Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler has revealed youth team coach Darren Hare is itching to get back to Priestfield following his heart attack, but will be kept away for several months.

Hessenthaler, who is Hare's brother-in-law, said: "Darren is recovering. He's had an operation. He has good days and bad days at the moment.

"The problem with Darren is that he wants to get back here and he can't. He's got to recover for the next few months."

He added: "Obviously the youth team boys are quite upset about it but we're just pleased we've got him home and he's recovering. We'll see him back here soon - he's on the mend."

Hare, 43, was rushed to hospital and underwent heart surgery shortly after returning from a scouting trip for the Gills last Tuesday.

He was taken to Ashford's William Harvey Hospital after falling ill on his return from watching Southend play Oxford.

Gillingham's youth match against Brighton on Saturday was postponed because of the incident.

Bryan Ball, the club's academy manager, will take charge of the youth team until Hare is able to return.