GRAHAM Rix, head coach of Sydenhams Premier Division outfit AFC Portchester, is on the road to recovery after suffering a heart attack over the weekend.

The 59-year-old former Arsenal and England star had been absent from the club of late, leaving his new assistant, former Winchester City boss Ian Saunders, to take the reins.

A short club statement read: “Sad to announce that our manager, Graham Rix, suffered a heart attack.

“Thankfully he’s comfortable and recovering. All at the club send our thoughts to (wife) Linda and his family and wish Graham a speedy and full recovery.”

Rix skippered Arsenal from 1983 until 1986, having joined the Gunners as a youth team player in the 1970s.

He made 464 appearances for the North London club and won the 1979 FA Cup Final against Manchester United, providing the cross for Alan Sunderland’s last-minute winner.

After retiring, he became a manager and had stints with Chelsea (caretaker), Portsmouth, Hearts and Oxford United. He has been at the Portchester helm since February 2013.

A Sydenhams Wessex League statement said: "The League would like to send all good wishes for a speedy recovery to AFC Portchester manager Graham Rix who suffered a heart attack. Get well soon."

News of Rix’s ill health overshadowed a decent away point for seventh-placed Portchester on Saturday, drawing 1-1 at Hamworthy United. Steve Smith scored for the Hammers.