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

Millsey added 11:45 - Jan 2 Very sad news for such a young man. Heart goes out to his family
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MattinLondon added 11:53 - Jan 2 RIP
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s6blue added 11:55 - Jan 2 RIP Gary
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ITFC4daprem added 11:57 - Jan 2 RIP
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WeirdFishes added 12:03 - Jan 2 RIP
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RetroBlue added 12:08 - Jan 2 RIP Gary, and much respect to you and your family. To the Town players - please win today and dedicate it to this great player and his family.
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TownOnTheUp added 12:09 - Jan 2 Really sad news about a great player and coach, RIP
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Marcus added 12:10 - Jan 2 RIP Gary.
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KenDubZ added 12:13 - Jan 2 RIP Gary :'(
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blueblood66 added 12:16 - Jan 2 Awful news, thoughts are with his family.
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fussysnake added 12:16 - Jan 2 RIP
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Smithy added 12:26 - Jan 2 RIP
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Garv added 12:49 - Jan 2 Sad news, RIP Gary. Can't help thinking a minute of silence is always more poignant and respectful.
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Tractamatt added 12:55 - Jan 2 RIP my thoughts are with his family and friends.
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Big_Foot_Blue added 13:11 - Jan 2 RIP
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rosseden added 13:24 - Jan 2 hope the club do the right thing and have a minutes silence today..... RIP Gary....
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yorkshire added 13:42 - Jan 2 46 is no age at all - players like Speed, Ablett, Preece and Rocastle were in every single Panni sticker album I had - players that I grew up with
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TractorBeezer added 14:04 - Jan 2 RIP Gary. My sincere sympathies and condolences to his family.
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poggie added 14:09 - Jan 2 Such sad news, Gary was a fantastic player & coach. RIP.
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omuircheartaigh added 14:16 - Jan 2 Very sad news. May he rest in peace.
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Sindre94 added 14:18 - Jan 2 Rest in peace Gary
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kerryblue added 16:51 - Jan 2 RIP Gary.we sure could do with you now.
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therein61 added 16:56 - Jan 2 R.I.P Gary, Thoughts & deepest feelings for your family.
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gypo added 17:07 - Jan 2 R.I.P Gary ipswich and everton blues x
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jas0999 added 19:51 - Jan 2 Sad news - thoughts are with his family.
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