Former Coach Ablett Dies
Monday, 2nd Jan 2012 11:40

Former Town coach Gary Ablett has died at the age of 46 after a long fight against non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The ex-Liverpool and Everton defender joined the club as Roy Keane's first team coach in the summer of 2010, agreeing a one-year deal, but was taken ill soon afterwards, although he remained a member of staff and in the club's thoughts.

Chief executive Simon Clegg paid tribute to the former England U21 international: "It's desperately sad news.

"I stayed in touch with Gary as he battled his illness over 18 months, which he did with bravery and dignity and our thoughts go out to his wife Jacqueline and their children at this very difficult time."

Clegg believes Ablett would have played an important role at the club: “He and I had some really detailed conversations over the negotiation of his contract about how I felt he could support Roy and what I felt the club needed.

“I thought he would have brought great strength to the club but unfortunately we never got the opportunity to see if that was going to be the case."

Manager Paul Jewell added his tribute: "Gary joined Liverpool as an apprentice a year after me and we were together at Anfield for three or four years.

"He was a terrific lad. He was only here for a few weeks but the people who were here at the club at the time say he made a big impression on them.

"That doesn't surprise me because he was a great lad. It's a very sad day and my thoughts are with his family."

Liverpool, where he played between 1985 and 1992, said in a statement: "Liverpool Football Club were today saddened to learn of the death of former player Gary Ablett.

"The staff of Liverpool FC would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of Gary."

Across Ablett's home city, Everton, who he joined in 1992 and where he spent four years, added: "Everyone at Everton was saddened to learn of the death of Gary Ablett.

"The thoughts of everyone at Everton are with Gary's family and friends at this tragic time."

Town have announced that there will be a minute's applause before today's match against Nottingham Forest and that the players will wear black armbands.

Photo: Action Images

Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.