standard League Managers’ Association health checks. His assistant Richard Dobson — a trusted right-hand man from his days at Wycombe, QPR and Shrewsbury — will take charge of first-team duties in his absence.
Ainsworth, who made over 90 appearances for the Imps between 1995 and 1997, reassured supporters that the procedure had been planned in advance.
“I went for the LMA health check in May and they found something with my heart. I’ve got to have surgery this week. It sounds dramatic, but it’s a routine thing,” he explained. “This has all been planned. Get behind Dobbo and the team — I’ll be off for a few weeks and then I’ll be back.”
Since arriving at Priestfield in March, Ainsworth has overseen a remarkable turnaround in Gillingham’s fortunes, guiding the club to a 21-game unbeaten run — a new club record — which was only ended by defeat to Harrogate Town last weekend. Dobson will now lead the Gills into their next match against MK Dons.
Chairman Brad Galinson confirmed the club’s full backing for Ainsworth, stressing that his well-being came first:
“We’ve known for many weeks about Gareth’s surgery. In typical Gareth style, he deliberated over the timing, but Shannon and I were only concerned about one thing — getting it done as early as possible. His health is the priority. When we appointed the best manager in League Two in March, we also knew we were bringing in the best assistant, so the team is in safe hands.”
Ainsworth remains one of Lincoln City’s most cherished figures. Signed from Preston North End in October 1995 for £25,000, he quickly became a cult hero at Sincil Bank under John Beck. Renowned for his relentless energy and fearless wing play, he twice won the club’s Player of the Year award and netted 22 goals in the 1996–97 campaign — the second-highest tally in the division. His form earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year and transfer interest from higher-league clubs.
Reflecting on his time at Lincoln, Ainsworth has often described it as the period in which he played the best football of his career — a legacy that continues to endear him to Imps supporters.
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