Former Town coach Gary Ablett’s funeral is taking place at noon today at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral. The 46-year-old lost his fight against non-Hodgkin lymphoma on New Year’s Day.

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.

Chief executive Simon Clegg paid tribute to Ablett earlier in the month: "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.

“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."

Story syndicated from TWTD.co.uk

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