A great servant to the game, RIP
Liverpool and Everton favourite Ablett dies after 16-month battle against cancer
Former Liverpool and Everton defender Gary Ablett has died at the age 46.
Ablett, who was most recently involved in football in 2010 as a coach of Ipswich having left the managers position at Stockport County, died after a 16-month battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Passed: Gary Ablett has died after 16-month cancer battle
A statement from the LMA, said: '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.'
Popular figure: Ablett was widely respected by players and fans across the generations. He turned out for a Liverpool Legends team at the Hillsbrough Disaster Memorial match
Former Liverpool manager Roy Evans told Sky Sports News: 'It's a big shock. Obviously we know Gary's been ill for a while. It's a really sad day.'
Recalling Ablett as a player, Evans added: 'He was good at everything he did as a player. He made a big contribution to the game.
'He went into coaching and stamped his personality onto 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.'
Last major job: Ablett was in charge of Stockport County between 2009 and 2010
David Fairclough, who played for Liverpool between 1974 and 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.'
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