Former Liverpool and Everton defender Gary Ablett is set to join Roy Keane’s Town coaching staff. Ablett was with the Blues squad at Newmarket last night, working with the defenders in the warm-up, as Town won their first pre-season friendly 9-1.

Keane says Ablett will replace Ian McParland, known as Charlie, who will not be returning to the club this summer: “We’ve had Charlie McParland here for the last few months. Charlie’s not been able to commit to the club for family reasons.

“Gary’s been here for the last few days and we’re hoping he will come on board and we’re trying to sort a deal out for him so he can work alongside myself and Tony Loughlan in training with the first team.”

Former England U21 and B international defender Ablett was with Liverpool, Derby County (loan), Hull City (loan), Everton, Sheffield United (loan), Birmingham, Wycombe Wanderers (loan), Blackpool and the Long Island Rough Riders during his playing career, before moving into coaching with Everton's U17s in 2002.

The 44-year-old returned to Liverpool in 2006, becoming their reserve team boss, working with Town full-back Shane O’Connor.

Ablett, who studied alongside Roy Keane when they were working for their UEFA Pro Licences in 2008, left Anfield last summer and was Stockport’s manager during the 2009/10 season. The Hatters spent the entire campaign in administration and recorded only five wins as they finished bottom of League One. The Liverpudlian left Edgeley Park last month.

Former Notts County boss McParland, who underwent a double hip operation in May, became a member of Town's staff in November.

Last week, former England international full-back Mike Pejic joined the academy coaching staff.

Elsewhere, ex-Town defender Wayne Brown has moved to Preston from Leicester, while former loanee Jay McEveley has completed his switch from Derby to Barnsley.

Photo: James Ager

Photo: Action Images

blue_moon09 added 22:07 - Jul 7 Totally agree. fed up with all the moaners. Do they watch the Town? Couple of decent signings away from a decent team.
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IpswichElvis added 22:17 - Jul 7 Thanks Jollyroger.
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Tractorog added 22:36 - Jul 7 Have a good holiday IpswichElvis don't stay at heartbreak hotel. You'll come back to hear of lots of sightings... I mean signings. Perhaps the reason for the silence is that Roy has finally learnt to keep his trap shut about signings until they happen.... who knows?
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Dogsy40 added 23:20 - Jul 7 Ipswich Elvis, how will we all cope. We all love it when you put a negative spin on everythign related to ITFC......You will be so sadly missed....... As negative as you are, I'm sure your hotel will be terrible, the food shocking and the weather appalling! COYB.
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generalpublic added 01:32 - Jul 8 ronaldo is a cheat and a diver of cause we dont want him its bad enough keane tarnishing our good name
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