David Moyes has paid tribute to former Everton player and coach Gary Ablett who lost his battle with cancer this week.
The 46-year-old was the only player to have won the FA Cup with both Everton and cross city rivals Liverpool before fulfilling coaching roles at both clubs.
Ablett a versatile defender, was part of the youth coaching system at Everton when David Moyes became club manager in 2002.
Today the Blues boss, who remained close to Ablett throughout his illness, said the news of his passing was "desperately sad."
He said:"I think for the last few months people had known Gary was deteriorating. It's desperately sad.
"He had got much better and was a regular visitor here at Finch Farm and came in quite often.
"He was in about two months ago, he brought his boys in and we always looked after him, the staff were great."
Moyes revealed he went to Ablett's bedside after his first diagnosis which found he was suffering from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
The Toffees manager said his thoughts were now with the Ablett family after their tragic loss.
He said: "When I heard the news he was diagnosed a long time I went to the hospital in Cambridge to see him.
"He wasn't in a good way then but obviously he was just starting his medication.
"We all hoped it would get better, I think they found a donor for him but it hasn't worked out.
"So it's a really sad sad time, because he was a good lad and tried to live the best way right up until the end.
"We feel really sorry for his family and children. He will be well respected by both sets of reporters in the city of Liverpool."
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