Gillingham chairman Paul Scally has confirmed he is recovering after undergoing life-saving open heart surgery.

Speaking this morning following Gillingham's loss to Brackley Town in the FA Cup, Mr Scally said he had undergone surgery at the end of last month and been in hospital for a week.

"Eighteen days ago I was 28 hours unconscious having a seven hour critical and life saving heart operation," he told the BBC.

"I'm in a three month recovery. I'm not supposed to be at work. I've been out of hospital 12 days, and frankly this whole matter at the moment is the last thing I needed."

The news from the Gills boss follows speculation last Friday that he had fallen ill, which was initially denied by the club when West Ham chairman David Gold took to twitter to wish him well after the emergency operation.

"Contrary to internet speculation this morning, Gillingham FC chairman Paul Scally has not been rushed to hospital due to ill health," said a club statement that day.

"The club can confirm that the chairman is fit and well and is currently at home having numerous business meetings as planned."

The West Ham boss later removed his tweet, and Mr Scally's admission this morning is the first official confirmation that he had been ill.

He said the surgery had been unexpected and he had been told by his surgeon to avoid stressful situations - but that the Gills' loss had put him "right bang into that situation", leaving him shocked, embarrassed and angry.