Michael Corday, the chairman of cricket at Somerset, is recovering in a Boston hospital after undergoing emergency heart surgery yesterday.

The 52-year-old former Somerset Trojans forward suffered what was discovered to be his second heart attack inside 24 hours on Sunday, minutes after attending a meetting at the home of the Cup Match champions.

He was admitted to the King Edward VII Hospital, where he underwent tests, before being taken to the Lahey Hospital and Medical Centre in Burlington, Massachusetts, by air ambulance for further treatment.

“Michael had surgery today that was successful,” a source close to the family told The Royal Gazette yesterday. “He was very coherent and in a good place. He is doing really well.”

Corday first complained of chest pains on Saturday evening — he played the episode down as acid reflux and possible heartburn — before learning after initial tests that the diagnosis was rather more serious.

“He is relieved that it is over with,” the source added.

Alfred Maybury, the president of Somerset Cricket Club, is hoping that Corday makes a speedy recovery. “Our prayers and thoughts are with Michael,” he said. “We all grew up together, so our prayers and thoughts are with him, that is where we are right now.”

During his heyday Corday was a member of Somerset Trojans’ dominant football team that won four Premier Division titles between 1982 and 1987, including three on the trot.

He also played as a wicketkeeper for Willow Cuts after retiring from football. In more recent years, Corday has taken on various duties at Somerset CC.