Former Liverpool FC and Everton FC defender Gary Ablett dies aged 46

Gary Ablett 1965 - 2012

Former Liverpool and Everton defender Gary Ablett has died following a 16-month battle against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Ablett, the only player to win the FA Cup with both Merseyside clubs, died last night aged 46.

The news was broken by the League Managers Association this morning (Monday 2 January).

A statement on their website read: "On behalf of Gary Ablett's family the LMA has today confirmed that Gary passed away peacefully last night following a hard fought 16-month battle against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

"Respected throughout the game by players, coaches and managers alike Gary will be sadly missed.

"The LMA's thoughts and condolences are with Gary's wife Jacqueline and children."

A statement on Everton's website said: "Everyone at Everton was saddened to learn of the death of Gary Ablett.

"Ablett remains the only player to have won the FA Cup with both Everton and Liverpool, having helped the Blues win the famous trophy in 1995.

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

Liverpool have also released a statement: "Liverpool Football Club were today saddened to learn of the death of former player Gary Ablett, who passed away on Sunday night after a 16-month battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

"Everyone at Liverpool Football Club sends their condolences to Gary's family."

It was current Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish who handed Ablett his debut in a 0-0 draw at Charlton in 1983.

Dalglish said: "He was a really good servant to the football club not only as a player, but also as reserve team coach.

"He served the club proudly and credibly. It's very sad for everybody."

During his time at Anfield, he won two League titles (1988, 1990), and helped the Reds to a famous cup final victory over their Merseyside rivals in 1989. He made 147 appearances for Liverpool, scoring one goal.

He made the trip across Stanley Park to Everton in 1992, where he was part of Joe Royle's side that beat Manchester United at Wembley in 1995. He made 128 appearances for the Toffees, scoring eight goals.

After a short loan spell at Sheffield United, Ablett went on to make over 100 appearances for Birmingham City, before enjoying spells at Wycombe Wanderers, Blackpool.

He ended his career in the MLS playing for the Long Island Rough Riders.

Ablett started his coaching career with the Everton youth set-up in 2002, before replacing Paco Herrera as the coach of Liverpool Reserves.

After a difficult stint as Stockport County boss, he left and went on to join Roy Keane's backroom staff at Ipswich Town.

It was while at the club's training ground in July last year he was taken ill.

His daughter, Scarlet, posted a moving message on Twitter, saying: "Gods taken my dad to heaven to manage his football team, because god only takes the best. You've brought the sunshine out today. We love you"

While wife Jacqueline posted: "Love this man so much you made me the happiest woman my heart is broken with out you - c u later pal x"

Tributes have been pouring for Ablett from across the footballing world.

Former Liverpool boss Roy Evans said: "He was good at everything he did as a player.

"Obviously we know Gary's been ill for a while. It's a really sad day.

"He went into coaching and stamped his personality on to that and was doing a very good job, certainly at youth level.

"I remember he had bit of a difficult first spell at Stockport, but overall he's had a great career in football, he's a big loss to the sport. He made a big contribution to the game."

Everton manager David Moyes said: "It is so, so sad about Gary.

"He was a regular visitor here to Finch Farm over the last six months and he was a lovely man, well liked by everyone.

"My thoughts are with all his family at this terrible time."

David Fairclough, Ablett's Liverpool teammate in 1983, added: "He was a lovely lad.

"He always conducted himself in the right way. He was great with people, always personable.

"What always came through with Gary was his attitude was just always very, very right."

On Twitter, Michael Owen wrote: "So sad to hear the news that Gary Ablett has passed away today aged 46. He played for some great clubs and had a career to be proud of. RIP."

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso posted: "RIP Gary Ablett. Top guy, he will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family."

Liverpool fan and MP for Walton Steve Rotheram also posted on Twitter: "Gutted to hear news of Gary Ablett's death. Spoke with him many times. Loss of another gentleman. Thoughts are with his family #YNWA"

Fellow Labour MP and Everton fan Andy Burnham also tweeted: "So sad to hear about Gary Ablett. Achieved rare feat of playing for, and being loved by, both clubs. A measure of the man he was. RIP."

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